Introduction 

This is the Annual Report for the Provincial Grand Charity of Derbyshire for the year 2001/02, and has been prepared for presentation at the Annual Meeting to be held at Chesterfield on 16^th October, 2002.

Provincial Grand Charity

2.1. Financial position

The financial statement and balance sheet for the year to 30^th June, 2002 (see separate sheet) show a continuing healthy position, with a balance of nearly £1.123M, an increase of £38,000 over the previous year.

The main beneficiaries of our funds were again non-Masonic charities who received a total of £26,667 during the year. Assistance was given to brethren, widows and dependants amounting to £7,236 while seasonal relief (birthday and Christmas gifts) rose for the third successive year to £16,500. Gifts to needy brethren from the Albert Wilson Trust amounted to £620.

2.2. MTGB Festival

Yet again the main efforts of our fund-raising has been the MTGB Festival to be held in 2003. At the end of June 2002 the total donations received to date, including accrued interest to 31^st December 2001, amounted to £1,023,902.

At the end of the financial year the contributions recorded for individual Lodges showed that 28 have now achieved their target with a further 16 with 90% or more. At the other end of the scale three Lodges have contributed less than 25% and another eight less than 50%.

Although the interest rate offered by the MTGB has been reduced in the general fall in interest, they still offer an attractive rate in comparison with Relief Chests and the few remaining Benevolent Funds. It is therefore worth considering transferring funds held for the Festival from Lodge accounts to the Trust as soon as possible.

2.3. Provincial Grand Charity Committees and Sub-Committees

(a)   Standing Committee

The Provincial Grand Charity operations continue to be directed by the Standing Committee which met three times during the year, two meetings being held in Derby and one at Chesterfield.

The Standing Committee relies heavily upon the activities of a number of Committees and Working Parties for the efficient raising and dispensation of charitable funds and other assistance. They include the following :-

(b)   Appeals Sub-Committee

It is the responsibility of this Sub-Committee to raise funds on behalf of the Province and, despite the absence through illness of its Chairman, John Renshaw for a substantial part of the year, has continued to function efficiently and effectively, particularly in connection with the 2003 Festival.

(c)   Petitions Sub-Committee

This important Sub-Committee continues to deal with a large number of applications for assistance from needy brethren and their dependants, as well as from other charities both Masonic and non-Masonic.

The Chairman of the Sub-Committee is Eric Brookes, the Provincial Almoner, who is supported by eight other experienced brethren. A recent addition to the Sub-Committee is the Assistant Provincial Almoner.

During the year 2001/02, 21 grants totalling over £7,300 were made to a range of charities, all of which had associations with Derbyshire or its residents. Of the total of 21 grants two were made to brethren or dependants, ten to charities also supported by Lodge donations and nine to organisations making direct applications for assistance.

Additionally, the Albert Wilson Fund paid the annual Lodge subscriptions of seven  members currently suffering financial hardship. A further four widows of former members were added to the list of beneficiaries of seasonal relief (i.e. birthday and Christmas gifts).

Three emergency grants totalling £2,500 were made to brethren or their dependants to assist with urgent temporary financial difficulties. This facility is available to any member in a similar situation, and Almoners should make contact with the Secretary of the Provincial Charity if they are aware of any brother or his dependants in distressed circumstances.

The second and final instalment of £5,000 to the Marie Curie Nursing Service in Derbyshire was made early in 2002, completing the approved major grants for the year 2000/01. Following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee of Charity Stewards and Almoners in October 2001 major grants will be restricted to amounts over £5,000, and approval has been given in principle to contribute towards the provision of a new ward at Ashgate Hospice. Further details will be provided upon completion of the work.

(d)   Masonic Music Foundation

The number of applications during the year 2001/02 was reduced compared with previous years. Nevertheless the Foundation made two grants of £1,000 each to the Viva Chamber Orchestra and the Kinder Children’s Choirs of the High Peak. Both were for assistance with educational projects enabling children to appreciate music and improve their skills.

The third instalment of the four approved for training choristers at Derby Cathedral was made during the year bringing the total advanced to date to £30,000. Upon application the final instalment will be made during 2002/03.

Payments made since the Foundation commenced its work in 1999 now total over £47,000. As the intention of the members of the Foundation is to support musical education throughout the Province it is intended to continue the work in future years and applications will be welcomed from members of all Lodges.

(e)   Carol Service Working Party

The Working Party has had a change of personnel during the last year, following the resignation of the former secretary, but has continued to work with enthusiasm. As one of its aims is fund-raising it is functionally responsible to the Appeals Sub-Committee.

The Working Party organised another successful and enjoyable carol service at Derby Cathedral in December 2001. The net proceeds of £3,000 were divided equally between two non-Masonic charities, the Duke’s Barn and Derby Playhouse signing for the deaf, and the Provincial Grand Charity.

Information and Training

The Assistant Provincial Almoner has organised local group meetings of Lodge Almoners throughout the Province, and, as this report is being prepared the first meetings have taken place, with others to follow in 2002/03.

Further training sessions in the form of workshops and seminars for both Charity Stewards and Almoners are planned to take place in 2002/03, and will be arranged through the Provincial Information and Training Officer.

Communication

5.1.  Secretariat

Graham Sisson has now completed his first full year as Secretary to the Provincial Grand Charity, and all charitable matters relating to the Province should be referred to him. The Provincial Office continues to dispense Seasonal Relief and to administer all applications to the national charities.

Graham works from his home in Chapel-en-le-Frith, but is available at all times by telephone on 01298 812801, on which number messages may be left. He is also available in emergency on mobile number 07970 203678 and welcomes any questions and requests for assistance from brethren or other applicants.

5.2.  Derbyshire Circle

The Provincial Newsletter is edited by myself, Brian Quartermain, and my address for articles is 6 The Knoll, Westbrook Drive, Chesterfield S40 3PS.

The newsletter is now thirteen years old and continues to improve, with an increasingly wide range of subjects being covered. Brethren are asked to consider where improvements or changes could be made, and the editorial team will be pleased to incorporate as many ideas as possible.

In order to ensure as wide a coverage across the Province as possible there have been recent additions to the team which also includes John Renshaw and Graham Sisson.

It is essential that Lodge Secretaries distribute copies of the Derbyshire Circle to their members as soon as possible after receipt, to ensure that all brethren are aware of news and information while it is still relevant, and to make the hard work which goes into each production worthwhile.

5.3.  Provincial website

The Provincial website (www.derbyshiremason.org) includes up-to-date information on the Provincial Grand Charity giving details of recent grants, the latest position on our fund-raising activities including the 2003 Festival, and a related page carrying information for Lodge Almoners.

Any information brethren feel would be of interest to other members, particularly Lodge Charity Stewards and Almoners, is very welcome. Please send it to Graham Sisson, either by post to 5 Stodhart Mews, Hayfield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 0QE or by e-mail to graham@gmsbase.fsnet.co.uk, and he will arrange for our extremely capable web master, Gill Riley, to include it in her next update.

Concluding Remarks

6.1. This is my seventh annual report as Chairman of the Provincial Charity Standing Committee and many of those mentioned have been active for at least ten years or more. To all of them our thanks are due for their continuing and active service. In particular our Grand President, D.C. Law and Deputy Grand President should be thanked for their continued interest and devotion to the cause.

6.2. Once again I would like to pay tribute to the Secretary, G. M. Sisson for his work during his second year in office. The brethren of the Province will recognise what a good job he is doing. The Treasurer also continues to provide an efficient service to the Charity. This year he has been helped by G.G. Crawford, specifically with respect to MTGB donations, and we are grateful for his help.

6.3.The continuing efforts of the members of the Standing Committee and Lodge Charity Stewards and Almoners are to be applauded and I thank them all and look forward to their continued support in the coming year.