‘Eight years of fun, friendship and some hard work’, is how W. Bro. Louis Raphael described his time serving with the Charity Forum at Harrow when he recently stepped down as Chairman and W.Bro. John Briggs was appointed as the new Chairman.

In 2002 Louis was asked to act as Secretary for the newly formed Charity Forum at the Harrow Centre. Sharing Ideas at Harrow was the motto and the aim was to engage Charity Stewards and Almoners of Lodges and Chapters meeting at Harrow , ensuring that a regular exchange of information on charity matters was properly communicated between the Province and the members meeting there.

Louis took on the mantle of Chairman during 2003 and along with W.Bro. John Briggs (Deputy Chairman) and W.Bro. John Knight (Treasurer), appointed a team of Liaison Officers to work with Charity stewards and Almoners. Louis and John where among the first to win the order of merit
for work to charity.

‘The learning curve for both the members of the Charity Forum Team and the Charity Stewards and Almoners that we met was quite steep’, recalls Louis. ‘But, very productive and one of the greatest successes was Lodges and Chapters opening up a Relief Chest Scheme with the Grand Charity, ensuring they received not only better rates of interest on their donations from their members, but also that they were able to take advantage of the Government Tax Rebate Scheme, allowing an extra 28% on every pound donated for normal rate tax payers.’

‘This was of great assistance in Lodges and Chapters, as well as individual Freemasons gaining Honorifics during the Middlesex RMBI 2009 Festival, as well as continuing to support their own chosen local charities. In fact not did only every Lodge and Chapter in the Province donate to our Festival, but the Harrow Centre proved to be a leading light.’

‘ The wonderful work and commitment given by my Team during this period was truly remarkable’, said Louis.’ And with John Briggs and Paul Williams (Deputy Chairman) I feel confident that the work will be carried on and improved upon.’

Louis was also very complimentary about his two immediate bosses. W.Bro. John McNeece and lately, W.Bro. Mike Cumper (ProvGChStwd) both of whom Louis says were very supportive and sometimes even inspirational.