June 2025: Bi-monthly script to be read at the Second Rising

1. The Almoners’ seminars held at Harrow Masonic Centre on the 10thMay 2025 and at Twickenham Masonic Centre on 17th May 2025 proved to be a remarkable success with over 100 people attending. Speakers from MCF also gave a presentation on how to obtain grants, Relief Chest Scheme and RMBI homes. In addition, Bro Rohit talked briefly about Will making and the importance of registering a last power of attorney while Frankie talked about the Gentlemen’s Club which was due to take place at Harrow MC. The afternoon was completed with the role of a Lodge Almoner. All attendees were given the latest copy of guidance of almoners, a lapel pin, and a certificate of attendance.
2. Bro Frankie Whelan Mellor and his assistants attended the Gentlemen’s Club at Harrow on Tuesday, 13th June and found the Life Coach extremely helpful inviting the attendees to talk about their mental health issues. One of the attendees reported how useful the session was, and it helped to take a load of his mind as a result. More similar session will be organised from September onward when there will be up to 15 places at each session. More information about this initiative will be broadcasted in due course.
3. PSA testing sessions will take place at Harrow Masonic Centre on 4th July 2025 and at Twickenham Masonic Centre on 17th July 2025. So far, there are already 375 bookings. This project is kindly sponsored by The Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust.
4. Fridge magnets with the information regarding the Middlesex Cares website and dedicated land line number, has been distributed to all brothers via the Lodge Secretaries. To avoid duplications, these magnets were not distributed to Chapters.
5. Bro Hugh Saville has advertised the launch of the Acacia Club on 21st June at Uxbridge MC and 28th June at TDMC. The purpose of the Acacia Club is to provide better facilities for our widows. It is also designed to encourage more connections between the brothers’ wives or partners from other lodges/ chapters. Their involvements can likewise help our widows especially new widows who needs emotional support and signposting on what help may be available to them after such devastating change in life.

Coming up soon…

1. A survey questionnaire has been designed to identify hobbies amongst Freemasons with a view to develop clubs at our MC. It would be most helpful if the brethren can take time to complete this survey. We are also looking for brothers who are already specialists in these areas and offer to take a lead.
2. Interviews of Group Almoners and Assistant Provincial Almoner are taking place in June. Further information will be available on who they are, and which group they will be supporting.

Ivan Chu, Programme Director, June 2025