Benevolent Fund Trustees' meeting
22nd May 2018Quilter Cheviot's offices, One Kingsway
The Master's year is one of tremendous privilege (and indulgence) but there is a serious side to the Livery movement. Livery companies raise and spend well in excess of £50 million per annum on charitable causes. The Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders punch above their weight, in my opinion, for a modern company with less than 200 members, when it comes to supporting charities and giving a helping hand to those in need who have worked in the industry and allied trades. I have been Secretary to the Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Trades Benevolent Fund for 4 years and the job gives me a great deal of satisfaction. The Trustees meet quarterly and are very committed to ensuring the the Benevolent Fund is well run and meets its objectives. We had a presentation on investment performance and then discussed how we can spend the funds available for charities that meet our guidelines. I was keen to get the meeting wound up by 3pm because the Mistress and I had tickets to see the Rolling Stones at the London Stadium. I got what I wanted with added satisfaction when Chairman Nigel Rich closed the meeting at 14:50.
What a show! The Stones played hit after hit for 2½ hours. Fortunately, we were back at the flat just 45 minutes after the septuagenarians left the stage. We had to be up early the next morning for the Chelsea Flower Show!