Almoners Team

One of the key roles in every Lodge is that of the Lodge Almoner who keeps in touch with and provides a range of support to Brethren and their dependants if they are ill or experiencing difficulties of any kind. Their concern stretches to widows and children of former Brethren.

The Role of the Lodge Almoner

The Almoner’s jobs are many and varied but do include the following:

  • Maintaining regular contact with sick or distressed Lodge members
  • Maintaining regular contact with Lodge widows
  • Making immediate contact with the family of a recently deceased brother
  • Reporting to the members at each Lodge meeting on all the above matters, while still preserving due confidentiality
  • Helping to make all new members welcome
  • Having a knowledge and understanding of the aims and objectives of the Masonic Charities to enable them to help with Applications for Assistance on behalf of Brethren or dependants
  • Having a basic knowledge from where financial and other support is available from non-Masonic Charities e.g. Armed Forces Charities and State Benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • Holding a local Almoners Account
  • Ensuring that members, partners and dependants are aware from whom Masonic support (financial or other) is available
  • Being the eyes and ears of the Lodge
  • Enlisting the help of all brethren in his role

The Lodge Almoner is supported in his role by the Provincial Almoner and his team of Assistant Almoners.

Provincial Grand Almoner – Alan Jackson

The Provincial Grand Almoner has overall responsibility for the welfare of the Brethren in the Province and their dependants through the work of the Lodge Almoners and his Area Assistant Almoners.

He does this by:

  • Supporting, assisting and advising Lodge Almoners
  • Providing appropriate training to Lodge Almoners
  • Encouraging possible beneficiaries to make initial approaches if they are in need
  • Providing the opportunity for Brethren, dependants or anyone acting on their behalf to discuss their problems confidentially
  • Managing the process of submitting applications to each of the Masonic Charities
  • Controlling grant payments to beneficiaries from the Masonic Charities
  • Promoting the work of the Masonic Charities wherever possible at Lodge or similar meetings throughout the Province

Area Assistant Almoners

The Area Assistant Almoners provide an invaluable support within their own geographic areas. They are experienced Almoners who are familiar with the process of applying for help from the Masonic Charities.

They offer a resource to Lodge Almoners by:

  • being available to advise them on appropriate courses of action in different situations
  • providing a confidential service to anyone wishing to discuss their problems
  • supporting Lodge Almoners in the completion of applications for assistance to the Masonic Charities
  • supporting the Provincial Almoner in communication, training and delivery of charitable support

The Assistant Almoners are:

Area 1 (Bradford, Keighley) Barry Clayton
Area 2 (Huddersfield/ Halifax) Donald Byram
Gordon Jacobs
Area 3 (North Yorkshire/ Otley) Charles King
Norman Forsyth
Area 4 (South Yorkshire) Mike Speight
Area 5 (Leeds/Wakefield) Steve Smith
John Edmunds

Contact with the Almoner can either be made through a Lodge or via the confidential enquiry line : 0844 9 02 02 20