RMBI

London Appeal Raises Over £6 Million for RMBI

At a glittering Gala Ball last November, the Metropolitan Grand Master Russell Race announced the grand total of more than £6 million raised by London Freemasons for the RMBI.
     The London Appeal was launched in December 2004 to promote the raising of funds from the Metropolitan Grand Lodge. Under the guiding hand of Stratton Richey, the London Appeal Director, the Appeal proved to be a great success.
     Many lodges and chapters obtained various levels of award from the Metropolitan Grand Master/Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, with 19 obtaining the highest level of award, the Silver Trowel. In total, 788 lodges obtained an award and all these also qualify as RMBI Grand Patrons. As for the Royal Arch, 131 chapters also obtained awards.
     With team work from the lodge and chapter Charity Stewards, the RMBI and with good use of the Relief Chests and Gift Aid schemes available, London masons were able to raise £6,333,848.72p.
     Stratton Richey wishes to congratulate all who participated for their efforts and the RMBI is very grateful for the funds raised.

'For Dementia' Training for RMBI Homes

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has approved a grant in aid of ‘for dementia’ training to take place in the six RMBI Homes that have Dementia Support Units.
     A presentation took place at the RMBI care home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court where Essex Provincial Grand Master John Webb presented the cheque to the organisation ‘for dementia’ who will be carrying out the training.
     The training will be comprehensive, taking an estimated six months to complete at each Home. Staff involved will have their skills assessed prior to starting the training and again at the end, to ensure they are equipped to deliver best practice in the care of people with dementia.
     The grant will help to ensure that the RMBI meet its objectives laid out in its dementia strategy, which focuses on how the RMBI can support and care for people with dementia who are already living in an RMBI care home.
     The RMBI’s grateful thanks go to the Freemasons’ Grand Charity for their generous support.

Stisted Hall to Remain an RMBI Home

Stisted Hall at Braintree, Essex is to remain as the permanent Home of Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court. The announcement, made at the Home by chairman Chris Caine and chief executive David Innes, was applauded by residents, relatives, staff, members of the Association of Friends and the local province. David Innes informed the residents: “You will be able to continue to enjoy living here at Stisted Hall and the RMBI will continue caring for you.”
     The RMBI had planned to rebuild the Home at a site in Bocking. However, due to planning restrictions and the current financial climate, the decision was taken not to proceed with the new build.
     The Home will now receive maintenance work to ensure that it remains at a high standard and is suitable for present and future use. Mrs Proctor, a resident at the Home, said: “I am so pleased that we are staying. This is my home.”

CONTACT DETAILS Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ T 020 7596 2400 F 020 7404 0724 enquiries@rmbi.org.uk www.rmbi.org.uk