Brethren, The four charities at the core of our masonic fundraising are:
- THE FREEMASONS’ GRAND CHARITY – Supports both Masonic and non-Masonic charities, hospices etc.
- THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION – Helps Freemasons and dependants with housing and care
- THE ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR GIRLS AND BOYS – Helps with education of Freemasons and non-Freemasons
- THE MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND – Helps freemasons and dependants with medical care.
I strongly advise you to visit their respective pages on this website for an amazing view on what services and results these charities achieve each and every year.
THE 2015 FESTIVAL – Every year one of the Masonic Provinces in England and Wales holds a Festival in support of one of the four central Masonic Charities (see above). The East Lancashire 2015 Festival is in support of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute. The money raised makes a significant contribution to the income of that charity and is a vital component needed to support its charitable aims. For the Brethren, the Festival will be the culmination of five years of fundraising – a continuous investment of time and money for which the Freemasons’ Charities and their recipients will be very grateful.
Charity Steward Roy Langtree
The Festival banquet at the end will be a happy celebration attended by those who qualified as Stewards during the festival together with their ladies – a proud occasion to mark their accomplishments. To qualify as a steward of the Festival requires a donation of £75 and a further £20 for the purchase of a jewel. I know this sounds a lot of money, and, for some of us it is. However, by making a regular donation, for instance in the form of a monthly Direct Debit, this spreads the cost. Any brother wishing to take this option, please see me and I will provide the necessary paperwork. The Provincial Grand Master, who is the President of the Festival, has requested that we give what support we can, but, at the same time, not to neglect other charities, the East Lancashire Masonic Charity being a very important one. I realise that, in these difficult financial times, it is asking a lot of our Brethrens’ generosity, but, knowing the Brethren of Pendle Lodge, I am sure you will all give whatever support you can. Thank you Brethren, I am always here to relieve you of your hard-earned cash!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Roy Langtree,
Charity Steward.
Brethren the latest update on the Festival :
To Date Pendle Lodge has contributed £3450
A couple of other things, Brethren.
We are looking for some able-bodied volunteers to help with some tidying up work at Pendle View School grounds (this is the school for special needs children).
This will take place on a Sunday morning to be determined for probably 2 hours, from 10-12.
The other thing is, please bear in mind that we are looking for Marshalls for the Pendleside Hospice Ladies Midnight Walk. Pendle had a good presence there last year
let’s see if we can do even better this year.
Brethren,
Just an update on our funds for the 2015 RMBI Festival. To date we have £538 towards the Festival. I have obtained Festival Jewels for three Brethren and there are another three who have obtained Jewels on their own account.
Only one Brother has so far taken out a Direct Debit in aid of the Festival.
To remind you, a Festival Jewel can be obtained by making a donation of £80 to become a Patron of the Festival and a further £20 for the cost of the Jewel. As I have mentioned previously, a direct debit can be taken out for a regular sum monthly and when £80 has been accumulated then £20 will get you a Jewel. Any Brother who wishes to take up this option please see me and I will raise the necessary paperwork.
I will keep you updated on the progress of our Festival funds.