Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Mark Charity CIO Fund Reg No: 1172516
Accounts for year ended 31[st] August 2022
The G&H Mark Charity Trustees continued to convene and have approved the presented audited accounts. The trustees and I wish to express our appreciation and thanks to W Bros Mark Bennett, PPrGJW and Gary Weeks, PPrGSO, who undertook the examination and audit of these accounts.
The accounts as presented are for the year ended 31[st] August 2022 and are intended to classify the grants from the G&H Mark Charity CIO Fund and the Deposits held in the Fund on behalf of Lodges. These accounts are presented to provide both transparency and conform with the requirements of the Charity Commission. The General Funds relate to funds available to the Province for use within the articles of the Charity, and the Restricted Funds are funds held on behalf of Lodges and Grants received for detailed purposes.
Following the suspension of donations, on the recommendation of the Trustees, due to the ravages of the Pandemic in 2020-2021, I am pleased to advise that the Trustees authorised, during the period relevant to the accounts, donations of a £1000.00 to the Surrey 2022 Festival, Marah Trust, and the Stroud Beresford Charity respectively and £1500.00 to the Marches Family Network. The Charity also supported the Ukraine Appeal with a Donation of £1150.00. A further £1135.52. was transferred to Lodge Relief Chests.
I am pleased to report that the Relief Chest Scheme of the MCF is being utilised by the great majority of the Mark and RAM Lodges in the Province. A small number of Lodges are yet to take the step and open a Relief Chest and I would again recommend them to do so as soon as is practical, so that the money held can attract a better rate of interest and be managed more effectively and efficiently.
The G&H Mark Charity CIO Fund itself continues to need disposable income if we are to meet our aims and objectives in providing much needed financial support to Local Charities. I would encourage all the brethren to support the G&H Mark Charity CIO in any way they can, to allow the trustees to support Festivals and worthy causes in the name of the Province. I do wish to thank those Lodges that have made donations during this period and would urge all Lodges to consider supporting the Charity with proceeds from Raffles or designated collections at least annually. Regular giving in affordable amounts is the most effective and least financially onerous way to support the Provincial Charity, details of the “Set & Forget” initiative has been circulated with the support of the PGM. This is yet to be fully embraced by the Brethren. I would also request that consideration is given to supporting the MBF and the 2040 Festival. A little amount of regular giving again will make a significant impact on the financial outcome of the Festival. I am promoting ways in which the Charity can support Lodges more practicably with Local Lodge donations and stimulate the inclusive nature of the Charity throughout the Province. Brethren, I am fully aware of the current financial situation, with many families impacted by the rising cost of living and I have no doubt this is affecting our members and the Charities we wish to support. It is therefore more important than ever, that those who can support our charitable efforts, do so within their financial means.
I would like to express my grateful thanks to W Bro Richard James and the Lodge Keystone 400 Club representatives for their continued efforts in support of the Fund, which made a donation of £1500.00 to the Charity during the period of the Accounts. I would urge all Brethren to support the 400 Club. £15.00 per annum gives you a chance to win reasonable cash prizes four times a year and also contribute to both the Provincial Charity and to individuals Lodges.
Brethren, the G&H Mark Charity is your Charity, and I would welcome and appreciate any ideas or suggestions that will continue to make our charitable giving both relevant and beneficial to the recipients.
W Bro David J Hedley PAGDC , PPrGSO Provincial Grand Charity Steward
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