Page 12 - Keystone Summer 2021 Issues 7

2028 FESTIVAL

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MARK BENEVOLENT FUND 160 ANNUAL FESTIVAL

In 2028, this Province has the honour of hosting the Mark Benevolent
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Fund 160 Annual Festival. Whilst the Festival Appeal launch has not
been formally announced and 2028 seems a long way off, we need to
start planning and fund-raising for this significant event here in
Somerset.

The Festival Appeal is the process of raising funds on behalf of the
Mark Benevolent Fund, and includes the planning, launch, execution
and administration of a Festival, but not the Festival Banquet which is held at the end of

the fund-raising period, where the result is announced for the first time, and celebrated.
The money raised during a Festival makes a significant contribution to the income of the
Mark Benevolent Fund. Without the income from Festivals, the work of the Fund would be
very seriously compromised.

The Provincial Grand Master has asked the following Brethren to form a Festival

Committee – W Bro Richard Stone as Chairman, W Bro Ben White as Secretary, W Bro
Peter Elmont as Treasurer, W Bro Val Cook in his capacity as Provincial Grand Charity
Steward, W Bro Richard Conneely as Planning, Strategy and Marketing lead. The PGM is
the President and the Deputy PGM will have oversight of the committee.

It is still early days with the committee having met only a few times, but we have been
able to put together a timeline and establish priorities. Members of the Executive and the
Committee will update members when they visit Lodges around the Province. Whilst no
target is being set, it is hoped that the Province will be able to contribute a significant
amount. This can only be achieved with your help, so it is hoped that all our Lodges will
embrace the Festival with fund-raising events and members will consider individual
support, especially through the Gift Aid and Regular Giving scheme, which attracts 25
pence for each £1.00 you donate from the Inland Revenue.

Summer Issue 2021 Page12