ericstuart-bamfordDear Visitor,

Websites are considered to be objects of information and learning. This Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey website is no exception; I therefore recommend it to you. It contains a wide variety of information both specific to this Province and to Freemasonry in general.  The launch of this site signifies the start of our New Masonic Year, one that I hope you all enjoy.

Yours sincerely,

Eric Stuart-Bamford

Provincial Grand Master

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Almoners

Introduction

W. Bro. David Gould TD is the Provincial Grand Almoner for Surrey. His deputy is W Bro Bob Jenkinson MBE ProvGStwd.

The office of Almoner is often underestimated by Brethren, and the full extent and importance of the duties attached to the appointment are not always appreciated or understood. Almoners play an important role within Freemasonry, taking an active interest in the well-being and welfare of the members of their lodges and their dependants. When required they will advise and assist as necessary. In certain situations, they will need to seek out the help and assistance of the various bodies for possible financial help, assistance, respite or permanent residential care.

Guidance on how to apply for assistance from the four Masonic Charities can be obtained from the Provincial Grand Almoner, or his Deputy, whose contact details can be found in the Provincial Year Book. The four Masonic Charities are:

Details can be found on their websites and the latest publication (2008 Edition) of “The Central Masonic Charities” booklet (the Yellow Book), which is available, FREE, from Letchworth's Shop, Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ. Tel: 020 7395 9329

Download the Central Masonic Charities booklet

The role of the Provincial Grand Almoner and his Deputy is to provide support, guidance and advice to all the lodge Almoners in our Province. As well as managing various petitions for assistance, a programme of providing training, guidance and information is being put in place.

A small team of Assistants have volunteered specifically to help with this training. The most recent of which was a series of presentations by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund held at Croydon, Surbiton, Guildford and Sutton, where wives and partners were also invited to attend.

An Almoners’ Seminar is held on an annual basis and is always well attended.

The Provincial Grand Almoner also acts as Secretary to the Provincial Petitions Committee (PPC). The PPC meetings are held quarterly at Surbiton Masonic Hall at 3pm on the 3rd Wednesday in March, June, September and the 1st Wednesday in December, each year - dates are shown on the Provincial Calendar.

Each year the Provincial Grand Almoner produces a report for the Provincial Annual Meeting.  The latest report is can be seen below.

Each year the Provincial Grand Almoner produces a report for the Provincial Annual Meeting. The latest report is in the articles below.