NOVEMBER 2019 - Flipbook - Page 1
Traditionally just once in 11 years, each Province was requested to host a Festival to support and
collect funds for one of the main Masonic Charities. This Charity Festival System was developed
to rotate specific fund raising evenly around the 44 Provinces, the intention being for each
Province to have supported each of the 4 Charities in turn over the period of 44 years.
However in 2015 the 4 Charities came together under the umbrella of the Masonic Charitable
Foundation (MCF) to further ensure the even spread of support across the country.
Consequently our Provincial Grand Master has elected to launch a Festival, commencing 1st
January 2020 which will run for just over 6 years, ending 5th May 2026, in support of the MCF.
So why the MCF?
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) builds better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing
healthcare and education and promoting independence for Freemasons, their families and the
wider community. The MCF is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country supporting Freemasons and their families, as well as charities across England and Wales.
The MCF’s work is funded solely through the generous donations of Freemasons under the
United Grand Lodge of England, their families and friends and derives no income from outside
funding such as the National Lottery.
Since 2015 the MCF has given £34.8 million by way of grants and £24 million to charities. It has
received over 25,000 phone enquiries.
At this moment in time they are “inputting” 61,000 transactions into the 500 relief chests they
maintain per month!!
As you are aware the 2026 Festival have a large number of items for sale, where proceeds will
go to the Festival total. These are available to buy direct from the Provincial office or Wally
Freeman and can be purchased by cash or card payment. Possibly you may also like to acquire
some merchandise on a “sale or return” basis from me personally, allowing you to sell some of
these products at your meetings.
If you are interested please contact me on my mobile number 07836-722854.
Events
We have a number of events already booked that you and your members may be interested in.
The 2020 Pantomime Aladdin at the Stag Theatre on the Sunday 5th January.
The 2026 Festival Launch Dinner/Dance at the Mercury Hotel Brands Hatch 7th February 2020.
The Quiz Night at Oakley House Friday 31st March 2020
A Charity Stewards meeting update at Oakley House on Wednesday 30th September 2020
A Black Tie Boxing match at Oakley House on Friday 30th October 2020.