On the morning of Saturday 8th March 2025, a vibrant sense of anticipation filled the air as over 110 Almoners and guests from across the Province of East Kent gathered at the Tovil Masonic Centre in Maidstone for the Annual Almoners’ Breakfast Meeting. The event provided an inspiring opportunity for Masonic brothers to come together, share insights, and reflect on the significant role they play in supporting their communities.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Provincial Grand Almoner, Nigel Fitz, who set the tone for the day. After introducing the agenda, he invited the Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Neil Hamilton Johnstone, to share his thoughts. The PGM underscored the importance of the gathering, saying, “It is my pleasure to be here, and there will be much of great importance discussed today.” He went on to highlight the essential work that Almoners carry out, not only within Lodges and Chapters but also in their broader communities.

Nigel took the opportunity to remind everyone about the incredible work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. The MCF offers vital support to Freemasons and their families in times of need and extends help to the most vulnerable in society through four key areas:

1. Early Years Children (Aged 0 to 5) – Focusing on addressing poverty and neglect.
2. Children Affected by Domestic Abuse – Providing support to children facing adversity.
3. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – Offering specialised help to those with unique challenges.
4. People Living with Dementia and Their Carers – Supporting those affected by dementia and their loved ones.

The meeting also emphasised the continued improvement in membership and retention across the Province. Almoners play a crucial role in re-engaging members and fostering a happy, healthy Masonic community.

To assist in their duties, Nigel reminded attendees about the “3-tier” approach to reporting, encouraging all Almoners to adopt this method for more effective communication and outreach. For those who had not yet done so, members were reminded to download the new Provincial App, which is an easy-to-use tool filled with helpful features. The UGLE portal was also recommended as a gateway to a more connected Masonic experience, providing useful information about each member’s Masonic journey.

One particularly inspiring highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Dr. Leanne Flux, a Business Psychologist and NHS Practice Manager, who spoke about “Supporting and Understanding Bereavement.” Her compassionate guidance on helping those navigating grief provided Almoners with practical tools to support members and their families during difficult times.

Lynda Valerou from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) also spoke about the many ways Almoners can assist Freemasons and their dependents in accessing MCF services, offering crucial information and contact numbers for support.

The meeting featured several heartwarming and emotional stories from Almoners and Visiting Officers, who shared anonymised examples of their vital work in supporting individuals and families during times of acute distress. These stories highlighted the profound impact that Almoners can have in helping people through some of life’s most challenging moments.

As the morning came to a close, Nigel Fitz expressed his deep gratitude to the guest speakers, Almoners, and attendees for their contributions. He offered a special acknowledgment of the important work that Almoners do on behalf of their Lodges and Chapters, reinforcing how essential their roles are in creating strong, supportive communities.

The Annual Almoners’ Meeting was a resounding success, filled with thoughtful discussions, valuable insights, and a renewed sense of purpose among all those in attendance. As the Almoners returned to their Lodges, they did so with a greater understanding of the impact they can make in the lives of their brothers and the communities they serve.