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DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND OPERATING AS
DURHAM BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM
ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING 30TH SEPTEMBER 2018
“FOLLOWING THE ROAD TO SUCCCESS FOR 150 YEARS”
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND
DURHAM BENEVOLENCE | CHAIRMAN’S REPORT | YEAR ENDED 30/9/18 I consider it a great honour and privilege to present my fourth and final annual report into the finances and activities of Durham Benevolence. I write in March 2019, as I retire as Chairman, ending over 20 years managerial association with the regional Charity of all Freemasons of the Province of Durham. In my report last year, I referred to the significant contributions made by the charity in support of Brethren and the Community Support Grant Scheme as well as supporting other initiatives, which included additional Tercentenary Grants and the Durham Cathedral Appeal. This year we have focused on governance and consolidation. Taking into account all monies received against expenditure, Durham Benevolence incurred a net surplus of £207,030 and its overall worth has increased to £8,433,528 from £8,235,577. This is primarily due to a review of the value of our property assets and I am pleased that it reflects the capital cost of our maintenance and refurbishment work, which has continued on our properties to provide appealing, safe and secure accommodation for our valued residents. This year we have expended £130,895 of which the majority was on replacement shower rooms and kitchens at Peter Stracey House. In October 2017 current and past residents and officials of the Charity attended a splendid party at Peter Stracey House to celebrate the developments 25th birthday. This reinforced not only the importance of the sheltered accommodation provided by the Charity but that with age comes ‘wear and tear’ so I am pleased that the refurbishment programme will continue specifically with the development of a new entrance to Peter Stracey House and revisions to the emergency call systems at both Peter Stracey House and Boundary Court. Occupation at both our residential properties has continues to be approximately at 100% capacity. When an apartment becomes available, priority is given to those on the waiting list with a Masonic connection, but when no such potential residents are readily able to move in, apartments are offered to those without such a connection. Whilst all our residents are valued, I do urge our Benevolent Representatives and other Freemasons to raise awareness of the availability of this high quality accommodation at Fulwell Sunderland and Bishop Auckland amongst to our members. We have continued our policy of renting over leasing the apartments and in the year, this has produced an increase in rental income from £274,875 to £310,597. After management and refurbishment expenditure, this rental income greatly supports our charitable objective.
Voluntary donations from Lodges and individuals decreased from £27,553 in the previous year to £24,130. This was anticipated and is a creditable position considering the Durham 2021 Festival is being prioritised by Province and our members. Whilst accepting there has been limited income from voluntary donations and having no significant legacy donations in the year, we have maintained close liaison with our brokers so as to produce good returns on our investments. This has enabled us to meet our charitable objectives, albeit on a reduced scale in comparison to the previous year. Grants from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) no longer appear in our accounts, as they are now administered centrally from London and paid direct to beneficiaries when appropriate, with support and assistance from Benevolent Representatives and Visiting Volunteers. Durham Benevolence has continued to make emergency grants to MCF petitioners and this amounted to a total of £3,800 in the year. The main public benefit activity of our Charity is the Community Support Grant Scheme and this year grants listed elsewhere in this annual report totalling £53,747 were made. I particularly highlight the public access defibrillator project, whereby we are working in partnership with local Freemasons to place automated external defibrillators outside Masonic Centres, providing 24/7 access to these lifesaving pieces of equipment. Hall management committees are commissioning operational training to Brethren and local members of the public. Chester-le-Street Masonic Centre, site for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) where training will be provided from St John Ambulance for Brethren and members of the public Overall, our finances continues to be in a good position and I pay particular tribute to the fiscal skill, prudence and attention to detail of Edwin Jeffrey who retires at the same time as myself, having been our treasurer for the entire period that I have been Vice Chairman and Chairman. During his tenure, we have met our charitable objectives as mentioned above at the same time as increasing our overall net worth. As I conclude this report and my association with the management of Durham Benevolence, I reiterate my hope, that going forward; the vast majority of charitable activity in the Province of Durham will come under the umbrella of this Charity. I trust the review of our rules and regulations, which I recently chaired, will empower those who succeed us to further maintain and develop and Charity for the benefit of both Masonic Support and Community Support in the Province of Durham. Although too many to mention individually, I am extremely grateful to all those who work tirelessly and selflessly to ensure Durham Benevolence has helped so many less fortunate individuals than ourselves. W Bro John David Watts, PSGD,PAsstProvGM
J D Watts
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DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND OPERATING AS: THE BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM
The Committee The Provincial Grand Master, The Grand Superintendent, The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, The Deputy Grand Superintendent, The Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, The Provincial Grand Principals, The Provincial Grand Treasurers, The Provincial Grand Almoner, The Provincial Grand Charity Steward, The Provincial Grand Secretary, The Provincial Grand Scribe E and their Deputy and/or assistant by virtue of their offices. Six members appointed annually by the Provincial Grand Master. One member to be elected annually by each Lodge in the Province known as the Benevolence Representative. Chairman W Bro Simon C Steele, PSGD,AsstProvGM Vice Chairman W Bo Michael S Shaw, PAGDC Treasurer W Bro Stephen A Willis, PAGDC Secretary Thomas F Gittins, PAGDC
GENERAL PURPOSE SUB-COMMITTEE George Tilley David Dorward Kevin Williams Stewart K Bell Peter Ross Christos Katsambis Martin Rankin Ian K Carter Duncan Maw Stan Hunter Gary Elgie Rob Donmall
Bernard Gilpin Concord Restoration Flambard Coronation Whitworth Eslington Hedworth St Oswald Corinthian Indaba Faithful Lodge of Durham
No. 3076 No. 6859 No. 111 No. 6874 No. 2929 No. 1932 No. 4623 No. 2418 No. 4260 No. 5808 No. 9454 No. 7079
Hetton-le-Hole Sunderland Darlington Durham City Stanley Spennymoor Dunston South Shields Darlington Shildon Darlington Birtley
No. 5631 No. 111 No. 1932
Durham City Darlington Spennymoor
No. 2929 No. 3076 No. 2418
Stanley Hetton-le-Hole South Shields
No. 6859 No. 5808 No. 111
Sunderland Shildon Darlington
EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE Paul B Debenham Kevin Williams Christos Katsambis
Elvet Lodge Restoration Whitworth
COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE Peter Ross George Tilley Ian K Carter
Coronation Bernard Gilpin Hedworth
ESTATES SUB-COMMITTEE David Dorward Stan Hunter Kevin Williams
Concord Corinthian Restoration
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND
Where Does Durham Benevolence obtain its funding? Properties Peter Stracey House and Boundary Court are skilfully managed to produce a surplus income. Every year Lodges within the Province of Durham and other Masonic Degrees are encouraged to make voluntary donations. Individual donations which also attract 25% gift aid from the government. Money left in legacies or other valuable assets plus grants and assistance from the MCF. As a charity with assets of over £8m, Durham Benevolence are very proud of our low administrative costs mainly due to the time and experience freely given by so many dedicated and enthusiastic Freemasons and by our employed staff in the Provincial Office.
Achievements and Performance/ Financial Review
General Purposes Committee Responsibilities The Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the General Purposes Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year.
Over the year 2017/2018, the net position of Durham Benevolence Limited improved over the previous year’s results. This has been achieved by having our properties revalued to take into account market values and the expenditure incurred on refurbishments.
The GP Committee are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity, taking reasonable steps for detection and prevention of fraud and other irregularities insofar as the members of the General Purposes Committee are aware.
Our investments have also continued to produce good returns. During the year, the Benevolent Committee raised £373,507. Rental income increased to £310,597. Donations and legacy income have reduced to £24,130 from £27,553 the previous year.
The General Purposes Committee have assessed the risks to which the charity is exposed and, in particular, those related to the operations and finances of the Trust and is satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to major risks.
Durham Benevolence Ltd made Community Support Grants of £24,119, Emergency Grants of £3,800 and a donation to the 2021 Festival totalling £29,628.
2018
2017
£
£
FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets
6,502,452
6,252,639
Plans for future periods:
Investments
928,809
913,747
7,431,261
7,166,386
The refurbishments to our properties continue together with the application of the policy of ceasing to sell equities in properties in favour of rentals. The overall financial net worth of Durham Benevolence Ltd has increased and our charitable objectives to support Brethren in need and public beneficiaries through our Community Support Grant Scheme will be maintained by sound fiscal management including prudent spending. Our reserves should remain protected to produce the best income results for the benefit of the Charity and those who we serve.
CURRENT ASSETS Debtors
74,659
63,404
Cash at bank and in hand
938,706
1,041,878
1,013,365
1,105,282
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
(11,098)
(36,091)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
1,002,267
1,069,191
NET ASSETS
8,433,528
8,235,577
Endowment funds
16,980
16,980
Restricted funds
212,929
266,650
Unrestricted income funds
8,203,619
7,951,947
TOTAL FUNDS
8,433,528
8,235,577
Volunteers and Other Contributors: Durham Benevolence would particularly like to thank Benevolent Representatives for their attendance at quarterly meetings and for their considerable efforts in ensuring that the needs of brethren and their dependants are identified and acted upon. The
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Charity also give thanks to the officers of the General Purpose Committee, led by the Chairman, John D Watts, who conducted the meetings with skill and efficiency, the Vice Chairman, Craig Steele, Treasurer, Edwin Jeffrey and the Secretary, Tom Gittins, all of whom made invaluable contributions to the management and administration of the Benevolent Committee. Grateful thanks also to all of the staff at the Provincial Office for their willing and cheerful assistance in the work of the Benevolent Committee.
FUNDS RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS:
The financial statements were approved by members of the committee on 26th February 2019. www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Awarding grants
Charity
Any Master Mason who is, or has been a subscribing member of a Lodge or Chapter in the Province of Durham may receive benefit from the fund, subject to the eligibility criteria used and amended from time to time. The Masonic Charitable Foundation and like relief may either before or after his death, in the case of indigence, be granted to his partner, children and other dependents, under MCF eligibility criteria. The committee shall, from time to time, determine the Petitioners who shall receive benefit from the funds and the amount of such benefit, other than those dealt with by the Masonic Education Sub-Committee.
One of the 3 Fundamental Principles of Freemasonry
Every application for a Provincial Grant must be by petition on a form provided by the Committee. All Petitions must be sent to the Secretary who shall submit them to the appropriate Sub-Committee.
Provision of Holiday or Convalescent Breaks for Needy Brethren and Dependants. The Benevolent Committee usually arrange a group break each year subject to applications. They are organised for Freemasons (single or with wife/partner) and Masonic Widows from the Province of Durham who would otherwise not have an annual holiday and will benefit from a holiday with the company and support of others in similar circumstances. Each participant has to complete an individual form of application. Financial aid is considered, taking into account personal circumstances, which are declared on application. The 2018 group break to the Isle of Wight was attended by members and dependents who reported that they had a very enjoyable time, praising the accommodation and location.
Personal details should not be divulged to any other Lodge member. The Committee, in considering a Petition, shall exercise due diligence to confirm identity and eligibility and take into account the income, capital and liabilities of the Petitioner. Awarding Grants to the Children of Brethren: Grants may be made by the General Purposes Committee to candidates, subject to the MCF eligibility criteria, provided that the relevant Masonic membership criteria is or was met through a subscribing member of a Lodge or Chapter in the Province of Durham. The Education Sub-Committee are members who have special educational attainment or experience and will review petitions for Scholarships and Grants from the Educational Funds. It shall report its observations and recommendations to the Committee. Emergency Grants: The General Purpose Committee may, in any case which in the opinion of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer (or any two of them), consider an urgent necessity, make such a grant, not exceeding £1000. The facts will be reported at the next General Purposes Committee.
Durham Benevolence are not organising a group break in 2019 but are planning a break in September 2020, again to the Sands Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight. The Benevolent Committee will also consider applications for individual breaks for the specific purpose of convalescence after illness or injury, Information will be made available on request or application.
Lodge Emergency Grants Each Lodge in the Province of Durham may make an emergency grant to provide short-term financial relief to a Petitioner until an application is considered by the appropriate charity. This can be from an Almoners account from which emergency grants can be made without Lodge resolution or under Lodge by-laws which may give the Worshipful Master authority to approve such grants.
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
Organisation. Structure, Governance and Management The Benevolent Committee is a Masonic organisation set up by trust deed dated 24th July 1956.
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The Board of the Trustees, known as the General Purposes SubCommittee, are required to meet at least quarterly, but actually meet more frequently and as the administrative requirements of the Charity dictate. There is a sub-committee for awarding educational and scholarship grants and a further sub-committee, which recommends Community Support Grants for approval.
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The Durham Masonic Benevolent Fund Objectives and Activities ‘The object of the fund is to provide support for the needy brethren of Masonic Lodges in the Province of Durham and their dependents and to provide children of brethren with assistance to further their education’ In order to further these objectives the activities of the charity can be categorised as follows: •
Provision of sheltered accommodation to aged brethren or their dependants
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Awarding grants to needy brethren or their dependants
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Awarding grants to the children of brethren
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Awarding Community Support Grants
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Provision of holiday or convalescent breaks for needy brethren and dependants
General Purposes Sub-Committee These are the Board of Trustees which consist of an annually elected Chairman, Vice Chairman and elected members of the Committee and the Sub-Committees. They manage the day–today affairs of Durham Benevolence.
Members Serving on the General Purpose Sub-Committee No elected member can serve for a consecutive period exceeding eight years. After a one year break however he may be re-elected, subject to annual re-election.
General Purpose Sub-Committee Meetings The General Purpose Sub-Committee meetings are arranged by the Secretary, under the direction of the Chairman, or following a request signed by three members of the General Purpose SubCommittee. The Benevolent Committee hold a general meeting on a Saturday in March, June, September and December. The date and location is announced at the previous meeting. The March meeting is the Annual General Meeting.
Annual Meetings The Durham Masonic Benevolent Fund The Benevolent Committee of the Province of Durham have managed the charitable funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham and its specific individual charities for some 150 years. It is a registered as a charity under the name of “The Durham Masonic Benevolent Fund” Registration number 279313 It operates as Durham Benevolence, governed by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham but under its own rules and regulations.
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At the Annual General Meeting the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, two Auditors and any other requisite officers are elected. At the Annual General Meeting the General Purposes Sub-Committee and the Education Sub-Committee are elected from the committee’s own membership. The minimum number (quorum) for any meeting of the Committee is 25
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Awarding Community Support Grants Applications from Charities should have a particular relevance within the Province of Durham. Applications from National Organisations should be referred to the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the exception being where the application is clearly to support a local project in which case a written undertaking must be given by the National Charity confirming how the money will be applied locally. There should be no specific exclusion of Freemasons and their dependents from receiving the benefits of any charity. A set of current audited accounts must be forwarded to the secretary of the Benevolent Committee, or in the case of a small charity, a current Profit/ Loss balance sheet. When a grant is sent to a charity it should be clearly stated that it has been made by the Freemasons of the Province of Durham. Further guidelines for such grants will be considered by the General Purposes. Committee before consideration for a grant can be made. A full set of the guidelines for Community Support Grants and printable Application Forms can we viewed and downloaded from www.durhamfreemasons.org •
Click on heading CHARITIES
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Click on DURHAM BENEVOLENCE
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Scroll down to Applications for Community Support Grants
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Scroll down to Guidelines for Community Support Grants
Grants awarded of £1,000+ Willowburn Hospice
Donation
SHAID, St Peters Court
House and support Ex service personnel
S.Helen’s Church Auckland
Funding for access path
ME North East
Funding to help support their services
Pact House Stanley
Christmas day lunch & tea for isolated people
Shildon Alive
Funding to help families in food and fuel poverty
St Benedicts Hospice (Sunderland)
Donation
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND
Grants awarded under £1,000
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St. James Church, Burnopfield and Dipton
To set up a baby and toddler group
Young Adult Kidney Fund
To fund activities for young adults affected by kidney disease
St Andrew’s Church, Roker, Guild of Bell Ringers
Fully refurbish the bells and fittings
Morgen Bailey
Funding for golf competitions, accommodation and entry fees
Chester le Street Amateur Rowing Club
To buy equipment and improve amenities
St Johns Church & Community Hall Hebburn
Disabled access stair lift
Radio Stitch
Specialised equipment
National childbirth trust Sunderland & South Tyneside branch
To support parents of new-born babies who are experiencing financial hardship
Legacare
Providing urgent and immediate free legal services to people in hospital, hospices or immobile in their own home.
Trinity Methodist Church
Funding towards disabled access
St Peter’s Sculpture Trail
Funding to produce booklets which are given free
36 (Hetton le Hole) Squadron A.T.C
Running cost of mini bus
473 Hartlepool Squadron Air Training Corps
To provide new uniforms
Tall Ships Race 2018 - Sam Brunton
Funding to attend Tall Ships Race
Blaydon District Scouts
Trip to Switzerland 2018
Excel YBC Sunderland 2
Coaching qualifications
HCS Hartlepool Community Singers
Purchase a new electronic keyboard
North of England Brass Band Championship
Funding towards hire costs of Gala Theatre for event
Chester le Street Learning Alliance
Funding to take children to Battlefields in Belgium
Charlie Farrer Racing (Youth Fund)
To help fund running costs
Hawthorn Community Centre
To buy tools and equipment for the garden
Cashforkids
Support local sick and disadvantaged children
Josie’s dragonfly Trust
Support young cancer patients up to age 24
Durham County Girl Guide Camp House
To provide accommodation for small groups
Consett Citizens Choir
70th Anniversary Celebrations 2019
St Mary’s School
Outdoor Learning & Nature pod
Sacriston Youth Project
Funding towards Scuba Diving qualification for 10 youth members www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Trimdon United FC U9’s
Funding towards new strips, kits & training equipment
World Scout Jamboree 2019 James Bradley Watson
Funding towards the cost of trip to West Virginia, USA
Springwell School
Funding towards upgrading the soft play area and new hoist
World Scout Jamboree 2019 - William Eachus
Funding towards the cost of trip to West Virginia, USA
Spennymoor Rainbows and Brownies
To open a new unit in Spennymoor
Jarrow Brownies
Funding to help buy their own flag
Butsfield & District Young Farmers Club
Furnish the building
Spennymoor Town Band
Costs of representing the NE at the National Brass Band Championships
Benjamin Weir
To take part in the Tall Ships Race
Chris Barnett
To compete as a Trials Rider in Barcelona
Joseph Keogan
Attend a Scout and Guide camp in Holland
Beamish Dynamos
To attend the Special Olympics World Games 2019
St Chads Church, Parish of Bensham
Funding towards refurbishing the kitchen, community café and training to cook
Fyn Aquathlon World Championships - Lara Greggs
Funding to attend 2018 Fyn Aquathlon World Championships in Denmark
4x4 Response NE
To purchase a defibrillator
Chester le Street Junior Cricket Club
Funding to improve facilities and purchase equipment
Natural High
To stage a live performance in Spennymoor Town Hall
9th Hartlepool (St Luke’s) Scout Group
Funding towards an adventure experience in Switzerland
Grace Cross (Youth Fund)
Funding for Scout trip to USA
Sunderland Maritime Heritage
Funding to support to the charity
Coxhoe Athletic FC
Funding for playing and training kit
Shikkari Karate Kai Competition Squad
Funding to attend WKTA World Championships to be held in Italy
Morrison Lodges Banner Group
To provide transport to gala
John Pratt
Funding to the U19 Water Polo European Championships
Lakeside Community Boxing Club/Group
Funding to support core running costs and to provide facilities
Disability Support Group North East
Funding towards services and clubs for disabled people
Staff Nurse Hunter - Mrs Tait’s daughter
Funding towards shoes
Stanley Storm Netball club
Funding towards equipment
Catchgate and Annfield Plain Action Partnership
Funding towards badges for children commemorating WW1
(CAP AP) Ryton Men’s Shed www.durhamfreemasons.org
To replace the door of current building
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND
BOUNDARY COURT
KINGSWAY, BISHOP AUCKLAND, CO.DURHAM, DL14
PETER STRACEY HOUSE
Ebdon Lane, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 9AF
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Boundary Court is situated in the centre of Bishop Auckland Co. Durham where it follows and overlooks the boundary of the cricket field. Opened in August 2008 by the Bishop of Durham, it provides purpose built state of the art accommodation. There are 49 two bedroomed apartments of generous proportions and wide corridors, tastefully decorated to a high standard. Many of the areas and apartments have views onto the cricket pitch and the mature gardens. Recent improvements include a new netting system, installed to prevent stray balls from the adjacent cricket pitch entering the grounds. Future plans include the uplifting and levelling of the paving stones which make up the paths round the grounds and upgrading the warden door entry system from an analogue to a digital system.
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Sheltered accommodation owned by the Freemasons of the Province of Durham and managed by Durham Benevolence Designed for independent living 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Close to local Shops, Doctors and Transport Links Private Parking area Laundry facilities Well-presented entrance with security system Part-time estate manager with outside hours cover Double Glazed throughout Passenger lift and stairlift Large conservatory Well managed gardens Communal lounge area ideal for socialising Guest apartment facilities available hairdressing / chiropody salon, library, compter room
Peter Stracey House is a private retirement housing complex of 48 two bedroomed apartments built in 1992. Purpose built for the Durham Masonic Benevolent Fund, it opened 26 years ago and the Durham Benevolence Fund maintain the building to a very high standard. Since opening, a conservatory has been added plus a kitchen area with a communal lounge, double-glazed windows throughout, and full roof replacement. The kitchens and bathrooms within the building are being upgraded, on vacant possession, at a cost of £15,000. As part of the continued programme of investment, in 2019 there will be a £120,000 extensive refurbishment of the entrance, with the relocation of the estate manager’s office, allowing the installation of automatic doors and the removal of the air lock entry. This project will update the aesthetics of the entrance, lightening up the lobby into a welcoming communal space and upgrading the warden door system from analogue to digital.
“When an apartment becomes available, priority is given to those on the waiting list with a Masonic connection” Should you like to make a visit or want information on Boundary Court, Jack will be happy to assist with your enquiries. Email - jackjill@sky.com Should you like to make a visit or want information on Peter Stracey House, David will be happy to assist with your enquiries. Email - d.dorward1@yahoo.com
Potential residents please note that these properties are not nursing homes and residents must be sufficiently agile to manage the stairs in case of an emergency when the lifts are out of use. Pets are not allowed except guide or assistance dogs
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The Masonic Charitable Foundation The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families and is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country, supporting Freemasons and their families as well as charities across England and Wales. Most of the support provided by the MCF takes the form of financial grants to individuals and families to assist with daily living costs. They also award grants to provide specific items or services. The MCF builds better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare, education and promoting independence for Freemasons, their families and the wider community. A range of health and care needs, including medical and dental treatments, counselling and mobility aids or home adaptations, are supported and funding is available for respite, residential, nursing and dementia care. Professional Advice and Support teams offer confidential and practical guidance about the support available from the MCF and many other organisations. In addition to the support they provide to Freemasons and their families, the MCF awards over £5 million each year to local and national charities that help vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people.
In the Province of Durham, in 2017/ 2018, the MCF awarded:
£400,475 to support Masonic Families
Helped
134 people from the masonic community (one person for every lodge)
£97,475 to support health needs
£40,183 to cover educational opportunities and quality care and 5 people accessed the counselling care line The MCF also supported
£262,835 in grants for daily living expenses
21 local charities with grants totalling
£150,500
All enquiries and applications sympathetically dealt with and in the strictest confidence. www.durhamfreemasons.org
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REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
DURHAM MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND
Visiting Volunteers In January to June 2016, the Grand Charity launched the Visiting Volunteers Scheme. The scheme was piloted by seven selected Provinces to ensure the anticipated benefits and that any issues could be resolved before consideration of a national roll out. The task of visiting often fell to the local lodge almoner and would come on top of existing pastoral care responsibilities including attending funerals in a lodge’s name, visiting widows and brethren who no longer attended their lodge and making hospital visits. Furthermore, the almoners had no formal training and received no support with additional administrative work. This increased workload, combined with a lack of specialist knowledge, meant that application forms submitted could sometimes contain errors. Before the Visiting Volunteer Scheme was introduced around 25% of all applications received by charities were incomplete or incorrectly filled in. This caused delays when essential help could be required. Filling in relevant paperwork was something that, historically, was not entirely straightforward. There was a need to ensure that all necessary supporting evidence was in place before the application was submitted to the MCF for consideration of a grant.
VISITING VOLUNTEERS HELP FREEMASONS AND FAMILIES IN NEED COMPLETE THE CRUCIAL PAPERWORK REQUIRED TO ACCESS GRANTS The first step for anyone applying for financial assistance from the MCF is to make contact where a dedicated professional will CONFIDENTIALLY advise a course of action, which may be available to assist your cause. Masonic Charitable Foundation 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Every year the MCF supports hundreds of members of the Masonic community. The support can come in many different forms, from help with essential living costs to grants following redundancy or bereavement. Grants can also be allocated for education or training for children and young people, for medical treatment or counselling, or even for minor home improvements. The role of the Visiting Volunteer is, as the name suggests, to visit the Freemasons and their families who apply for grants, helping them to correctly complete application forms and to collect and collate all of the information necessary for a request to be considered. The volunteers also have to prepare an objective, detailed report, to support the application. Unlike the overworked Almoners – who are now able to dedicate their time to their community-focused duties – Visiting Volunteers are vetted and thoroughly trained in the application process. The Province of Durham helped to develop this new model and recruited the local Visiting Volunteers who now help with applications in our Lodges. The Durham Volunteers have an initial two-day training programme, which is followed by regular refresher training. The scheme means that those in need have their applications dealt with more efficiently.
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Province of Durham Visiting Volunteers 2019 The
Lodge Name
Area
Kevin Carter
Hedworth No. 2418
South Shields
Brian Graham
Rowlands Gill No. 4694 Burnopfield
Alan Coxon
Crowley No. 6901
Dunston
Peter Ross
Coronation No. 2929
Stanley
Jeff P Rowe
Beaconsfield No. 7768
Gateshead
Simon Cowley
Lambton No. 375
Durham City
Derek Dunn
St George’s No. 5720
Birtley
Alan Reardon
Eden No. 8162
Castle Eden
Duncan Maw
Harte No. 4217
Hartlepool
Tristram No. 2415
Shildon
Jane Katsambis Allan Fletcher
Paul Debenham Elvet No. 5631
Durham City
Stan Hunter
Corinthian No. 5808
Shildon
Norman Rudd
Corinthian No. 5808
Shildon
The intensive training means that the Visiting Volunteers are up to speed on how forms need to be completed and aware of all the documentation that is required to support an application. They are conversant about things such as state benefits, so that they can highlight to applicants what benefits they might be entitled to. Confidentiality is very important, complying with legislation regarding data protection and safeguarding issues. Once a form has been completed and all the documentation collated, the Visiting Volunteer sends the application straight to the MCF in London.
www.durhamfreemasons.org