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Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire |
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| Things which the Provincial Almoner wants you to be aware of. |
| “As the Provincial Almoner for this great Province of ours, I find that what most Brethren want to know is where the money, which they so willingly give to Masonic Charity, goes. We donate to National and International emergencies, National and International Charities, Local Charities, the list is endless. All very wonderful and needy causes and it’s absolutely necessary that we continue to support them. But unfortunately we don't hear enough about how we help our fellow Brethren and their families, in their time of need. What I am particularly interested in is you and the rest of our Brethren, their immediate family, widows, partners and dependants of East Lancashire Mark Brethren. Please believe me there are many in this Province who receive help and assistance and you should be aware of this fact. But it’s not all about money, I can provide help or advice if appropriate, assistance obtaining early appointments with medical consultants, you name it, just ask. During my last financial year ending 31st May 2010, we received from the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, Fund of Benevolence over £164,000 for beneficiaries in the Province of East Lancashire. It is very difficult to give examples of how we have been able to help brethren, widows, partners and dependants without identifying the recipients. Allow me to say that in the last six years we have been able to assist financially in excess of 130 individuals, some annually and others as a one off, many where their weekly expenditure is simply consuming their income. But perhaps equally as important providing a similar number with advice by pointing them in the direction of various other Masonic Charities such as Grand Charity, The Samaritan Fund, RMT for Girls and Boys, the RMBI Care and Nursing Homes, and availability of Disability Equipment. And now I intend to conclude by breaching that confidence I previously mentioned, and refer to a case close to my heart, it’s about two children, Daniel then aged eleven and Charlotte aged nine the children of one of our members. Following the death of their half brother, their mother and then two years later in July 2007 their father, I have taken a close personal interest in this case. I have tried to ensure to the best of my ability that money from the RMTGB and money allocated by the Mark Fund of Benevolence to repair, replace, re-decorate and modernise their home to make it more habitable for the children, is utilised in their best interests. I have the very highest regard and respect for their aunt who gave up her own home to look after the children and accepted full responsibility as their guardian and provide a solid foundation for them. I know that she will keep their feet firmly on the ground, with the love and caring that she has already displayed. They are so fortunate to have such a wonderful aunt to support and guide them and I am positive their parents could not have wished for anyone better to guide and encourage their children throughout life. She spends the money wisely, in addition to the provision of clothing and education by means of computer equipment, educational activities and holiday breaks. She continues to help them enjoy life, with holidays and outings with an educational or knowledge building background, anything to encourage them to become sensible educated model citizens of the world. Daniel, the eldest said to me on one occasion that, “his father was always proud to be a Freemason and now through the security and the knowledge that Freemasonry is here for them and through our caring and generosity, he now knows why”. Mark Masonry is never going to replace their mother or father, but what we have achieved in this short time is to give both children stability in the knowledge that a vast responsible organisation is interested in their welfare, and will be supportive if they need to call upon us for whatever help may be needed. If you feel I may be able to help, please do not hesitate, you can contact me in total confidence, it only costs the price of a telephone call.” |