Annual Review 2010–2011
Introduction from the President and Chief Executive We have much pleasure in presenting our 2010-2011 Annual Review. It shows that the last 12 months have been an extremely busy and successful time for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. The further increase in new applications for support continues the previous upward trend. Many of these applications came to us because of financial distress arising from redundancy or business failure. Last year we highlighted how the difficult economic climate is also resulting in social consequences such as divorce or ill health. There is no sign of this trend reversing and sadly it has many unfortunate repercussions on the children of Masonic families. Thankfully we remain able to support these children when they most need our help and we remain immensely grateful to the many Freemasons who continue to support our activities so generously and enable us to sustain our life-changing work. Our activities extend far beyond the Masonic family and over the last year we have been able to support other charities through our Stepping Stones scheme, which helps to reduce child poverty in the wider community, breaking down some of the barriers to education for disadvantaged young people. We are also proud of both the ongoing success of our subsidiary charity Lifelites, which does so much to enhance the lives of children who are cared for by children’s hospices, and of our Choral Bursary scheme, which supports children wishing to join a cathedral choir or choral foundation. The Masonic Festival system continues to provide a major part of our income. In October 2010, we celebrated the culmination of the Buckinghamshire Festival Appeal at a unique event held in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall. We are grateful to RW Bro Ray Reed, Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire, for leading such a successful Appeal and to the members of the Province for their generosity. In June 2011, we celebrated the conclusion of the Province of Worcestershire 2011 Festival Appeal at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Our thanks also go to RW Bro Richard Goddard, the Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire, and the Brethren of the Province, for their generous support. A full report on the 2011 Festival will feature in our next Annual Review. The major redevelopment of our former headquarters in Great Queen Street, London was completed in late 2010 and we are confident that this high quality, modern office accommodation will soon be fully occupied. The anticipated rental income will provide a significant additional revenue stream which will help to support our work for many years to come. 2
Mike Woodcock and Les Hutchinson
Also in 2010, in collaboration with the three other central Masonic Charities and following a comprehensive selection process, we appointed two new investment managers with the specific mandate of producing a defined return whilst protecting our investments from major falls in the stock market. The early signs are encouraging and we are managing their progress through a joint charity investment group, which comprises representatives from each of the central Masonic Charities. We have played a major role in the implementation of the new Freemasonry Cares initiative, which offers a single contact point for anyone enquiring about help from the central Masonic Charities and better co-ordination of the services we all provide. Together, we have also developed a new Common Application Form. Both of these initiatives will make our charitable support more accessible than ever before. At our 2011 Annual General Court, W Bro Geoffrey Bourne-Taylor stepped down having served on our Council and Petitions Committee since 2006 and in April 2011 W Bro Stuart French retired from his position as Grants Manager after 41 years of service. We are grateful to both of them for their invaluable contributions. Finally, we record our thanks to all of the staff of the RMTGB who continue to work hard to enhance the lives of so many disadvantaged children and to the many volunteers, including Almoners, Charity Stewards and our Ambassadors, who make such a vital contribution to all that we do. VW Bro Mike Woodcock President and Chairman of Council
W Bro Les Hutchinson Chief Executive
Introduction from Ellie When I was eight years old, my life changed. My dad, who had recently begun to suffer from back pain, suddenly collapsed. He was diagnosed with cancer and just three months later he died at our home. There have been some difficult times for my family, but the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys was there to assist us and enable my mum to provide the everyday things we needed. It would be impossible to replace my dad, but the help given to my family by the RMTGB ensured that I was able to continue to lead a normal childhood rather than miss out on the things my friends enjoyed. The help I have received also means that I do not have to lower my ambitions because I know that this wonderful support will be there until I finish my education. Ellie, aged 16 3
Our support In 2010, we continued to help our beneficiaries overcome the barriers of poverty and complete the education and training they need to achieve their full potential and succeed in life. Many beneficiaries received support from our main funds following a distress arising from the death, disability or absence of a parent, resulting in financial hardship. There must be a Masonic connection; usually this is the father, step-father or grandfather, but in some cases it could be another Freemason who can demonstrate that he has provided substantial financial assistance for the child. In all cases, applications are subject to a financial assessment to ensure there is a need for our support. This support most frequently takes the form of a maintenance allowance to assist with everyday living costs and we can also make specific grants for such items as computer equipment, music or sports lessons and educational visits. Grants are also provided to support higher or further education and apprenticeships. Families with a particularly low income may also receive annual summer holiday or Christmas grants to enable them to spend some quality time together. In addition, we provide help to meet the needs of young people with disabilities.
“It was only when my Lodge Almoner told me about the support the RMTGB could provide that I realised the boys might be eligible. I’d never have thought to ask beforehand, but I’m so glad I did because the grants have made such a massive difference during this difficult time for my family.” Charlie, Daniel and Aidan’s father
Our support is not only financial. Each family receives a home visit from one of our Welfare Advisers in order to fully assess their circumstances and needs. This highly skilled team guides families through the application process ensuring that they receive the state benefits to which they are entitled and are able to access other services which may assist them. The Welfare team can further support families and children in our care using their professional backgrounds and skills in counselling, family therapy and educational and careers guidance.
30% more new cases than 2009
Georgia
Charlie (c), Daniel (l), and Aidan (r)
Charlie, Daniel and Aidan Charlie, 12, Daniel, nine, and Aidan, seven, received our support when the recession took its toll on their father’s small business and it collapsed. This had a devastating impact on his family’s finances and we provided maintenance allowances to ensure that the education and welfare of his children did not suffer during this difficult time. In our experience, families looking to cut back their spending are often forced to sacrifice extra-curricular activities, but our support enabled the boys to continue their favorite sports including swimming, football and cricket.
Georgia Georgia, aged 10, has received support from the RMTGB since she was only seven months old. Her father had experienced severe ill health since 1993. We provided Georgia with a regular maintenance allowance and have also awarded additional grants towards clothing and the cost of music and dance lessons to ensure that she can enjoy the same opportunities as her friends. 4
Blaze Blaze is 11 years old. His father left the family home shortly after he was born. In 2010, he was awarded a full scholarship by a prestigious performing arts school. This was a wonderful opportunity that was too good to turn down, but because she was unable to work due to ill health, his mother could not afford the additional costs including his daily travel and school uniform. We provided the extra support needed to cover these costs, ensuring that Blaze could take advantage of the scholarship he had been offered. We also awarded maintenance grants to help with his other everyday expenses. 5
TalentAid, our scheme which supports talented young people, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2011. This scheme was established in response to our growing awareness that some families were making huge financial sacrifices, or were simply unable to support their child’s ambition to develop a career in sport, music or the performing arts.
Luke: Cyclo-cross champion
Lorna: Ballr
oom dancin
Over the past decade we have awarded almost £3m in TalentAid grants to over 250 young people, whose exceptional talent often represents their best career prospect. Recipients of TalentAid grants must have a Masonic connection and all grants are subject to a financial assessment to establish the needs of the family.
g
“I am able to pursue my passion for dancing as a direct result of the TalentAid grant. My parents give up a great deal of their time, but without the grant they could not fund my dancing which I intend to make my career.” Lorna Dancer
Carolyn: Conservation in New Zealand
Student acco
mmodation
at Ruspini H
ouse
Adam’s medical training
Supporting other opportunities Through our subsidiary funds and charities we are able to help a limited number of young people embrace life-changing opportunities which cannot be supported from our main funds. In 2010, we assisted 133 young people from these funds. Rebecca received support towards the cost of educational travel; Carolyn participated in charitable work overseas; and Adam, who will complete the final year of his degree in Medicine this year, received support towards his studies. We also provide safe, affordable accommodation at Ruspini House in central London for up to 27 students, or for those wishing to undertake work experience in the capital. As with all our support, applications to the subsidiary funds are assessed on the basis of financial need. 6
elling Rebecca: Trav India fellowship to
In 2010, our 91 TalentAid grants supported those who excel at: Acting Archery Ballet Basketball Cello Cricket Cycling Dancing Dressage Football Gymnastics Hockey Jazz Kayaking Music Opera Performing Arts Piano Refereeing Riding Rowing Running Skating Swimming Tuba Trumpet Violin
Rhonwen Rhonwen is 16 years old. She is a promising young canoe sprinter whose sporting career has developed significantly since she took up the sport at the age of seven. She now regularly competes in national competitions and is hoping for a place in Team GB at the 2016 Olympics. Because her parents suffer from illnesses which have reduced their ability to work, the family income is insufficient to fully support her promising career. We contributed towards the cost of a new kayak to ensure that Rhonwen is able to compete at the highest levels. 7
Support for other children in need Training on
the IT
Lifelites benefits over
5,000 children who attend hospices
Using the touchscreen
The excellent work of our separate but subsidiary charity Lifelites (Charity No. 1115655) continued throughout 2010. Lifelites is the only charity in the UK dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospices by providing and maintaining special educational and entertainment technology packages. These children, many of whom have severe disabilities and degenerative conditions, are helped by being able to use technology such as touchscreen computers and specialist software. Packages can include camcorders, digital cameras, printers, televisions and disability friendly gaming equipment, allowing children with life-limiting conditions to continue their education, pursue their interests and keep in touch with family and friends.
“We are thrilled to have received such a generous gift from Lifelites.” Pauline Lees Acorns Hospice – Selly Oak
Approximately one third of donations made to Lifelites in 2010 came from Freemasons; the remainder came from a wide variety of non-Masonic sources including sponsored activities, individual donors and sports club charity events. Lifelites also received support from the Dixons Foundation and the staff of DSGi in addition to a major contribution from the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity. These donations were used to provide new packages for 10 children’s hospices. The RMTGB provides Lifelites with practical support, particularly in the form of office facilities and financial services. Chief Executive of Lifelites, Simone Enefer-Doy, commented: “Fundraising is a constant challenge and we would not be able to continue our work without the support of all our donors and the Freemasons who volunteer their time and technical expertise. Their support means that all of the equipment and services are provided at no cost to the hospices. In 2011 there are six new children’s hospice projects in addition to the 11 sites which are due to receive an upgraded package from Lifelites. We have our work cut out, but we are keen to maintain our status as a Masonic initiative which benefits every children’s hospice in the country.” For further information about Lifelites, please visit www.lifelites.org.
Róisín: Chorister
Choral Bursaries edral Exeter Cath
hedral
© Exeter Cat
Our Choral Bursary scheme enables children to join a cathedral choir, attend the choir school or join a choral foundation when their family are unable to meet the cost. A Masonic connection is not necessary to qualify for a Choral Bursary, but all grants are subject to a financial assessment. In 2010, we supported 29 choristers at 27 cathedrals and other choral foundations. Róisín is currently a chorister at Exeter Cathedral and has benefited from our support since 2008. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and sadly died in May 2009.
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Stepping Stones In 2010, the RMTGB launched a grant-making scheme called Stepping Stones which awards grants to nonMasonic charities and programmes working to alleviate poverty and improve the education of children and young people who are most disadvantaged.
“Without the grant from the RMTGB we would be unable to support isolated young families.” Marion Moss Manager, Home-Start Sutton
Grants totalling over £60,000 were awarded to five charities during 2010 to fund specific projects which will benefit over 200 children and young adults.
© Trax Mot
The grants enable these charities to deliver a range of benefits including mentoring, family support, healthy eating programmes and employment training for young adults with learning disabilities.
© Friendship Works
Friendship Works
or Project
The activities of all the recipient charities have a positive impact on the life-chances and career development of those they support.
Trax: The Oxf
ordshire Mo
tor Project
In 2010
£547,000
ildren (UK)
Feed the Ch
was donated to non-Masonic causes © Home-Start
© Aspire Living
Aspire Living
Home-Start, Sutton
“The RMTGB’s support will allow Friendship Works to continue to provide essential long-term mentoring support to children.” Richard Turner Chief Executive, Friendship Works 9
Without the ongoing generosity of Freemasons and their families, we would be unable to continue our life-changing work which makes such a difference to so many disadvantaged children. In 2010, we celebrated the culmination of the 25th Anniversary Festival Appeal which was supported by the Province of Buckinghamshire. The total amount raised was over £2.6m, far exceeding the Province’s target of £2m. The celebration was held in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall (pictured) in the presence of MW Bro Peter Lowndes, Pro Grand Master, and RW Bro Ray Reed, Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire. Over 550 Brethren and their wives and partners attended the event and were treated to a range of musical entertainment, including a performance by classical singer and TalentAid recipient Tristram Cooke and his brother Thomas. The final total was revealed at the end of an impressive video which showed some of the highlights of the Appeal, including fundraising events and activities. During the last year, our supporters have gone to new lengths to raise funds towards our work. In Buckinghamshire, the final year of fundraising for the 2010 Festival saw W Bro Gavin Lannen and others participate in the Rock Ride, a 1,500 mile sponsored cycle ride from Gibraltar to Buckinghamshire. W Bro Gordon Staple, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire, scaled Ben Nevis to raise funds for the 2015 Festival Appeal. To mark the launch of the 2016 Festival Appeal, W Bro John Donoghue cycled 500 miles in four days, visiting every Masonic centre in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight delivering information about the Appeal. In June 2011, we celebrated the conclusion of the Worcestershire Festival Appeal at an event held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham and in November 2012, Devonshire will hold an event at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay to mark the conclusion of their Appeal. To the Brethren and their families who have donated or are raising funds for the RMTGB, we are extremely grateful. Thank You.
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Photography by Dennis Ramsey
Celebrating our fundraisers
Group Financial Report In 2010, the RMTGB supported a total of 1,820 beneficiaries. The number of new cases accepted increased by 30% when compared to the previous year as the effects of the recent recession continued to be felt by many families.
een Street
31 Great Qu
Investing in the future The redevelopment of our former offices in Great Queen Street, London was completed in late 2010. This major project followed our relocation to Freemasons’ Hall in 2008. The refurbished offices now form a key part of our investment portfolio and will provide additional revenue to supplement our income, helping to ensure that we can support our beneficiaries for generations to come.
A career dedicated to others W Bro Stuart French retired from the RMTGB in April 2011 after a career which began in 1970. He joined the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls as a Stuart French clerk and concluded his career as Grants Manager in our Petitions Department. Stuart worked closely with a great many Provincial and Lodge Almoners to ensure that our support was made available to those who needed it most. Everyone at the RMTGB wishes Stuart a long and happy retirement.
Where our money goes…
Our subsidiary charity Lifelites, helped around 5,000 children through their support at over 40 children’s hospices. In addition, the grants made to non-Masonic charities through Stepping Stones and our Choral Bursary scheme enabled us to support a further 230 non-Masonic children and young people. Festival income and other voluntary donations continued to represent a significant part of our revenue and although lower than in 2009, legacies continued to be an important source of income. We are immensely grateful to all those who have made a donation to the RMTGB or remembered us in their will. In 2010, our newly appointed investment managers concentrated on achieving capital growth whilst protecting our investments from major falls in the stock market. The reduced investment income reflects this new total return strategy. Improvements in investment market conditions and a property revaluation undertaken during the year have resulted in an increase in funds of over £5m. Following the successful refurbishment of our former headquarters, it is anticipated that our rental income will increase significantly in 2011. Once again, we were able to meet our primary objective of maintaining our long-term commitments to existing beneficiaries and supporting newly eligible families which came to our attention. Full accounts, which have been audited without qualification and signed on 19 May 2011 are available on request. The audited accounts were approved at the Annual General Court held on 21 June 2011.
Summary Group Accounts (£000s) Funds brought forward
2010 2009 139,940 128,656
Income
11 4 2 6
%
Net investment income Festival income and other donations Legacies
1,390 4,042 3,376 3,138 737 1,375
5,503 8,555
Expenditure
77
Beneficiaries TalentAid Choral Bursaries and non-Masonic grants Lifelites Fundraising expenditure and governance
77% 6% 2% 4% 11%
Amounts paid on behalf of beneficiaries TalentAid Choral Bursaries and non-Masonic grants Lifelites Fundraising expenditure and governance
7,103 6,884 511 495 219 137 328 352 1,072 786
9,233 8,654
Investment gains
9,131 11,383
Net surplus in the year
5,401 11,284
Funds carried forward
145,341 139,940
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Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys Charity No 285836 Grand President HRH The Duke of Kent KG President Mike Woodcock Chief Executive Les Hutchinson 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 7405 2644 Fax: 020 7831 4094 Email: info@rmtgb.org Web: www.rmtgb.org