The Secretary of the Charity, W. Bro. Graham Sisson, reported that amendments to the Provincial website had been commenced, recording details of the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and Assistants. Further work on updating information would continue over the next few months.

The Provincial Treasurer, W. Bro. Geoff Crawford, presented a statement of accounts to 30th November 2005 which showed that the market value of investments had continued to rise and now stood at almost £800,000. After taking into account contingent liabilities around £33,000 was available for future funding during the current financial year to 30th June 2006.

A discussion took place on the recent decision to cease the Seasonal Relief scheme which had provided Christmas and birthday gifts to brethren and widows in need of assistance. It was agreed that recipients of Grand Charity relief should continue to be supported by the Province with a single annual payment of £250, to be called supplementary relief.

The Provincial Charity Steward, W. Bro. John Renshaw, reported on the latest position with respect to the Provincial appeal to Lodges. He advised that about £58,000 had been received to the end of November 2005 against a target of £124,000 and hoped that at least £100,000 would eventually be contributed by the end of the Appeal in June 2006. He asked that all Lodge Liaison Officers remind Lodges of the need to support the Appeal and that a reference should be made in this publication. If your Lodge has not yet contributed please assist W. Bro. Renshaw by sending your donation to the Provincial Treasurer as soon as possible.

Four grants were approved as follows :-

The Chairman of the Carol Service Working Party, W. Bro. Joe Clark, reported on the success of the 2005 service and was pleased to announce that, as a result of the introduction of the Gift Aid envelopes, a further £400 had been added to the collection. It was predicted that a final sum of around £3,500 could be expected when all proceeds had been received from Lodges and it was agreed that a cheque for £2,000 should be presented immediately to Derbyshire Crimebeat, the Provincial Grand Master’s nominated charity.

A number of other items were discussed including :-

A report on the commencement of the foreign coin exchange scheme around the Province. If any brethren have foreign coins they cannot dispose of please check at your Masonic Hall and you will find someone who will take them from you – every centre has a member nominated to deal with this matter.

Please note in your diaries two dates – the first is an evening event at Chatsworth Park on Friday 21st July when you can bring along your family and friends to have a picnic and listen to a range of music to suit all tastes and the second is again at Chatsworth and is a “walk in the Park” on 9th April to raise funds for the Cavendish Centre.

A loan of £80,000 to the Grange Banqueting Suite was approved for a period of four years at a rate of 1.5% over base rate.

Graham M. Sisson
Secretary