Province of Armagh Widows’ Gift Scheme – Registered Charity in Northern Ireland No 108814
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The trustees of the Province of Armagh Widows’ Gift Scheme are pleased to submit their report and accounts for the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Objectives and Activities.
The object of the Scheme as set out in the Constitution is that the scheme shall be used:-
For the prevention or relief of poverty of the widows of Freemasons who are members of lodges under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh (comprising the counties of Armagh, Louth and Monaghan).
The Scheme is managed by the Trustees. The Trustees met on three occasions in the year 2023, March, June and October, to monitor progress towards the Scheme’s objectives. At each meeting the Treasurer presents up-to-date accounts and these are reviewed against grants and forecasted spending. All spending is discussed and approved.
The Trustees continue to remind members of the Masonic Lodges of the Scheme’s objectives and how it may be supported. In planning the activities for the year the trustees have considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries.
In 2023 the Scheme made a total of 289 grants to widows of Freemasons totally £12700 and €1988.23 on the lead up to Christmas.
Financial Review.
The Scheme had an opening balance £41153.15 and €31442.65 on 1 January 2023. Donations from Masonic Lodges and other branches of Masonry contributed an income of £15161.01 and €4150.
Expenditure for the year was £12700 and €1988.23 resulting in a closing balance of £43614.16 and €33604.42. As at 31 December 2023 the Scheme has no funds in material deficit.
Reference and Administrative Details:-
Charity Name - Province of Armagh -Widows’ Gift Scheme. Charity Number – 108814
Principle Address- 14 Tudor Lodge, Waringstown, Co. Armagh. BT66 7SX.
Charity Trustees as of June 2022
Gilbert T Irvine
James R Blair Secretary.
John Richardson
John Montgomery
Support.
The Trustees wish to acknowledge the support given by many members of the Masonic Order to the Scheme. There are no administrative costs associated with the Scheme.
Approved and adopted by the Trustees on 7 October 2024 and signed on their behalf.
J Blair Secretary