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Post by Stash on Nov 16, 2004 3:59:02 GMT
Following from a post on anothe thread here, I realized that after all my time in tfm, I still don't have a clear picture as to how extensive these requirements are. I have a general idea of the time requirement, as that gets talked about a great deal more, but i'm very in the dark about how much it actually costs to be a reaonably highly active mason, especially in funds which apply to me here in Canada
note: still want to hear from UK+beyond!!
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Post by waynecowley on Nov 16, 2004 7:29:32 GMT
Well from my perspective the costs are:
Craft Lodge £95 per year subs + average of £12- £13 per meeting for the Festive Board, alms and charity raffle
Chapter £30 per year subs + average of £12- £13 per meeting for the Festive Board, alms and charity raffle
Mark £27 per year subs + average of £10- £12 per meeting for the Festive Board, alms and charity raffle (usually a bit cheaper as we don't always have waitresses)
So, as you can see, the cost depends greatly on how often your lodge/chapter meets and how much visiting you do - I do a fair bit
Wayne
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 16, 2004 9:08:11 GMT
True Wayne, and there is also the regional variation to those costs being higher in the South East/ Home Counties and in London , cheaper North of the Trent and the West Country etc and dirt cheap in Scotland although it is fair to say that they do not have a Festive Board after their Meetings as we do but a buffet meal called a Harmony where Brethren bring food , drink etc.
One also has to mention the heavy calls made in the name of Charity such as the "Festivals" every few years and other such levies over and above Raffles and the Alms Bag circulated in the Lodge etc towards the end of the Meeting. Usually a Brother will be expected to contribute at least £60 to £100 a year by Deed of Covenant which allows the Charity to claim back the Tax.
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Post by waynecowley on Nov 16, 2004 12:14:38 GMT
One also has to mention the heavy calls made in the name of Charity such as the "Festivals" every few years and other such levies over and above Raffles and the Alms Bag circulated in the Lodge etc towards the end of the Meeting. Usually a Brother will be expected to contribute at least £60 to £100 a year by Deed of Covenant which allows the Charity to claim back the Tax. Very true We've just finished a Festival in Mark and are working towards the 2010 Festival for Grand Charity in the Craft. We already have a Provincial Craft Tie and a Provincial Chapter Tie on the market to generate income for the Festival Wayne Wayne
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 18, 2004 8:05:25 GMT
Oh yes those dreadful new ties!! I simply will NOT wear one, even the London Metropolitan Founders Tie which I could wear, although I do wear the London Commemorative Craft and RA Breast Jewels in Lodge. I was once asked to buy a New style Provincial Tie, a hideous grey object, and not being a Miser I did so then handed it back to the Brother selling it for him to sell again. Had he simply asked for the money as a Donation I would have given him that. I also feel that yet again the Jocks have the best way with Masonic Charities where more goes to local good causes and I am far more likely to donate to a Lodge who's Master's List is for something like a Kidney Machine or Guide Dogs or some facility for a local Old Folks Home etc than the glittering Festivals of the well known Grand Charities. I recently read the Newsletter of one Province which was full of pictures of many attending their Charity Festival Dinner Dance and I have to say that I got the impression of those out to impress their PGM and wishing to "be seen to be seen" thereat. The words of Jesus Christ concerning the two men praying in the Temple and that the one who sung his own praises had already gained his reward, came to my mind.
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Post by ingo on Nov 18, 2004 12:25:29 GMT
1 EURO = 0,69 Pound Sterling
Costs per year: 300 EURO for an employed person 150 EURO for retired persons or students
per meal: 10 EURO (we meet at least once a month)
Wages for initiations (you recieve regalia, books and rituals for it):
E.A.: 60 EURO F.C.: 70 EURO M.M.: 80 EURO
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Post by Trinityman on Nov 18, 2004 19:41:08 GMT
A quick back of the f-a-g* packet calculation yields that I spend about £400 to £500 a year on my masonry. That includes Craft plus one side order, subs, food, drink, charity plate and visiting. I reckon thats pretty good value. Oh - and maybe another £150 on petrol (* beaten by the prudish spellchecker again :
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Post by Stash on Nov 18, 2004 19:50:27 GMT
Since the British pound costs about 2.3 CDN dollars, does it turn out to cost about 2.3X the amounts have posted here in Canad, or is it like anything else(books, cars) where the exchange isn't reflected AT ALL from location to location??
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 19, 2004 22:19:30 GMT
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sarge
Member
peace and harmony
Posts: 224
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Post by sarge on Nov 20, 2004 11:36:37 GMT
A$= u.s.80c or 42 u.k. new pence . annual fees A$ 130 which includes 12 buffet suppers and all alchohol usually a couple of glasses of scotch wine and beer we meet every month (blue lodge ) Rose croixA$ 85 which includes all above R.Q. meets every second month Blue lodge is approx 1-1/4 hrs drive away but 4 of us car pool we have to with petrol being $1.10 a litre. sarge
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Post by waynecowley on Nov 20, 2004 13:38:04 GMT
I'd hate to work out what it costs me!!!!!!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!!!!!! Couldn't agree more - I just wish I had joined many years earlier Wayne
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Post by mrmason on Nov 20, 2004 20:45:39 GMT
Costs up my way.
Craft, £180.00 to join, £25.00 per year or £375.00 for life membership.
Mark, one off payment of £20.00 which includes certificate, penny and mark jewel.
Chapter, £65.00 to join, £6.50 per year or £65.00 for life membership.
KT, £90.00 to join, £4.00 per year or £40.00 for life membership.
Cryptic, £35.00 to join including life membership.
Ark Mariners, £38.00 to join including life membership.
Rose Croix, £155.00 to join including life membership and collar.
Conclave, £95.00 to join, £7.00 per year or £70.00 for life membership.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Nov 20, 2004 21:05:53 GMT
My Lodge fees are £170 per year which includes dining at 6 meetingsa year.
Plus alms,raffle and raffle prize donations and ladfies nights and festival nights
but
I JUST LOVE IT
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 20, 2004 21:17:16 GMT
Mr Mason, its a pity they dont have Life Membership south of the Tweed as, even although it would be a lot higher I'd happily pay it!
Staffs, that's not bad for 6 Meetings with meals. In the main Centre in Berkshire I know a Lodge where for 5 Meetings with meals it costs £195 and franky neither the food nor the location are as good as in Brighton! I am NOT in any Berkshire Craft Lodges nor RA Chapters and my Meetings are at Wokingham, a nice little Masonic Hall of the type our Scots Brethren would recognise.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Nov 20, 2004 21:32:29 GMT
The average dining cost at Brighton is approx £15.00
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Post by ingo on Nov 23, 2004 7:56:39 GMT
Yes, the petrol is the most expensive... and the travelling by rail...
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Post by Jumile on Nov 24, 2004 0:31:24 GMT
I've just worked out what Craft costs me. If you exclude travel, my annual subs are £167 - which covers all 4 meetings through the year, and their meals and wine. A shade under £42/meeting, excluding alms/charity.
Now as I live in Reading and my lodge is in Clerkenwell Green, travel adds ~£25 by train or £10-15 by car (including congestion charge) to the total per meeting. Almost £60/meeting or £240/year all up... Unfortunately it's not a poor man's pastime, but it's still worth it, I think.
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Post by leonardo on Nov 26, 2004 18:06:28 GMT
What price hapiness? What price friendship? What price a sense of belonging? What price community? Etc. Look at how much a Sky movie package can cost! It the end it's a matter of perspective. imo. Just my two-pence worth
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Post by middlepillar on Jan 4, 2005 18:26:28 GMT
Time - Approx 2 evenings per week and 6 weekends in Belgium/France.
Cost, Just calculating Membership Fees without Travelling costs I would estimate £2,000.00 per year
Including France & Belgium and Travelling probably another £1500.00.
I do accept that I have always been lucky in being able to pursue my hobby with relation to time and money.
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Post by forester on Feb 28, 2005 12:36:47 GMT
For what it's worth - my craft fees yearly subs £75 meals £8.50 We have waitresses at our FB but I/We as stewards usually muck in on busy nights
Money or not - Worth every penny ;D
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