Somerset 2020 Festival
I am delighted to continue to support the 2020 festival launched by my predecessor, Right Worshipful Brother C.A. Stuart Hadler in April 2011, and I’m sure that you are aware that this is in support of the Grand Charity and the MCF, and comes to a close next year, culminating in a celebratory lunch at the Bristol City Football Club on Saturday 27th June 2020 .
I would like to confirm my support of and commitment to Regular Giving and the use of Gift Aid as the preferred approach to supporting Masonic charities. Please do take the time to complete a Direct Debit or an envelope as these normally provide an extra 25% from HMRC. Gift Aid raised £500,000 for our last Festival so it really is worth the extra effort.
The Festival total now stands at amounts to approximately £702/member, and compares to a national average across all Provincial Festivals of £673/member.
We have every right to be very proud of our achievements so far with 41 Lodges reaching 5 or more Ashlar Awards. I most sincerely thank the hard work and unstinting support for the Festival by everyone involved, it is very much appreciated.
During this next 12 months, I ask everyone to make our Festival a success by ensuring it is considered the principle choice for all your charitable activities, as with your support and generosity we can achieve our target of £750/member
There are now 12 Lodges which have now achieved the Golden Ashlar award, that’s £1,000 per member, an outstanding achievement. These Lodges were formally thanked at a special meeting which took place on the 20th September 2019.
Finally, every Masonic centre will receive a banner, which should be placed in a prominent position, as it explains what support the Province of Somerset receives from the Grand Charity and from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
In closing, I thank everyone for supporting the Festival and together we can make a difference.
Provincial Grand Master: David J Medlock
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