· WHAT IS A FESTIVAL ?
A Festival is held each year for one of the major Masonic charities (RMBI, RMTGB and the Grand Charity). It is held to mark the end of a particular fund-raising period. A dinner or buffet is held at some special location and brethren can attend with partners. An amount raised is announced by a representative of the Masonic charity for which funds have been raised. Officials of Grand Lodge attend. It is a Masonic occasion of major importance.

· WHAT HAPPENS LEADING UP TO A FESTIVAL ?
A particular Province accepts responsibility for raising funds for a period of 7-8 years.E.g.in 2003
West Kent was responsible for the RMBI
Dorset was responsible for the Grand Charity
Derbyshire was responsible for the RMTGB

· WHERE ARE WE NOW ?
The last Festival in Northumberland (held in 1999) raised £2.76 million. With fewer members than we had then we are working towards a figure of £2.5m for 2009 - but there is much that needs to be done. Northumberland Province has 20 girls and 17 boys from Northumberland Province who are cared for by the Trust. 14 young people from the Province are also being assisted at University or College by UndergradAid. So your charitable giving is well used in this Province.

· HOW CAN I HELP ?
By making personal donations (see “Ways of Giving” later), organising events and - most important - supporting the events, especially those organised by the Festival Committee. The Province prefers that your donations are made through the Northumberland Masonic Charity Association (“NMCA”). The monies are well invested so that the capital and accumulated funds can be donated to the RMTGB for the Festival in 2009.

In supporting the various events you will, indeed, be "exercising that virtue which, of course, may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of every Freemason's heart".

· HOW DO I QUALIFY AS A STEWARD ?
By making a qualifying donation since the last festival in 1999. The qualifying amount for that festival was £25 but this is under review. A jewel can be obtained for a further one-off donation of £15. Ladies can also qualify as Stewards. The Northumberland Provincial Office will advise you of the current position.

· HOW ARE MATTERS ORGANISED LOCALLY ?
The Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Peter Magnay will shortly be announcing his ideas for the furtherance of the Festival Fund in the Province.
SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT A HUGE EFFORT IS NOW NEEDED IF A RESPECTABLE SUM IS TO BE PRESENTED IN 2009. IF EVERY MEMBER OF THE PROVINCE WERE TO DONATE £100 BETWEEN NOW (JULY 2007) AND THE FESTIVAL WE WILL BE ABLE TO HOLD OUR HEADS UP HIGH !!

· WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE FESTIVAL BE HELD ?
This will be decided nearer the time. In 1999 it was held at Newcastle Civic Centre.

· WHAT WILL BE THE COST ?
Again, to be decided nearer the time. It is important that you regard this as an opportunity to attend a one-off important Masonic occasion that may not happen for a further 10 years.

· HOW MANY ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ?
It is expected that approximately 400 people will attend. It is suggested that each Lodge starts now to consider sponsoring the Master (or another appointed person) with his lady to attend.

· WHAT OTHER EVENTS WILL THERE BE ?
Various events and ways of gathering further funds will be organised leading up to the Festival. Watch the News and Events page of this web-site and notice boards for what is happening. Each Lodge's Visiting Grand Officer will know what events are taking place - ask him! Please let us know your ideas and any way you can help e.g. by organising an event.

· WHAT IS THE ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR GIRLS & BOYS ?
Its stated aim is 'to continue to relieve poverty and provide an education and preparation for life for the children of the family of a Freemason and, where funds permit for any children, as their fathers would have done, had they been able so to do'. The President is the Grand Master. A Petition Committee considers requests submitted by sponsoring Lodges through Provincial Grand Lodge. There are a number of Subsidiary Trusts and awards of Scholarships, Bursaries and Fellowships. The Trust has over 2000 girls and boys in its care at a cost of approximately £8 million. Some of the girls (about 90) are at the Rickmansworth Masonic School in Hertfordshire, but the majority of girls and all boys are at various other schools around the country. Children go to the school (State or private) best suited to their needs. Assistance is also given to young people furthering their education at universities and professional or trade establishments. Northumberland Province has 20 girls and 17 boys from Northumberland Province who are cared for by the Trust. 14 young people from the Province are also being assisted at University or College by UndergradAid.

· WAYS OF GIVING
1. Individuals, Lodges, Chapters etc. can give to Masonic Charities by :
- Direct donations of money or other assets e.g. dividends and interest on invested funds
- Regular or periodic giving either directly or by Gift Aid (see below)
- Legacies
- Payroll Giving

2. Regular Giving and Gift Aid
The Festival 2009 target of £2.5m can not be achieved solely by social events.

The primary source of funding is your REGULAR charitable giving. If you are a taxpayer the amount you give is increased by 28% if you 'Gift Aid' the donations. Every member of the Province (on average) needs to contribute £5 per month which is best done by setting up a standing order with your bank. Gift Aid forms are available from Provincial Grand Lodge office. Lodge Charity Stewards should by now be well aware of this and encouraging their Brethren to give in this way.

3. There are, of course, other ways which may well suit your personal financial circumstances - see your bank, accountant, financial advisor or solicitor.

ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU WERE INFORMED WHEN YOU FIRST JOINED FREEMASONRY THAT MASONIC GIVING MUST BE 'WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO SELF OR CONNECTIONS'.

· SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Secretary, RMTGB, 31 Gt. Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AG.
The Festival Secretary, c/o Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle.
Members of the The Festival Committee.
'Information on Masonic Charities' (booklet issued to all Initiates) - see your Lodge Secretary.

· CONTACTS
In the first instance contact the Provincial Grand Secretary at Provincial Office.