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Belfast Masonic Charity Fund September 2014
ISSUE 1
NEWSLETTER
115 THE MOUNT, BELFAST. BT5 4ND. | Telephone 028 9045 1020 | email [email protected]
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2013.
MEETINGS
During the course of 2013 the General Committee held
eight Stated Monthly meetings with the April meeting being
followed by our Annual General Meeting.
We had a very busy schedule throughout the year
convening eight Board Meetings, seven Management
meetings, ten Emergency Relief Meetings and two
Annuitants Review Meetings.
In addition to which the business of the Trustees was
conducted through a series of ten meetings and I would
wish to express my sincere thanks to all of the Brethren of
the various Committee’s for the attentions and
contributions of their offices.
EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
The function of our Emergency Committee (E.C.) is to
consider and respond to pressing cases requiring urgent
assistance. In 2013 the E.C. dealt with ten such applications
(six during the summer recess) all of which were deserving
of support subsequently distributed within a 48 hour
window from receipt of the applications.
As a result of the extreme weather conditions of March
2013 (the worst for 50 years) our E.C. was convened to
assess the vulnerability of the Funds annuitants in
consequence of the effects and necessity for additional
heating, clothing and food requirements.
In acknowledgment of these supplementary costs
especially those pertinent to home heating we identified a
mounting anxiety with regards to the difficulties of our
annuitants in settling these accrued bills. In order to
alleviate the concerns attributable to extra energy usage
our E.C. decided to award (with immediate effect) a Special
Energy Payment of £100 to each of the Funds annuitants.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Brethren and
Lodges who recorded their approval in support of our
actions.
While our records determine a substantial 36% increase of
annuitants during the past four years with an improved
increase of 29% in Lodge donations for 2013 unfortunately
we were encumbered with an accumulated shortfall of
£40,000 being the variance of donations received against
Grants awarded during the last two years.
We noted that of the eight District Charity Committees
within the operational jurisdiction of the Fund only three
Districts Committees provide sufficient funding
apportioned to the duty of care provided by the Fund in
their respective areas. Of the remaining Districts we were
saddened to discover significant elements of
disproportionate allocations to the B.M.C.F. in relation to
the benevolent attentions we continue to provide within
those areas.
One District in which we have supported annuitants during
the past four years to the value of approx. £17,000 failed to
contribute any monies to our Fund, while during the same
period the District Committee disbursed substantial
donations in favour of ‘non Masonic Charities’.
On behalf of the Funds annuitants I would wish to express
our sincere appreciation to those Brethren and Lodges who
have so steadfastly supported the B.M.C.F. during 2013 and
beyond. We remain faithfully committed to serving the
compassions of your benevolence in an evolving
environment of escalating competitiveness with ‘non
Masonic Charities’.
The B.M.C.F. relies on your support – ‘in affording relief to
deserving destitute, indigent Brother Freemasons or their
families to include the dependents of deceased Brother
Freemasons’.
Sincerely & fraternally,
Brother Tony Blair - Chairman B.M.C.F.
PERFORMANCE
2010 2013 Variance
Annuitants 61 83 +36%
Grants Paid £42,571 £75,140 +76%
Year Donations
Received
Grants
Paid Shortfall Variance
2012 £42,709 £62,450 £ (19,741) - 46%
2013 £55,174 £75,140 £ (19,966) - 36%
Total £97,883 £137,590 £ (39,707) - 40%
2013 Annuitant Age Analysis < 40 40-60 60-80 80+
Percentage 3% 33% 31% 33%
Tony Blair Chairman B.M.C.F.
115 THE MOUNT, BELFAST. BT5 4ND. | Telephone 028 9045 1020 | email [email protected]
B.M.C.F. Belfast Masonic Charity Fund
September 2014
ISSUE 1
In recognition of the attentions that Brother Ernie has given
to Masonic Charities with particular emphasis of his
benevolent labours and distinguished service to both the
Lodge and the B.M.C.F.
The Brethren of Harmony 645 nominated Bro Ernie for
honorary ‘Vice Chair’ and ‘Life Member’ of the Fund. Bro
Ernie as a Past Chairman of the B.M.C.F. and continues to
serve as a stalwart member on our Management and
Emergency Committees.
The Officers and General Committee of the Fund would
wish to congratulate Bro Ernie and express our sincere
gratitude to the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren
of Harmony 645 in appreciation of their continued generous
support.
Nomination of Vice Chairs and Life Membership is a facility
for Lodges to express their appreciation to their Almoners
and Stewards of Charities for their tireless efforts.
Chairman of the B.M.C.F. Brother Tony Blair Presenting
Certificate of ‘Life Membership’ to Brother Ernie Flack,
Almoner of Harmony Masonic Lodge 645.
Thankful Service – Rosemary.
Mrs Rosemary Black our esteemed Office Secretary and
Administrator for the past 18 years has recently been
seconded full time from the B.M.C.F. to the Boys and Girls
Funds to assist with the accumulation of home visitations
throughout the Northern Provinces.
Rosemary initially began working with the Belfast Funds in
November 1996 and developed her resourceful skills in
providing additional local assistance to our sister Charities,
the Victoria Jubilee Fund and the Masonic Welfare Fund.
Her administrative talents in coordinating the interests of
both the Belfast and Dublin based Charities have proved
invaluable to all of the Funds. With her welcoming and
friendly demeanour Rosemary has personified the
attributes of Masonic compassion in all facets of our
charitable benevolence.
Rosemary’s competent knowledge was always at hand to
give guidance to Lodge Sect’s, Almoners & SOC’s but more
than often she has been the welcoming voice in attending
to the direct inquiries from our annuitants. Her proficient
and understanding manner has often soothed the concerns
of our beneficiaries which is evident from the expressions
of gratitude in their correspondence.
Our late President and Hon Secretary Bro Norman Campbell
who sadly passed away in Dec 2012 often described
Rosemary as our ‘Rosetta Stone’ the hidden asset that
rarely received the deserving recognition.
In admiration and appreciation of her exceptional
attentions combined with the personal loyalty given to the
Belfast Charities we thank Rosemary for her dedication to
the administrative responsibilities in advancing the
objectives of the Funds and wish her every success in her
new role with the Boys and Girls Fund.
As an expression of our most sincere gratitude for
Rosemary’s valuable contributions to the Belfast Charity
Funds during the past 18 years, we presented Rosemary
with a Mobile Phone and Kindle at a recent luncheon held
in her honour. (as below)
L – R BMCF Chairman Bro Tony Blair, President Bro Mervyn
Cleland, PG Assist. Sect Down Bro Andy Magill, Hon Treasurer Bro
Harry Bottomley, Lorraine Butler Down Office, (Star Guest)
Rosemary Black, Hon Secretary Bro Billy Beattie.
Endowed Chair Bro Ernie Flack Harmony Masonic Lodge 645
Patron Jewels – are presently available at a cost of £30
each and can be obtained from the Office at 115 The Mount
Belfast.
Craft – Blue Ribbon
Chapter – Red Ribbon
115 THE MOUNT, BELFAST. BT5 4ND. | Telephone 028 9045 1020 | email [email protected]
B.M.C.F. Belfast Masonic Charity Fund
September 2014
ISSUE 1
Eddie fought from 1940 to the end of the War, he served in
both the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards and 1st Battalion of
the Royal Irish Regiment during which time he was captured
twice and escaped twice from the Germans.
He fought in North Africa, Italy and France and was
mentioned twice in dispatches for his bravery with a
notable description in his 1956 demob papers as
‘indispensable’.
Brother Eddie is survived by his Son Edward and Daughter
Catherine, five grandchildren, one great granddaughter and
one great, great granddaughter.
Eddie’s wife of 69 years Marie, passed away in November
2013.
A truly remarkable man, great friend, mentor and
honourable Mason.
Brother Mervyn Cleland
President - Belfast Masonic Charity Fund
A Remarkable & Gentle Man
A Tribute to,
The Worshipful Brother Edward (Eddie) Donnan.
Past Chairman, Past Honorary Secretary of the Belfast
Masonic Charity Fund and the Belfast Masonic Widows
Fund also Patron and Past Chairman of the Masonic
Orphans Welfare Fund, died suddenly on 5th June 2014.
Brother Eddie gave 35 years of exemplary service in a
variety of Offices pertaining to both the Belfast Masonic
Charity Funds and the Masonic Orphans Welfare Fund.
He was a very talented and skilled administrator excelling in
a variety of roles within Masonic Charities. Eddie was the
epitome of a true gentleman who was most certainly fit for
purpose in pursuit of his many charitable offices.
As a mentor his quite temperament and humble
demeanour coupled with his tireless compassion for
Masonic Charities personified the virtues of benevolence.
For one so determined, working silently in the background
never seeking or expecting recognition of his many talents
Eddie never sought to ingratiate himself for favour or
recognition, his reward was in the satisfaction that
assistance had been aptly provided when required.
That his efforts to expedite benevolence to those need at
whatever time of the day or night was an example of his
exceptional qualities and service to the Masonic Order.
It was a fitting farewell for one of Northern Ireland’s longest
surviving Second World War heroes to have had a Guard of
Honour from the Irish Guards and 1st Battalion Royal Irish
Regiment as a tribute at former Sergeant Donnan’s funeral.
Eight serving soldiers wearing the regiment’s distinctive red
uniform saluted while a regimental piper played a lament
as our 92 year old Brother and war veteran entered St
Donard’s Parish Church.
IRISH GUARD & SECOND WORLD WAR VETERAN
115 THE MOUNT, BELFAST. BT5 4ND. | Telephone 028 9045 1020 | email [email protected]
B.M.C.F. Belfast Masonic Charity Fund
September 2014
ISSUE 1
Refurbishment of Masonic Graves at
Belfast City Cemetery.
In May 1876 a joint initiative was unveiled between the
Belfast Masonic Charity Fund and the Belfast Masonic
Widows Fund with the purchase of three graves in Belfast
City Cemetery to provide a dignified resting place for
Brethren and avoid those deserving from being interned in
a pauper’s grave. In 1879 a very impressive memorial
obelisk of ‘Goragh Wood’ granite complete with Granite
Kerbs and carved Masonic symbols was erected on the
combined plot.
With the passing of time that section of the cemetery had
been left to the whims of nature and was very much
overgrown with the spreading of deep routed shrubbery
winding and clinging its ways as if auditioning for a horror
movie. The scene was only to be experienced by the bravest
in day time only.
In 2013 a fearless team of B.M.C.F. volunteers equipped
with machetes and dirt-busters completed an inverted
frontal assault on nature not knowing what unknowns we
might encounter. The imposing monument had been badly
discoloured by staining with the kerbs and corner postings
having suffered from what looked like wilful ground decay.
With a little bit of patience and TLC (tender loving care) the
stone was slowly restored to a degree of modest
respectability as not to attract obvious attention from any
visiting or inquisitive dissenters who socially frequent the
area at weekends.
During our ‘reformation’ exercise we stumbled upon a
number of Masonic graves throughout the cemetery which
were in similar conditions and appropriately marked with
equally impressive tombstones complete with Masonic
symbols. With an enthused degree for tidiness our team
performed sufficient housekeeping (to our additional finds)
as not to invite unwelcome interest to these fine landmarks.
You can find more information on our discoveries on our
new website soon to be advised.
The Belfast Masonic Charity Fund
In Consultation with
Age NI.
Age NI is here to help with the challenges we face in later
life
Age NI Advice Line – 0808 808 7575
www.ageuk.org.uk
Key topics
• Benefits and entitlements - find out what benefits you can claim,
including Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
• Pensions – State retirement pensions help make our future
better. Find out the facts and the extra benefits that might be
owed to you.
• Providing Care – Expert advice on how to get the care and
support you need.
• Loneliness – Advice on activities and Day Centre Services.
• Health Issues – advice on the cost of health issues.
• Home Protection - advice on personal and home protection.
• Income & Tax – Get help understanding your tax issues.
• Debt and Savings – How to save money on your energy bills, deal
with debt.
• Legal Issues – Get information about legal issues, such as
planning a will or finding a solicitor.
Age N.I. offer advice on a wide range of Products and
Services for the over 50’s to assist in planning and improving
for later life.
The Belfast Masonic Charity Fund consults with a number of
Local Charities to explore compatible interests and
exchange research for the benefit of our annuitants.
Regular issues of this Newsletter will detail updates on
other charitable benefits and services which we hope will
be helpful to Lodge Almoners and S.O.C’s.