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:

• The Freemasons Grand Charity
• Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
• Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
• Masonic Samaritan Fund

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

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 in the articles below.

Chairman: W.Bro C M Palmer PSGD AProvGM

The Provincial Awards Committee will review nominations annually and make recommendations to the Provincial Grand Master. The Committee members can offer advice and can be contacted through the Provincial Office.

The Provincial Grand Master is pleased to consider presenting special awards to Surrey Masons at the Provincial Annual General Meeting as follows:

Master Mason Merit Award

The Lodge Secretary may nominate a very worthy Master Mason who has shown special commitment and enthusiasm to Freemasonry in general and his own Lodge in particular.

Submissions should be made on Form Prov 8, through the Official Visitor and Group AProvGM, to arrive at Provincial Office by the end of January each year.

(This award is aimed solely at recognising effort and achievement of Masons during their first few years within the Craft. Master Masons who have not progressed through the Chair, but have given exceptional service to their Lodge over a number of years, should be considered for recognition through the Provincial Honours process.)

Young Mason Essay Award

Open to any young Surrey Mason who has not yet received Provincial Honours.

The essay should consist of about 2,000 words on any topic of Masonic interest. Those wishing to participate must register their interest by letter or email to the Provincial Office (Awards Committee) by 1st December each year and, if sufficient interest is registered, you will be advised. The completed essay is to arrive, as above, by the end of January each year.

Certificate of Appreciation

The Provincial Grand Master may also grant a Certificate of Appreciation, at his personal discretion, to any Senior Provincial Brother who has, in his opinion, given exceptional service to Freemasonry in Surrey. Nominations are by Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and should arrive at Provincial Office by the end of January each year.

Introduction

In 2007 the Provincial Grand Master was pleased to announce the establishment of the Surrey Provincial Debating Team. The Team are Surrey Masons who raise awareness of some of the key issues faced by Freemasons, by promoting and engaging in constructive discussion using a semi-formal structure derived from the Oxford Union style debating rules.

The Provincial Debating Team is chaired by W.Bro. Anthony Machin PSGD AProvGM

Purpose of the Surrey Provincial Debates

The aim of the Provincial Debating Team is to provide a suitable number of interesting and stimulating debates each year, hosted by Lodges at varying Masonic venues, for Masons on Masonic topics of interest in order to educate, entertain, and aid two-way communications between the Province and its Members.

Previous Debates

• 30th November 2007. South West Surrey Masters No. 5965 at Guildford Masonic Centre"This house believes that there is no need to consecrate any more Lodges in Surrey"
• 6th September 2007. Surrey Secretaries Golden Jubilee No 9764 at Croydon Masonic Centre. "This house believes that retention is not a concern for Surrey Masons"

The Surrey Craft Lecture Festivals are held annually on Mondays in June at Croydon, Surbiton, Sutton or Nutfield and one of the Masonic Centres in South West Surrey, to demonstrate the Craft Lectures. Each Festival is sponsored by a Lodge of Instruction in the locality and presided over by a member of the Surrey Provincial Executive.

A Master Mason nominated by the sponsoring Lodge of Instruction acts as Master for the meeting and Master Masons to occupy the other officers are selected from other Lodges meeting in the vicinity.

Three sections of the Craft Lectures are worked in question and answer form by invited Brethren. Emulation Working is used for historical reasons, but many Master Masons from other Masonic traditions have taken part and found the Festival to be of great benefit to themselves and their Lodges. The meeting is followed by a traditional Festive Board.

The first Festival was held at Sutton in 1987, since when no fewer than 61 Festivals have been held. They have established themselves as instructive and enjoyable events which have raised many thousands of pounds for both Masonic and non-Masonic Charities.

Sponsorship of Festivals is open to all Lodges of Instruction in the Province of Surrey and all Master Masons and above are eligible to attend or to take part.

Further information on the history, sponsorship, participation or attending the Festivals can be found by following the links on this page. For any other information please use the link to contact the Committee.

Surrey Masonic Sports Association

The Association was formed in 1937 and its principal objects were to generate companionships through sporting interests among the Freemasons of Surrey, by inter Lodge competitions of golf and bowls. Matches were also arranged against other Masonic Provinces.

These activities have been maintained throughout the years but in recent times other sports have been introduced, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Go Kart Challenge, Cycling, Annual Sportsman’s Dinner etc. and  the profile of the SMSA has been increased by a number of these events organized for charity, both Masonic and non-masonic.

Each Lodge has a sports representative whose responsibilities should be to keep the members aware of events that are being organized and to encourage their participation. The appointment is regarded in the Province as important and just as we all see the Almoner's and Charity Steward's reports listed in a Lodge summons, a report from the Sports representative would also be welcome.

Every year membership cards for the Sports Association are sent to the Lodge representatives to sell to their members. The cost is £1 per member (this has not changed since decimalization!) and with over 300 Lodges and 9,000 members in the Province expected revenue should amount to some £9000 for charity. However, at the end of 2009,  there have only been 78  participating Lodges, which is a disappointment, despite an annual draw being offered of £500 to those Lodges which contribute. But what this does show is that with a little effort, a little donation can make a considerable contribution to the overall target.

The SMSA supported  the 2008 Festival and donated over £32,000 and already this year has donated over £10,000 for the Surrey for Surrey initiative and is available to assist Lodges in their various fund raising activities or discussion on suggested events.

In addition the Association is involved in the Membership Challenge and welcomes NON MASONS to all its events. By encouraging non masons, this often stimulates interest in the more formal aspects of Freemasonry.

Interested? Please either contact your Lodge Representative or email us direct on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you feel the SMSA can be of assistance.