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The latest meeting of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Grand Charity was held at Chesterfield on 7th September 2005. Three grants were approved as follows :-
It was reported that at the preceding Petitions Sub-Committee approval hade been given for two applications for assistance from the Albert Wilson Fund for brethren in need. The Provincial Treasurer, W. Bro. Geoff Crawford, reported on the outturn for the year ended 30th June, reminding members that grants to non-Masonic charities had amounted to £13,000 in 2004/05 compared with £121,000 in the previous year in which a number of major grants had been made to St. John Ambulance and Treetops Hospice. He pointed out that the overall balance had now passed £1M again and advised that between £55,000 and £60,000 would be available for use if required. It was agreed that the Chairman, W. Bro. B. Quartermain should be nominated as a Trustee of the Provincial Grand Charity, to join the existing Trustees, R.W. Bro. J.G.R. Rudd and W. Bro. G.M. Sisson. This was subsequently approved at the Annual Meeting. The Provincial Almoner, W. Bro. Brian Carter, reported that seven Almoners’ workshops had been held around the Province with an average attendance of 63%, only the Belper/Duffield meeting failing to attract any attendees. The Meeting was followed by the half-yearly Advisory Committee of Charity Stewards and Almoners, which was attended by around 40 brethren. W. Bro. Neil Hartburn reported on the successful first year of the TLC scheme, details of which were reported in the last edition of the Derbyshire Circle. It was suggested that a further annual contribution by each Lodge of £100 would guarantee its viability for another year and would enable the scheme to be extended to certain other hospitals. The Provincial Charity Steward, W. Bro. John Renshaw, reported on the Lodge targets and advised that the response had been disappointing with only 40% of the two-year target of £124,000 with a further three months until the end of the target period. A discussion took place on the fairness of the scheme and W. Bro. Renshaw reminded the brethren present that the scheme had been devised in conjunction with members attending earlier meetings of the Advisory Committee. W. Bro. Carter repeated his report on the workshop arrangements and advised members that, following payment of the Christmas gifts to Lodge widows, the Seasonal Relief scheme would be discontinued. He informed the meeting that, where need is established in the future, assistance would be sought from the Grand Charity. Lodges were also at liberty to make arrangements to provide gifts from within their own resources. A letter is to be sent to all Lodge Almoners giving details of alternative sources of assistance. A lively debate ensued, with a number of Almoners declaring their disappointment at the termination of the scheme, but the Grand President, R.W. Bro. Graham Rudd advised that if there is any doubt about the charitable status of the scheme it must be discontinued. The Chairman, W. Bro. Brian Quartermain, advised the brethren of a number of matters previously discussed by the Standing Committee, including a renewed decision to allocate funds to non-Masonic charities within a guideline of 20% of disposable resources. He advised that no further fundraising is planned after the end of 2005, although he hoped that the planned Chatsworth event in July 2006 would not only provide an enjoyable social occasion but contribute to Provincial charitable funds. W. Bro. Bernard Eyre informed members of an organisation which returns coins and low value banknotes to the countries of origin and suggested that brethren who held such currency might deposit it at their local Masonic centre and he would undertake to co-ordinate its return, with the resulting funds being donated to the Provincial Charity. The brethren welcomed the scheme and the Chairman thanked the brother who made the offer. Further details will be made available in due course. The Advisory Committee was closely followed by the Annual Meeting The Secretary reported that the Chairman’s Annual Report, although completed, was not available at the meeting and advised that copies would be sent to every Lodge with the next mailshot from the Provincial Office. The Chairman, W. Bro. Quartermain, précised the report which was accepted in principle by the brethren present. The Grand President announced that it was necessary to elect a Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Grand Charity and that, as he had only received one nomination, that of W. Bro. Peter Hodcroft, he declared him elected. W. Bro. Andrew Toon, having retired by rotation, was re-elected as a member of the Standing Committee and the President appointed W. Bro. Neil Hartburn to replace himself as a President’s nominee to the Committee. The Auditor was reappointed for the ensuing year. The meeting ended with the Grand President thanking all officers of the Charity for their efforts during the previous year, with special thanks to the Chairman and Secretary. Graham M. Sisson
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