Lodge & Chapter Charity Stewards’ Seminar Held At Bridgwater.
Bridgwater Masonic Hall was the venue for the Craft Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter Charity Steward’s Seminar, which took place during the evening of Thursday 24th Oct.

The event was very well attended, with around 70 of the Province’s Charity Stewards being there. Somerset’s Provincial Grand Master, Ray Guthrie, was also there to support the event, arranged by Graham Puddy, Provincial Charity Steward, who opened the seminar by welcoming two representatives from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) to the event
MCF Relief Chest Scheme Manager, Dilhani Jayasinghe, then gave a very well-explained presentation of the scheme. She detailed the many ways that it can be accessed and utilised by the nation’s Freemasons, thus enabling them to maximise the support that can be provided to our communities, using the various elements of the scheme as efficiently and financially prudently as possible.
Assisted by MCF Senior Team Leader, Karen Dye, the presentation held the full attention of the Brethren, be they longstanding and experienced Charity Stewards, or relatively new to the post. The Q&A session at the end of the presentation certainly laid a few misunderstandings to rest.
Karen and Dilhani were wholeheartedly thanked by the Brethren before heading off to catch their return train to London.
The remainder of the seminar then focussed on other charity matters here in Somerset, in particular, the Somerset Masonic Charity (SMC) and other non-Masonic donations, outlined by Chris Crump, followed by Royal Arch Charity matters, outlined by Geoff Lester.
Andy Wade and Andy Baird then gave brief presentations as to how our Provincial website, social media and IT services ,together with internal and external Provincial Communications, can further enhance the ability to maximise our supportive involvement and public perceptions as a force for good in our communities.
The recently-appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Barrie Palmer, then wound up this section of the seminar by focussing on how Masonic support and engagement with our communities has led to enquiries being received from prospective joining members, purely as a result of their first-hand interaction being a very positive one. Every contact leaves a trace!



The seminar was then formally closed by PGM, Ray Guthrie whereupon a fine buffet, prepared by the Bridgwater Masonic Hall catering team, was enjoyed by the participants as they continued their lively discussions regarding all things charity that means so much to our Institution.
As the saying goes, ‘knowledge is power’, and with the next Provincial Festival period due to start in 2025, this seminar was very well-timed!