Page 4 - Keystone Spring 2019 Issue 2

Provincial Almoner -W.Bro David Lyons

The much debated requirements of the Data Protection Act (GDPA) seem to be
resulting in a variety of different interpretations.
Mark Grand Lodge has made it clear that they have taken legal advice as part of
a careful and considered look at the implications of the Act. They are due to
issue their recommendations shortly. However, at the time of writing we are still
awaiting their advice.
I have talked to Darren Coleman, Charities Manager for the MBF, about the
situation Lodge Almoners find themselves in when reporting to their Lodge and
it would seem that the advice already given to Craft Lodge Almoners, is very much in line with
what is required.
A Brother may be mentioned by name in a Report but an update on a Brother’s health, “Should
not be given without the express consent of that Brother”. Consent should not be assumed
because you have talked to the Brother. “Consent will normally be oral, but could be in writing
or even by gesture”. Either way a Brother should confirm that he is, “Happy for you to report on
my health to the Lodge in the usual way”.
Similarly a Brother needs to give his consent for you to report on the health of his next of Kin
and for the details of your report to be included in the Minutes. Without consent the minutes
should simply record that an oral report was given by the Almoner.
I do hope that with information from Mark Grand Lodge we can confirm or adjust these
guidelines as necessary, in the near future.
I would remind Brethren that our own Provincial financial resources enable us to act very
promptly to help a Brother in need. Do contact me to see if we can assist in any way.
It is repeating previous comments but inevitably I have to encourage Brethren to continue to
keep me up to date and fully informed.
If any Almoner or Brother does need to contact me, I should be available on one of the
following: -
Home – 01761 232387 Mobile – 07790 234849 e mail – thelyons275@btinternet.com

In Memorium

W.Bro William G Roast Cerdic Lodge of RAM 571 Died 1st May 2018

Bro James A Summers Royal Cumberland 11 Died 8th May 2018
W.bro Edward G Guy Nailsea Lodge 1548 Died 11th June 2018
W.Bro Peter N Cornall Nailsea Lodge 1548 Died 19th June 2018
W.Brp Michael F Thatcher William Long Lodge 191 Died 24th June 2018
W.Bro Donald C Smith William Long Lodge 191 Died 25th June 2018

W.Bro Walter Wood Nailsea Lodge 1548 Died 15th July2-18
W.Bro Terence Foad Hallam Lodge 730 Died 10th August 2018
Bro Cedric A Platt Nailsea Lodge 1548 Died 19th August 2018

Bro David R Talbot William de Irwin Lodge 162 Died 22nd September 2018
W.bro Barry C Osborne Nailsea Lodge 1548 Died 11th October 2018
Bro Andrew A Cambell Cerdic Lodge 571 Died 30th October 2018
W.Bro Clifford Helliker Else Lodge 102 Died13th January 2019

Spring Issue 2019 Page4