RMTGB Festival Forum to Grow

The third RMTGB Festival Forum was held at Freemasons’ Hall, London, in October. RMTGB representatives were on hand to discuss aspects of fund-raising, communications, merchandising, public relations and Festival planning. Over 40 delegates from 12 provinces either in Festival or who have recently completed a Festival, played an active part in the day.
     During syndicate sessions, delegates were able to tackle problems commonly encountered during Festival Appeals and hear how some provinces were implementing new initiatives in order to maximise appeal outcomes.
     Once again the feedback from delegates was extremely positive. Next year we intend to make the Forum a joint Charity event with delegates from provinces in Festival to the other Central Masonic Charities also being invited.

Support for Children with Disabilities

In addition to our main funds we oversee a number of smaller charities, each with their own individual objectives and eligibility criteria, which can be used to help families with specific needs and which complement our mainstream work.
     The Supreme Grand Chapter Fund was established in 1992 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Installation of the Duke of Kent as First Grand Principal. This special fund provides grants for holidays for disabled children and their carers. Jamie has autism, a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way he communicates and relates to the people around him. A grant from the Supreme Grand Chapter Fund contributed towards the cost of a short family holiday to Disneyland Paris.
     The facilities at the resort cater for the needs of disabled guests extremely well. This was the first break the family had been able to take for some time and they all benefitted from the chance to get away together. Jamie’s father, a Freemason, reported that the trip had something for everyone and that they have never seen Jamie smile so much!
     If you know anyone who could benefit from the support of this fund, please contact Kerry Whitford from our Petitions Department at the address below. For details of our other funds and the eligibility criteria please visit our website.

RECESSION INCREASES RMTGB APPLICATIONS In the winter 2008 edition of Freemasonry Today, Dr Mike Woodcock, RMTGB President, urged Brethren to be vigilant in identifying children and families who have suffered financial distress during the troubled economic times. In the year since this request we have seen a 25% increase in the number of new applications, many directly connected to the recession. In many cases we are able to assist immediately. Our aim is to minimise the disruption to the lives and particularly the education of our masonic children. If you and your family are suffering distress or you know of a family in distress please contact us immediately.

CONTACT DETAILS Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 7405 2644 Fax: 020 7831 4094 info@rmtgb.org www.rmtgb.org