 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
| |||||
|
Quick Link to Last
updated - |
A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Grand Charity was held at Derby on Wednesday 7th January 2009 under the Chairmanship of W.Bro. Brian Quartermain. In the absence of the Provincial Grand Treasurer, W. Bro. Geoff Crawford, the Chairman presented a Statement of Accounts to the date of the meeting and drew attention to a number of salient points. He reported that the value of investments as well as the interest earned had fallen as a result of the national economic situation and, as a result, the interest available for spending on grants was likely to be reduced annually from about £60,000 to around £30,000. Grants of £12,500 had been made to non-Masonic charities so far this year with £1,750 being paid to needy brethren and their dependants as Seasonal Gifts. No income had yet been received from sales of carol sheets and W. Bro. Joe Clark later reported that 30 Lodges had yet to pay over any proceeds. If your Lodge is a defaulter please endeavour to ensure payment is made earlier next year as the Provincial Charity makes the donation to the Grand President’s nominated charity during January following the annual service. It was agreed to make a donation of £1,000 to East Midlands Air Ambulance as soon as possible. Grants approved
Petitions Sub-Committee The Chairman advised that, at a meeting of the Petitions Sub-Committee held earlier, approval had been given to meeting the costs of the funeral of a deceased brother whose widow had been unable to pay and to the payment of a loan to enable her to meet the first month’s costs of accommodation expenses at a nursing home. An emergency grant had been made to a brother in urgent need and a further application was being processed to assist a brother in financial need currently residing abroad. Seven brethren had received assistance from the Albert Wilson Fund to enable their annual Lodge subscriptions to be paid at a cost of £858. The Chairman further advised that it was likely that the workload of the Sub-Committee would rise in the coming months as a result of the economic climate and it was agreed that payments in respect of applications for emergency help should be in the form of a loan unless circumstances made this impossible. Other Business The Provincial Grand Almoner, W. Bro. Brian Jones, reported on the activities of the nine Almoner’s Groups and advised that Grand Lodge is shortly to produce an advisory handbook and training for Lodge Almoners. The Secretary, W. Bro. Graham Sisson, reported two items arising from the Advisory Committee held in September 2008. Firstly, consideration of a later starting time for future Advisory Committee meetings to enable working brethren to attend without taking time off from work. The Chairman undertook to examine the possibility. Secondly, the possible provision of a memorial plaque at the National Memorial to fallen Derbyshire brethren who had lost their lives in conflicts since the end of the Second World War. It was agreed to pursue the possibility. A report suggesting possible financial support for the creation of a Centre of Excellence for cardiac treatment at Derby City Hospital was discussed. It was agreed to defer any action until firm proposals had been formulated when the issue could be further considered. The Secretary reported that an application had been submitted to the Chatsworth Trustees to hold an event at Chatsworth in 2010. A decision is expected this Autumn. W. Bro. Richard McDonald reported on the latest position of the 2014 Festival funding. He advised that by the end of November £318,000 had been received representing 16% of the final target and that it was anticipated that £400,000 would be received by the end of the first year of fundraising. He also advised that the rate of interest payable by the Masonic Samaritan fund is the same as that received on Lodge Relief Chest investments. The Chairman reported on an earlier meeting of the Editorial Panel of the Derbyshire Circle and advised that it was suggested that future editions might contain news and information from other Orders within the Province. It had also been agreed that two editions would be produced during 2009, one to be circulated in February and one in the Autumn with a Festival newsletter being issued about April. W. Bro. Bernard Eyre reported the receipt of a further £502 from the Coins for Cash scheme bringing the total to around £3,000.
Graham M.
Sisson
|
|
|
