In 1994 the RMBI opened Prince Michael of Kent Court in Stratford Road, Watford, and has since run it as a Care Home for the elderly Freemasons, their wives and widows. It has been supported by the Association of Friends (the Friends) whose purpose is “to relieve and assist by all charitable means” the residents of the Court. This is done by providing extras which are not part of the basic amenities provided by the RMBI.

 Working with the Management of the Court, members of the Association welcome new residents and offer all residents activities, companionship and facilities. Examples are outings to places of interest, the Spring Fayre, the Xmas Fayre and luncheon, coffee mornings, a communal television/DVD/satellite, and the annual Revue.

The members of the Friends are mostly freemasons and their wives from the Provinces of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and members from other Provinces and they are very welcome. It has always been the hope of the Friend’s Committee that every Brother in the two Provinces would become a Life Member. The cost is only £15 (or £25 for joint membership) which includes a lapel badge and application forms are readily available from the Court (01923 234780), most Masonic Centres in the two Provinces and the Secretary of the Association (John Cassidy 01707 322230).

The Association of Friends is a Registered Charity (No. 104078) and is financed by Life Membership subscriptions and donations from Lodges and Chapters in the two Provinces and other Provinces. Substantial donations have come from other Masonic funds such as the Benevolent Fund of the Mark Province of Hertfordshire, the Donald Forrester Trust and fundraising at functions at the Court.

Visitors to the Court are welcome but please make an appointment or attend one of the social functions which are not reserved for residents only, such as the Quiz Nights.

Salary £24,000 – £26,000 plus benefits

The Trust is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and organised individual to work closely with the Chief Executive and Fund Raising Manager in order to develop and implement the marketing strategy. The role will focus on improving communications with the Charity’s principal stakeholders, particularly potential beneficiaries and existing or potential donors. The successful candidate will also assist the Chief Executive in the daily administration of the charity and in particular assist in the co-ordination and servicing of various working Trustee Committees.

Main Duties

To plan the charity PR work producing press releases relating to the key charitable activities.
To research, recommend and develop new initiatives to promote the charity and improve awareness of its objectives.
To research, source and write effective copy for all communications; newsletters, annual reviews, appeal booklets, diaries and other promotional material.
To provide administrative support to the Chief Executive, particularly in relation to servicing committees (including minute taking).
To research and write speeches for Trustees and Executives.
To act as an ambassador for the charity and on occasion make presentations to a wide range of audiences.
To research, where appropriate, for the Executive team.
To ensure the RMTGB website is updated regularly.
To organise, attend and service meetings when appropriate.
To work with the Senior Welfare Adviser and outside agencies in order to develop a strategy to raise the profile of the charity in the field of child welfare.

Key Skills

Ability to work well as part of a team and also act on own initiative.
Excellent organisational skills, particularly clear and persuasive drafting.
The ability to proof-read copy with a keen eye for detail.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to convey a message consistent with the overall strategy of the charity.
Excellent presentation skills, with confidence to address a wide range of audiences.
Strong IT skills and knowledge of website maintenance (experience of all MS office applications is essential).
A desire to work in the charity sector is essential.
A clean driving licence and access to own transport is desirable.

To apply:

Please send your CV and letter of application to:

Mrs Linda Walker, C/o RMTGB, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
Email:lwalker@rmtgb.org

Closing date for applications – Wednesday 12 March 2008

It is a regulation of Grand Lodge which is incorporated into The Provincial By- Laws [No 20] that approaches should normally be made through the Provincial Grand Secretary, or by writing to me directly c/o The Provincial Office, Fleet House, 10 Parkway, Porters Wood, St Albans, Herts AL3 6PA.

However, if a direct approach is appropriate as it is for the Secretary of a Lodge I am about to visit (or have just visited), the following routes are available:

• Email via this link to PGM for HERTS
• Telephone or text 07795 482414 (message facility is activated)
• Write to Fleet House, 10 Parkway, Porters Wood, St. Albans. Herts AL3 6PA