On Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Bridgend Masonic Hall, The Provincial Learning and Development team welcomed over 60 attendees for a dedicated Charity Stewards Seminar, offering key insights into charitable processes within Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Learning and Development Officer, W.Bro. Simon Francis welcomed and thanked the attendees for prioritising this learning opportunity. He acknowledged the significance of understanding all roles of an officer of the Lodge, with this particular seminar focusing on the role of Charity Steward and other charitable functions within the organisation.
At 10:00am, W.Bro. Simon was delighted to welcome the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W.Bro. Paul Bunyan, who demystified the workings of the Charity Relief Chest, a topic often perceived as complex. He provided a thorough breakdown of how the relief chest functions, its accessibility, and the benefits it provides. Emphasising the importance of charitable giving and gift aid, he assured attendees of the system’s simplicity and effectiveness, allowing members to fully grasp its potential impact.
Following a coffee break, the seminar continued with W.Bro. Neal Whitehead, the Provincial Grand Almoner, who presented a comprehensive overview of the applications process. W.Bro. Neal outlined the start-to-finish journey of each application, highlighting the discretion and sensitivity employed in handling each case. He praised his petitions team for their commitment and professionalism, emphasising the rigorous training they undergo to ensure the very best support for those in need.
W.Bro. Simon then welcomed W.Bro. Martyn Ridge, Treasurer of the Masonic Benevolent Fund of South Wales, who discussed the origins, purpose, and application procedures of the MBF. He outlined the fund’s structure and the criteria for accessing its support, providing practical advice on when and how members could reach out for assistance. W.Bro. Martyn highlighted the assistance that non Masonic charities receive, totalling over £25,000 per year, and greatly appreciate any recommendations and referrals that the brethren have. Martyn concluded with great delight that the MBF has funded the new Provincial office here in Bridgend, the first purpose built office in the Province.
The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session, after which the meeting was formally closed around 12:30pm. The event succeeded in a clearer understanding of the charitable mechanisms available to Freemasons and strengthened our commitment to our community’s by supporting one another and their charitable endeavours.