Page 25 - EssexMason (Issue 86) Online Version

Almoner

Essex Provincial Almoners Fund EPAF

Introduction
The charity was offi cially launched on the 30th March 2019 and is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity’s
Commission, Number 1177292
This new almoner’s charity exists so that there is greater transparency for donors to see where their money is going to in the Province. All money
given to this charity is used for almoner work in Essex and the other two Provincial Charities give the money they receive to charities and good
causes, mainly in Essex but not exclusively to Essex.
What is the Purpose of the Fund?
To ensure that eligible Essex Masons, their qualifying dependents and unattached widows have access to immediate funds through the Essex Almoners
Team in times of great need, be it fi nancially or medically
How is the Money Used?
Our aim is to use this money very quickly, often within 24 hours to give immediate relief from suffering connected to either or both, fi nancial or health
matters.
The fund is also used to provide support to our masonic widows who have become unattached from their own lodges.

Typical examples of how the money is spent
Emergency food shopping, buying clothes for children, paying rent, electricity, gas and rate arrears, minor repairs to a house, mending a car, buying
toys for children, help with legal costs, clearing pests and rubbish, small fi nancial awards to help until benefi t arrives, commissioning occupational
therapy reports, purchasing types of mobility aids, helping with funeral costs, emergency optical and dental costs, travel costs to and from hospitals
and repairs to stair lifts. Supporting widows without a lodge at Christmas with a gift. The list seems endless.
How is the Fund Managed?
A board of trustees manages the affairs of the charity under the Chairmanship of W. Bro Nick Clarke, the Provincial Grand Almoner. He and the charity’s
fi nance offi cer, Gary Hostler look after the day to day matters that the charity is asked to deal with and are held to account fi nancially and practically
by the trustees
What Makes Up the Fund?
The fund only operates with a current account and which is examined each year and presented to the Trustees. All monies spent are fi rst agreed by
both the Chairman and the Finance Offi cer. Typically, the fund does not spend more than £50K pa.
Who is Eligible for Help?
All Essex masons and their eligible dependents who meet the criteria for help. Details of such criteria is available from the Provincial Grand Almoner,
W.Bro Nick Clarke on 07768 067817 or from any of the Provincial Almoners Team.
All of the money given to the EPAF is used for supporting Essex Masons and their eligible dependents who are connected with an Essex Lodge or
Chapter
Where Does the Money Come From and where should it be sent to?
Contributions come from Lodge, Chapter and individual donations, especially at Christmas when support is wanted to be given for the unattached
widows. More donations however are required through the year to support our ongoing work which takes place every day of the year. All donations
are acknowledged immediately, they are hugely appreciated, grateful received and faithfully applied to those in need. They should be sent to Nick
Clarke, 7 Les Bois, Layer de lay Haye, Colchester CO2 0EX
Cheques should be made payable to the ‘EPAF’.
If at the end of the year more money is needed to support the almoners work then the EPCF will provide additional funding.
Nick Clarke
Provincial Grand Almoner
Freemasons Mark 75th
Anniversary of D-Day

ssex Freemasons turned out in force on 6th June to commemorate the sacrifi ce given by
Emany at the anniversary of Operation Overlord on 6th May. This operation was a pivotal
moment in the Second World War, taking the offensive to the Germans to push them back
out of occupied countries. It wasn’t easy but hard fought, taking another year to complete
the overthrow of the Nazis and to restore peace to Western Europe.
To mark that day, national commemoration events took place in both Portsmouth and in Normandy, but the
garrison town of Colchester held its own event at the War Memorial in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant,
Mrs Jennifer Tollhurst, and many dignitaries from around the region. The focus was on airborne forces
who today make Colchester their home, centred around the unveiling of a new garden feature depicting
“Pegasus”, the emblem of British Airborne Forces, and a display in the Castle Museum.
A solemn service followed after which V.W.Bro., Paul G. Reeves, DPGM laid a wreath on behalf of the
Provincial Grand Master with the respect of all Essex Freemasons. Further wreaths were laid down by W.Bro.
Paul Masters on behalf of Colchester Masons and W.Bro. Paul Fell on behalf of Ostrea Lodge, Wivenhoe.
Photo Credit: Linda Fell (1) & Mike Barrett (2)

Provincial Grand Almoner

W.Bro Nick Clarke PADGC nick@nickclarke.f9.co.uk
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