Essex Provincial Group Almoners Advisory Committee
Provincial Grand Almoner
Paul Cohen
"The Poplars, Barling Road, Great Wakering,
SS3 0ND
Telephone 07836 662277
Email:
essexprovalmoner@aol.com
The aim of the Provincial Grand Almoner and his team of group almoners are to use their best endeavours to assist members of the province and/or their dependants who are experiencing financial distress and to assist with the acquisition of medical treatment. Applications are processed via and on behalf of central Masonic Charities and/or the Essex Provincial Charity Fund.
Applications should initially be made via the Lodge Almoner, who in turn should contact his group almoner.
Group Almoners also assist in the training of Lodge Almoners, as well as affording help to the Provincial Grand Almoners of other Provinces by conducting Visiting Brother/Case Almoner Duties in respect of their Brethren/Dependants who reside in Essex.
THE ROLE OF THE LODGE ALMONER
It is very important that the Lodge Almoner is a person who possesses considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, patience and humour, together with a sympathetic demeanour, charitable heart and time to devote for the benefit of Lodge members and their dependants. The office is one that benefits from continuity and it is suggested that a term of five years minimum is appropriate.
They should live local to most of the brethren and the heart of the Lodge and should call to see the widows at least once a year, possibly at Christmas or Easter, to assess their demeanour because this simply cannot be done over the telephone. Poverty is not an easy thing to admit to. Health worries are often kept hidden. It is often painful to admit to others what may seem to be a failure and an inability to cope. Confidentiality and a caring approach can be the key to relieving those worries.
The Lodge should support the Almoner by allowing him to have his own bank account with sufficient funds to enable him to meet essential expenditure through the year such as flowers, or charitable donations at funerals. The Lodge should also support the Almoner in his fund raising activities during the year.
The Almoner’s duties may be summarised as follows:
• To be the catalyst or eyes and ears of the Lodge.
• To maintain regular contact with all sick or distressed Lodge members.
• To maintain regular contact with Lodge widows.
• To Informing the Lodge brethren of members and widows funeral arrangements and to make sure that the Lodge is represented.
• To make immediate contact with the family of a recently deceased brother.
• To report to all the members at each Lodge meeting on all the above matters, while still preserving due confidentiality.
• To maintain a range of accurate records as outlined below
• To make welcome all new members in conjunction with the Proposer, Seconder and Lodge Mentor.
• To have a knowledge and understanding of the aims and objectives of the 4 main Masonic Charities – The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and The Masonic Samaritan Fund.
• To have a basic knowledge of the financial and other support available from non-Masonic Charities e.g. Armed Forces Charities and State Benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
• Where possible to attend training events and other events to keep up to date with developments in the Masonic Charities.
In addition to the above, a good Almoner will also make himself aware of happier events such as birthdays, births, silver and golden weddings so that the Lodge can send appropriate greetings. He
should never feel alone in his work and should not hesitate to seek assistance from other members when required.IDENTIFYING CASES OF NEED
In many cases, the Almoner may be approached directly by a member of the Lodge or Chapter and other cases may be brought to the Almoner’s notice by a Masonic friend of the brother or dependant concerned. The Almoner should be aware, however, that there may be other indications that a brother is in difficulties and these are often evidenced by absence from meetings as a result of physical disabilities, financial pressure or illness in the family. In such cases of absence from meetings, the Almoner should make a note of who is in regular contact with the absentee, or who knows the brother best and ask him if he has seen him recently, or will see him. The Almoner should enrol the regular attendee’s help as much as possible - it will make his job easier. When the Almoner has established that a need exists, it will be necessary to arrange an interview in a place where the person seeking help feels comfortable. This will usually be at home, but cases may arise where another venue may be preferred. When the need for an application is to be made for a Masonic Grant then the Group Almoner will deal with the matter. If the applicant is successful in obtaining a Grant distribution of the funds will be controlled by the Group Almoner so as to maintain confidentiality within the Lodge.
KEEPING RECORDS
Good records are essential, not only of the members of the Lodge but also of the widows and dependants. Such records should include:
? Details of all brethren, including those who have resigned or have been excluded, giving name, address, age, telephone and e-mail address (where available). As much other information as possible should be given as this will be invaluable to the Almoner’s successor in due course. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of all Lodge widows or other Lodge dependants. Again, as much extra information as possible. Details of brethren or dependants who are living in residential or nursing homes.
? The dates and details of all visits to widows, sick brethren and non attendees.
? Financial records are essential and care must be taken to ensure that all payments and receipts are carefully recorded together with any supporting vouchers.‘FREEMASONRY CARES’ CARD
When are these likely to be available?
Supplies are available from the Grand Charity/Provincial Almoner. It is recommended that one of these cards is issued to every Lodge member or dependants (including widows) for their own help and peace of mind.
ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION IS TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE
Post
Name
Phone
Provincial Grand Almoner
Paul B. Cohen
07836 662277
N. E. Western Area: Colchester, Wivenhoe, Mistley, Mersea
Terry D.Morgan
01206 382595
N. E. Eastern Area: Harwich, Clacton, Frinton, Brightlingsea
Jim G. Lord
01255 678407
N. W. Area: Halstead, Braintree, Saffron Walden, Harlow
Keith E. Wheatcroft
01371 875300
W. Area: Chingford, Loughton
Stephen Porcas
0794 041 7003
Central Area: Chelmsford, Burnham, Maldon,Witham, Kelvedon,Tollesbury
Derek Birkumshaw
01621 828310
S. Area: Basildon, Benfleet, Canvey Island, Grays, Orsett,
Paul Harris
01268-794409
S. E. Area: Southend, Rochford
Graham M. Halsey
01702 525897
W. Central Area: Hutton, Ilford & Upminster
Roy A.Bloomfield
01708 225340