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The Craft Annual AGM and Investiture was followed by the London Freemasons Charity (LFC) AGM. Charity is a core component of Freemasonry and LFC exists to distribute funds fairly and with due diligence from Met’s many thousands of Brethren to an equally huge number of good causes.
The Chair of Trustees for LFC is V W Bro Stratton Richey. He opened the AGM with these words:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank your Trustees for the work they have done, but particularly those behind the scenes in the office of Metropolitan Grand Lodge; especially to Elaine Faux, the PA to the Metropolitan Grand Secretary, to whom grant applications should be made, and to the secretary of London Freemasons Charity, Rod Glyn-Thomas. I would also like to thank the financial team of Vrisha Koshal, the finance manager of Met Grand Lodge, and Derick Lane, the Treasurer of Met Grand Lodge. It would be difficult to run the charity without the trustees and individuals and I thank them for the help and advice that they continually give.
“I must also give thanks to the team from the Relief Chest. They do a huge amount of work for us all, and all free.”
The work of the AGM was then conducted, including the election of members of the Executive Committee for the year.
Bro Ritchey then continued to outline LFC’s activities – including the new lottery – and to explain how funds have been allocated.
“Brethren, there are still considerable funds in Relief Chests. Currently that figure is in excess of £3m – and I do ask why. Brethren we need to move these funds. I look to all charity stewards and the new Senior London Grand Rank Brethren to check their relief chest and get them active and efficient. Your Charity, the London Freemasons’ Charity has dwindling funds.
“We have continued to receive many grant applications from small and medium sized charities which focus their attention in and for London. The vast majority of these have been successful in their application and each year they are listed in the order of business.
“Since Covid we have paid out in excess of £1m to small, worthy charities in London, focusing on people and some medical requests.
“Among the programs we are funding is the Prostate cancer PSA testing for the next five years. Each year we have identified some men who had no idea they had cancer, and through this program they have started treatment sooner than they otherwise would. Lives have been saved. My advice is to get checked. My thanks to Frank Tiller for spearheading this program.
“We are also funding an initiative to provide Mental Health First Aid training to MetGL Freemasons; and we hosted a high-profile event to help tackle the stigma associated with mental health challenges. This is in conjunction with Darrel Palmer as Met Grand Almoner, and his team.
“Self-reliance is one of the biggest barriers to people accessing mental health support in Freemasonry. Nearly 40% of a recent poll within our membership said our members don’t access support because they feel that they want to solve the problems on their own; this of course isn’t unique to Freemasonry. Do ask for help sooner than later, everyone here has endured some sort of mental strain.
“Last year I announced the continuation of Match funding, and I am delighted to tell you that I have allocated £25,000 for Match funding this year. If we are oversubscribed, this will be pro rata. Rosetta pages on Match funding are now live again.
“In that last part of 2025, we ran two small appeals, one for Movember and one for the British Legion. Both were a resounding success, with Movember raising £150,000 and RBL £140,000. These are big numbers and reflect what the membership considers important. The British Legion Relief Chest will stay open for those Lodges and Chapters and individuals who wish to donate via our combined effort. It is simply called RBL Met.
“Brethren, I need to replace funds into LFC. Please look to your Relief Chest; and help us to help communities in London. Please make donations to E2058/ LFC relief chest: we need your support. We really do.
“The lottery, of which details are on Rosetta, is working. We have 570 individuals active today. The draw is taken each Saturday at 1900 GMT. 10% of the active ticket value is paid out each week in prize money. Your charity retains 69%. This is open to all, friends and family, not just Masons. You can set it up on a direct debit and forget it. To date, your charity has benefitted by £42,000. Please, I ask, consider joining in. If one third of the membership joined, the income would be £1m and the prize money in excess of £100,000. If we achieved that, I would not have to run an appeal for your charity.
“Brethren, lotteries are very popular with many Charities: we are no different. Will Clayton will be sending waves of prompts out and I hope many of you will join. Brethren, I ask for your help and participation in this fund-raising venture.
“Finally, I would like to add my thanks to Paul King who has been our Metropolitan Grand Charity Steward for many years, co-ordinating several appeals like the Air Ambulance and just last year the successful British Legion appeal. I thank him for all the good he has done for London. I congratulate Will Clayton for taking on the charity mantle. Will Clayton and I will soon be running a monthly Teams meeting as an open forum for Questions and Answers. We will be on Teams for one hour each month and this will be a good opportunity to ask for any guidance you may need. Dates will be published on Rosetta. We take the summer season off. It will be called ‘The North East Corner’.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.
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