Charity & Community

Be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ornaments, which have already been amply illustrated – Benevolence and Charity…

This section describes the various entities and units which comprise the community engagement of the Province.

Some activities are led by individual Masons, or an informal group, who will take responsibility for raising money or carrying out volunteer work with charities or groups.

Each Lodge will raise funds through donations or raffles and will determine which charity or organisation to support. In addition, some Lodges will undertake community-focused activities as volunteers.

At the Provincial level, we have the Bristol Masons’ Charity (BMC), a fund which supports registered charities in the region and also makes grants to Bristol Masons suffering hardship.

A separate entity, the Provincial Grand Master’s Discretionary Fund, makes additional grants to those in need.

The Provincial Charity Steward carries out a co-ordinating role amongst the various Lodge Charity Stewards and is a member of the management committee of the BMC and a local representative for the MCF. He also leads on a number of initiatives.

At the national level, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), distributes significant grants, usually around £5.5m per annum, to charities across England and Wales and supports Masons and their families.

Building Better Lives

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) aims to be a force for good by providing support, care and services to Freemasons and their families in need, and supporting other charities to help the most disadvantaged people in society.

Governance

The MCF is managed by a board of trustees in accordance with the Articles of Association. The board is led by a chairman who is appointed annually. There are also two members appointed by each Province. The charity is administered by a chief executive, operations director and staff team.

Support and services

The MCF is here to support Freemasons and their families when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse. A wide range of help and support is available for daily living costs; health, care and wellbeing; and children, young people and education.

In the past year the MCF has continued seeking our approval, or otherwise, of grants it proposes to make to charitable organisations in Bristol and its local area, on our behalf. Publicity for these grants via press releases is time consuming and is governed by protocols so that nothing ‘leaks out’ before any official announcements are made.

Since September 2023 substantial grants have been made to five local charities – The Green House: ERIC, The Children’s Bowel And Bladder Charity: Empire Fighting Chance: Gympanzees and Bristol Autism Support. The MCF has also match funded Bristol Masons’ Charity donations The Matthew Tree Project, Feed The Homeless (founded by Naseem Talukdar of Whitson Lodge), Caring In Bristol and Roots Independent Street Team – all local charities that provide for the needs of the homeless, the street people and those in desperate need.

MCF Grants and Match Funding are only possible because, like us, Brethren everywhere contribute to The Grand Charity via annual Lodge subscriptions and are participants of the Provincial Festival Scheme where each Province undertakes a fund-raising festival in support of the MCF every 10 to 12 years.

BRISTOL MASONS’ CHARITY

The BMC exists to distribute the proceeds arising from bequests and donations made by Bristol Masons. These bequests have been built up since the founding of the Charity in 1887.

The assets of the charity are managed to allow growth in line with inflation and to donate the surplus earnings to worthy causes. The annual amount available to distribute varies with market conditions but in 2024 donations to charities and individuals were in the order of £195k.

The first responsibility of the charity is to provide funds to Bristol Masons or their dependents who find themselves in reduced circumstances.

In addition, the BMC donates to Masonic and non-Masonic charities with specific activities in the Greater Bristol Area. The Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s report contains details of some of the many donations made by the BMC during the year.

The BMC will also match fund charitable donations made by Lodges or Chapters up to a maximum aggregate of £3000 in any one year.

Although the Charity was able to match fund donations to the 2025 Mini Festival it cannot match fund donations to the 2030 Festival

Any Bristol Mason may make an application for relief, in the strictest confidence, via their Lodge or Chapter Almoner. They may also refer a charity which has a specific requirement for funding in The Greater Bristol Area, via their Charity Steward, to the BMC.

Through its support of a wide range of charities the Bristol Masons’ Charity continues to make a real difference to many vulnerable communities throughout the Greater Bristol Area.

W Bro. Mike Drysdale

Hon. Secretary

On behalf of the Trustees and Committee of the Bristol Masons Charity

BRISTOL’S 2025 TWO YEAR MINI FESTIVAL – £200,000

We are fortunate to OWN one of the finest Masonic Halls in the Country. We have done so since 1871 and (with the exception of an enforced break from its destruction in 1940 until it was rebuilt 1957) it has been the home of the Province since then. That we own it outright is due to the generosity of the Brethren in the (many fewer) Lodges and Chapters in the Province of Bristol at that time who raised the equivalent of £920,000 in today’s money to purchase the property we all enjoy.

We are further in the debt of those Brethren who, after the War, contributed to the cost of rebuilding FMH after the devastation wrought by the Bristol Blitz. On the morning of 25 th November 1940 all that was left standing of our home was the entrance portico and the four outer walls. The interior was reduced to smoking rubble.

In summary brethren, every 75 years or so there is a need to raise funds over and above those that are required for general repairs, redecoration, and planned preventative maintenance and are forebears never set up a annual subscription scheme to raise maintenance funds, The Charity Friends of Freemasons’ Hall Bristol [1190065] was set up to help support the structural up keep of Park Street, a Grade 2* Listed Building for “the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the Freemasons’ Hall Bristol”. We have all been made aware of the various issues concerning our copper roof, parapet, electrical upgrades, water supply and other fixture and fittings have started to reach the end of their life.

Our PGSuptWorks WBro Steve Carter has been working hard and producing a long term repair schedule and the money raised from the Mini Festival will help to give this plan financial stability. By the time we have the 2025 Mini Festival on 6 September2025 to celebrate the end of the Mini Festival we hope to have achieved a Grand Total of £200,000. I wish to thank all the brethren who have given personally as well as Lodges, Chapters and the Mark Degree. I also wish to thank the following brethren who helped organise the events to raise further funds.

WBro Chris Cook, Simon Moss, Mike Whitfield, John Douglas, Jon Hayes and The Bristol Shanty Crew, the organisers of the Real Ale and Cider Festival,17 Park Street, Anita and all the staff and the BMsC.

Naturally we would like the contributions to be on going in the future to the charity direct whether individual, lodge or chapters or a legacy in a will and help with the preservation of this beautiful building for future generations!

DPGM VWBro Tim Brunton

Bristol’s 2030 Festival – Introduction

A message from RE Bro Jonathan MW Davis, PGM and GS, Province of Bristol”

Since my first Provincial post, I have witnessed and been involved in 3 Festivals. However, I am deeply conscious of my ignorance of the Festival scheme in my earlier days in the Craft. So, a quick explanation, which this booklet will expand on.

At its most simple, a Festival is an extended, focused, fund-raising effort by a particular Province in support of the national Masonic Charities. Since the amalgamation of the four separate national charities, this is now all focused on the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). The length of the Festival is determined by the Festival committee but in general is four to five years. This Bristol Festival will reach its destination in 2030. During this time, members are encouraged to commit to a monthly donation, usually via a direct debit, whilst Lodges and Chapters will be called on to organise interesting and engaging events to raise funds. So, the phase that “we are now in Festival” will be familiar and well understood by all members.

It should come as no surprise to our Brethren and Companions that charity is at the very heart of the organisation. It is expressed many times during our various ceremonies and meetings. Sometimes it helps to take a closer look at the outcomes from our donations to the various charities we support. A significant feature of the work of the MCF has been the support given to Masons and their families in times of hardship or ill health. For obvious reasons, the individual stories behind these grants are not shared widely, but if we look at the MCF publicity, we can get a very strong flavour of both the nature of the support and also the volume of money and recipients. It is important to note that these grants are distributed across the whole country and Bristol members benefit as much as those from any other Province. A parallel activity is the distribution of grants to charities, who can apply to the MCF for support. In Bristol, this has resulted in significant grants to local charities which we would not have been able to support via our own charitable fund.

The Bristol 2030 Festival is being organised and co-ordinated by a team of Bristol Masons, very ably led by Committee Chairman Jamie Reed. Their commitment to the Festival is already being seen as highly effective and the formal launch of the Festival at the Provincial Grand Lodge in September 2025, witnessed by the Pro-Grand Master, will be seen as a significant milestone in the history of this great
Province.

The conclusion of every Festival is a celebration gala ball. At the end of our last Festival in 2018, we had a splendid evening at Bristol Rugby Club, Ashton Gate, attended by the Pro-Grand Master Peter Lowndes. The undisputed highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Grand Total raised: £xxxxx, but as a close second came the surprise arrival of rock-legend Rick Wakeman to entertain us after supper, which was simply extraordinary. I look forward to joining you at the next gala ball and wish you all a lot of fun and enjoyment in supporting the Bristol 2030 Festival!

W Bro Jamie Reed

Festival Chairman

Brethren, welcome to the Province of Bristol 2030 Festival in support of The MCF – The Mason’s Charity. It is a huge honour, if not a somewhat daunting proposition, to be asked by The Provincial Grand Master to play a part in our efforts over the next 5 years as Chairman of your Festival Committee.

The last Bristol Festival culminated in 2019 and I would like to pay huge thanks the Chairman of the 2019 Festival, W Bro Steve Bennett, not only for the outstanding job he did in raising over £1m but also for his advice and support as we approached the launch of this Festival.

Since 2019, the MCF has awarded over 218 grants to Masons and their families in our Province totalling around £512,000. This support has helped alleviate the burden of increasing daily living costs for struggling masonic families, providing essential health and care services and empowering the children and grandchildren of our members to reach their full potential.

In addition, over the same period, more than 78 charities within Bristol have received MCF grants totalling over £900,000. The totality of this support, over £1.4m, shows not only the impact the MCF has on so many lives across our Province but the crucial role of our efforts over the next 5 years. It also clearly shows that, as a Province, we are net beneficiaries of The MCF. This focused period of fundraising therefore allows us to support the MCF in the vital work they undertake across the whole Country and particularly in the Bristol area, helping to balance the ledger in terms of the support we receive.

We begin this Festival in uncertain economic times. Many people across the Country, including many brethren in our province, face mounting bills and increasing costs – struggling to make ends meet. Whilst being conscious of this difficult backdrop, masonry has a long history of successful fundraising and charitable giving is at our core, although we ask you to be true to the maxim from your initiation, to give what you can and only what you can.

The best way to donate is through regular giving via the Festival Relief Chest (BRISMCF2030) and details of how do to this can be found in this booklet, online or by asking your lodge Charity Steward. Those lodges and members that already give to a Relief Chest will be able to transfer the funds and continue giving throughout the Festival, then revert them back to the Lodge at the end of the Festival. The more members that sign-up early, the easier and less onerous the task and goal will seem.

As we exemplified so well during the 2019 Festival and in the years since, charity truly is at the heart of Bristol Masonry and as we embark on this journey, I am humbled by the generosity and support already shown by so many brethren. The challenge for this Festival will not be easy, but with our intrinsic generosity and beneficence, I have no doubt it is a challenge we will meet and conquer.

Thank you in advance for your support; apologies in advance that you will hear from me and see more of me than any of you ever feared possible, and I look forward to working with you over the next 5 years.

Charity Steward’s Report

A brief introduction, my role as Provincial Grand Charity Steward or PGCS began in September 2024, I would like to thank my predecessor Mike Whitworth for his constant and valuable support and advice on the myriads of new tasks that this role incurs.

My approach since taking the helm has been to be proactive and engage with as many of the charities with whom we have supported as a Province.

By visiting, interviewing and recording videos and sharing on our social media platforms. I hope that you have been able to appreciate and understand the many ways that we support our communities. This has been via the Bristol Masons Facebook (members group) and more recently our public page,
So, what have we been doing since our last publication? Well, some of the subjects will be a continuation of our good work.

Christmas Tree appeal- Yet again our foyer and Lobby were festively decorated and bursting with presents which brethren and families had kindly donated lots of toys & gifts to be distributed by Tony Rance.

Food fund

continues, to be supported by a core of Brethren, which is supplemented by the support of donations from the customers of Sainsburys (Ashton Vale) and Dole Foodservice (Total Produce) also collection basket can be found in the lobby of Park St, sadly even with these measures in place the foodbanks are reporting donations have reached a critical level of need for the 1st time since the pandemic of 2020 was available from Carpenters Food & Support, St Nicholas of Tolentino Foodbank, The Matthew Tree Project, along with occasional deliveries to HBH Help Bristol’s Homeless, BOSH Bristol’s Outreach Services for the Homeless and Park Hostel, as and when they reach out for help, Without your continued support we would be unable to carry on supporting these much-needed recipients.

Ukraine update

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine on Thursday 24th February 2022, Bristol Masons’ have continued to support the humanitarian relief working alongside the charity From Bristol with Love to Ukraine – Public donations were collected at a few local supermarkets, and all was boxed up after being sorted & recorded ready to be transported. Over the past 2 & a half years this has comprised of 6 vans run over 4 separate trips involving 9 of our brethren taking vital equipment food, medical supplies, and rehabilitation aids. The last trip was delivered by Alan Reed, Richard Lewis, Bill Hillier & Charlie Marks on the anniversary of the war, this consignment consisted of 40 generators which were nearly all funded by individuals and lodges from the Province, Many thanks for your continued support and we hope Humanity will Prevail!

St Peters Hospice

“The significance of being close to another person can’t be underestimated, particularly for those going through a challenging time.

Cuddle Beds are generously sized extendable hospital beds that allow patients to sit or lay next to their loved ones, as modelled by staff from our Inpatient Unit below. Physical closeness can offer precious comfort to someone nearing the end of their life and the chance to create lasting memories that could support families through bereavement.

e’Research Nurse, Amy, says: “The power of touch and closeness is well documented, it has biochemical and physiological benefits which can contribute to things like improved sleep quality, reduced pain perception and a greater sense of contentment.”

We were thrilled to recently receive a donation of £30,000 from the Bristol Masons to fund two Cuddle Beds for our Inpatient Unit.

The Bristol Masons have supported the Hospice for many years and we’re so grateful for their continued generosity.

Louise Allison, Trusts & Foundations Officer, met with members of the Masons on their recent visit to the Hospice and said:

“As soon as we spoke to the Bristol Masons about our goal to provide Cuddle Beds on the Inpatient Unit, they were keen to be involved. They shared our vision and wanted to help enhance our patient experience so that families, friends and couples could create lasting memories together, so they quickly put the wheels in motion to support us. Their grant enabled us to purchase our first Cuddle Bed last year. After fantastic patient feedback, they’ve followed up this year with a grant for a second bed.
d like to say a massive thank you to the Bristol Masons. Their generosity will allow us to bring comfort to patients, and we believe the Cuddle Beds are a valuable resource when providing a dignified end-of-life experience

Flamingo Chicks

In my new role, I have had lots of opportunities to meet new people and to try new skills. Whilst visiting Flamingo Chicks, at one of their rehearsals I was able to join in on dancing along to their Disney songs as they prepared for their upcoming once in a lifetime opportunity to visit and perform on stage at Euro Disney Park! We were able to donate £2000 towards this epic adventure!

And finally a few Fundraising for Charity events!

Park Street Race Night In aid of the mini festival a Night at the Races was organised last November with the help of the usual suspects move over Peaky Blinders! Fun, Laughter, totes a plenty with a buffet and drinks flowing the grand total of £2455 was raised! No Horses or Riders were injured!

Norbot – Gromit Unleashed 3

The Grand Appeal which supports Bristol’s Children’s Hospital, has generated around £90 million pounds since its launch in 1995. This includes approximately 20 million pounds from there sculpture trails like Gromit Unleashed. An original suggestion from Wbro Robert Yandell set the wheels in motion, after several meetings it was decided that the Province would sponsor a Norbot the smart gnome. As part of the GU3 trail, aside from making a large donation to the appeal, it gave us the opportunity to highlight our wonderful building. A decision was made to hold a couple of weekends of open-door days to the public, inviting them in for guided tours and refreshments. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the chance to explore and learn a little about what we do, helping us to expel myths and generate a few new enquiries for candidates It is estimated that over approximately 2000 people of all ages passed the threshold of the balloon arch into our building.

A big thank you to all the volunteers that gave up their time to ensure that everything ran smoothly, queries were answered. Through shaking of our donation buckets and exchanging I met Norbot at Freemasons Hall stickers an additional £200 was raised ! – Thanks to all the volunteers that gave up their free time to make this a success!

The remit of the Province recently has been to engage with the public by promoting Bristol masonry in a positive way, Our PGM suggested at the beginning of the year that we should try to reinstate the classic car fest & motorcycle show.

A crack team of 4 willing (haha!) Brethren formed a committee. After several years gap and 8 long months of planning Sunday 17th August was D-day! Arriving at the site at Clifton RFC at 7:45 am none of us knew what to expect, within an hour and a half, we had filled the showground with 130 + classics including vintage wedding cars, a state -of- the- art electric mustang hearse. Hot food & drink, a well-stocked bar

Several lodges were in attendance and ran activities and games, along with a petting corner with baby billy goats provided by Wbro Lee Preece & family. We invited local charities whom we have supported to spotlight the fantastic work they do! Music was provided by Port of Bristol Shanty Crew who were raising funds for The Teenage Cancer trust, The Long Tonics provided us with an exceptional blend of swing bluesy jazz. A big thank you to Steve Mallinson for organising the stage and events PA system and keeping the tunes flowing! Over a thousand pound was raised on gate receipts, but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our Sponsors. We thank you all see you again next year!

These are just a few of the examples of how Bristol Masons have helped local charities in the community. I acknowledge that many of your lodges have given individual donations which are not recorded – going forward let’s work together so please encourage your lodge charity stewards to share with the province the great work that you do!

S & F
Simon Moss
PGCS
charity.steward@bristolmasons .co.uk