WBro Darrel Palmer PAGSwdB MetGAlm describes the work of the Metropolitan Almoners' Team

Like most things Metropolitan, administratively, the structure of the Metropolitan Grand Almoners Team is unique in comparison to his counterpart Provincial Grand Almoners in the Provinces.

The Metropolitan Grand Almoner operates with 10 Assistants, five of whom are operational each leading a team of 8 Almoner Liaison Officers (ALO).

Each ALO is responsible for maintaining continuous contact with the Almoners of his allocated 40 to 50 units.

Bro Darrel underscores the importance of the role of the Almoner s role, sentiments shared by the Pro Grand Master recorded in an article in FMT (Spring 2019):

"I believe that some Lodges will the the collar of the Almoner and Charity Steward as needing a pair of shoulders to sit on. Surely these especially important offices deserve more than that, and care should be taken when making these appointments."

We must appoint Almoners for their ability and capacity to do the job and not just give the position to anyone who may want a collar, as may have become the tradition in some Lodges.

Dedication, perseverance and good communications are essential traits in an Almoner.

Brethren chosen without proper consideration are not only at risk of not being seen in a good light but, perhaps in a time of need, shamefully letting down a fellow member of their Lodge.

With an enthusiastic Almoner in the post, he will be able to cultivate an excellent rapport not just with his members, honorary members, and ex-members, but also with his ALO whilst providing tremendous support during his tenure.

This relationship can sometimes be an uphill struggle for the ALOs, especially when the appointed Almoner has little or no interest in actually embracing the role. So what is being done to remedy this situation?

With the raised profile of video conference platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Almoner training is now online and updated. It is not only targeting the development of unit Almoners, it is extending its reach to all Brethren in a bid to highlight the significance of the role, and hopefully go some way to addressing the issue.

Training capacity, in part thanks to Zoom, will routinely be able to train 1,000 participants annually, delivering high-quality training underpinned by full support.

There is also a dedicated Almoner Training Hub from which two of the Assistants W Bro Bob Gardner and W Bro Martin Vidler coordinate the content as well as dealing with post-event analysis and certification.

ALO training is also in the process of being updated, and we are developing a relevant monthly bulletin for every Almoner, Secretary and Scribe E.

We use Facebook, and WhatsApp closed groups to advise Almoners and provide assistance, and email for briefings, guidance and notices.

The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced an increased volume of new challenges. W Bro Michael Stirton is our team's Welfare Coordinator and has had to have a much closer interaction with the MCF due to increased need.

Michael oversees our team of seventeen highly trained Visiting Volunteers as well as being our lead administrator for applications for grants to the Metropolitan Almoner's Fund (MAF).

The London Freemasons Charity (LFC) supports the MAF. It gives the Metropolitan Grand Almoner the ability to sanction swift one-off grants for Brethren in financial difficulty of up to £1,500 on a match-funding basis.

The MAF is focussed on supporting emergency claims where the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is unable to help.

To go some way to giving back to the LFC, Preloved Regalia was set up and is currently managed by two Assistants W Bro Martin Vidler and W Bro Bill Dowley and has thus far generated £25,000.

Preloved Website:- www.prelovedregalia.com

The MCF and The Metropolitan Grand Almoner's Team work together with the objective of providing solutions to all those who may be in need and distress. This is a very harmonious relationship and brings added value to all that we do.

Florence Nightingale Lodge No 706 was repurposed in 2015 and has become a thriving hub Lodge for Almoners across Metropolitan and receives regular visits from Provincial Grand Almoners from Provinces up and down the country.

Its non-progressive setup allows focus for two of the three meetings in each year to cover a plethora of issues providing members and guests with valuable insights.

Further details at:- www.florencenightingalethealmonerslodge.org.uk

What happens to any number of Lodge widows when a unit sadly surrenders its warrant?

We have an Assistant for that!

WBro Mike Halford is our Erased Unit Widows Liaison and he will arrange an adoption for any widow who is not under the support of a craft unit.

Florence Nightingale Lodge is the first port of call for unattached Widows, but any London Lodge or Chapter can apply through the 'Adopt a Widow Scheme'.

For details contact Mike Halford at m.j.halford@btinternet.com

Set up at the beginning of Covid-19 suspension, a new hotline accepts calls and text messages and guarantees a response within two hours.

Any Brother in difficulty for whatever reason can get directly get in touch with the Metropolitan Grand Almoner s team in seconds.

The applicant is then put in contact with the appropriate Help route which is managed to conclusion by an Assistant/ALO.

Over 300 calls have been received within the last eleven months.

The hotline number 07792 925 071.

We are currently conducting a survey of our ALOs to identify any issues they may be experiencing from within the team and with their allocated units.

Our findings will prompt the launch an online survey of Metropolitan Almoners in a bid to ascertain their opinions of the support we provide as a team or indeed to drill down to root of any issue which presents itself.

We would therefore encourage all Metropolitan Almoners to make every effort to have their say when it goes live!

Finally, in all this activity, the rules, guidance and spirit of the GDPR are being strictly adhered to.

All Almoners are instructed with regard to its requirements. It underpins the 'Confidentiality' ethos of the Almoners role.

Brethren, I hope you ve found this informative.

Clearly there are many difficulties in life for our brethren and their families and many of these are made more complex by the current pandemic.

However I hope the resources and dedicated individuals I've described above give you an indication of the support available for London Masons.

And if there are any areas you d like to get involved in please do get in touch!

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 43 January 2021 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 43.