Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk

Charity in Spirit and Deed

There is a great deal more to charity than money. Kindness of manner and generosity of spirit seem so often to be lacking in a high-pressure society, and as a result are more valuable than ever. These attributes are strongly encouraged within Freemasonry, and many of our members are well known in other aspects of their lives for the good work they do in their communities. Having said that, money is still very important, and contributions to various charities are a fundamental part of our purpose.

For Freemasons, for families, for everyone

The Masonic Charitable Foundation builds better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence for Freemasons, their families and the wider community.

Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country.

Masonic charity is exercised at every level, individual lodges make gifts and give aid to their local communities and every Province contributes large sums of money to regional charitable causes. Nationally, our efforts are channelled through the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Freemasons are ordinary people, of ordinary means. They are not better off than most others, indeed many are retired and on very modest incomes. Others are self-employed, and rightfully concerned about supporting their families on an uncertain income. Therefore, it is not productive to legislate as to how much any individual should give to charity in any year.

Suffolk Freemasons 500 Club - Draw No 3 2022

Suffolk Freemasons 500 Club - Draw No 2 2022

Suffolk Freemasons 500 Club - Draw No 1 2022

The aim is to raise funds for the Suffolk Provincial Charity and the next Festival by selling numbers which will be entered in to 9 draws held throughout any one year with the year commencing each January. We aim to sell as many numbers as possible, it is not restricted to 500.

Half of the income generated will be returned to members as cash prizes. The remaining income, less a small amount held back for expenses, (Licensing, Postage etc) will be split between the Suffolk Provincial Charity fund and future Festivals. Any expenses surplus will be donated to the Charity at the end of each year.

1. The name is Suffolk Freemasons 500 Club.
2. The address of the club will be care of Mr R G Orme, Arboretum, Mill Lane, Barnby, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7PX.
3. The objective of the club is to raise money for the Suffolk Provincial Charity and forthcoming festivals.
4. The club shall be managed by a committee consisting of three people, one of whom shall act as Chairman (Mark Ashmore), one as Treasurer (Rick Orme) and one as Secretary (Mrs Christina Orme).
5. The name 500 Club does not relate to the amount of numbers which can be allocated. There will be no limit on the numbers which can be issued.
6. Numbers are priced at £20 (twenty pounds) each, per calendar year.
7. There is no reduction in price for numbers purchased during the calendar year.
8. Numbers are valid for one calendar year commencing from the date of purchase until December 31st of that year. It is hoped that members will purchase numbers annually by standing order. Allocated numbers will be held for a maximum of one month prior to the first draw into the following year before being re-allocated.
9. Every member will be allocated an individual number; these numbers will be allocated as purchased starting from 1 and increasing by 1. Once a number has been purchased in full the member will be notified by email, where possible, of their number/s.
10. Membership shall be limited to Brethren, their families and friends, Lodges and Chapters of the Province of Suffolk or related Provinces via membership. All members must be over the age of 16. 
11. Subject to a fully paid subscription, all members shall be entitled to take part in prize draws. 
12. 50% of the money raised will be placed in the monthly prize fund. The remaining 50% of all monies raised by number sales will be split between the Charity and future Festivals, less a small amount held back for expenses, (Licensing, Postage, etc) with any surplus being donated to the Charity at the end of each year.
13. There will be 9 draws over the year, each having 4 (four) prizes. The value of these prizes will be published on the Suffolk Provincial website (www.suffolkfreemason.org.uk) with the draw result. If the draw consists of less than 100 numbers, the prize fund will be allocated to 3 (three) prizes.
14. Prize winners will be announced on the website and winners will receive their prize cheque by post. Any member wishing to remain anonymous must state this quite clearly on their Application Form. 
15. Members are free to cancel their subscription on each anniversary by prior written notice to the Chairman at the address listed in point 2.
16. No member whose subscription is in arrears shall be entitled to participate in a draw. If an unpaid number is drawn it will be redrawn. The committee shall have the authority to cancel the number/s of any member whose subscription is one month in arrears.
17. The committee shall have the power to amend or revoke the whole or any part of a rule from time to time as necessary.
18. The decision of the committee shall be final in all or any matter and in any interpretation of the rules.
19. Accounts will be prepared on an annual basis and submitted with the Charity Steward’s report at the annual Provincial Charity Meeting.
20. The club is registered with East Suffolk Council under the Gambling Act 2005. Registered number: LOT02076. Administration Address: WBro. R G Orme, Arboretum, Mill Lane, Barnby, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7PX. Contact: Rick Orme on 07770 762005 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.