Reminder:  Applicants still Sought for the Role of Almoner...

As with all the pro-bono work we do within WCoMC, the rewards come from knowing that you have helped others and often at difficult times.

Back in March I put out a notice that having held the position of Almoner for nearly six years I felt it was time to move on and give another Member of the Company the opportunity to take on this very meaningful role and get to know more of our members and their families.  As with all the pro-bono work we do within WCoMC, the rewards come from knowing that you have helped others and often at difficult times.

The Almoner is not a member of the Court but reports to the Master during their term of office and works closely with other members of the Court who are often the ones to alert the Almoner when they hear of a member who may be ill at home, or in - or going in - to hospital. Sadly too from time to time, the Almoner will be notified of the death of a member or about a member who has lost a partner or a family member.

There is not a formal 'job' description as such. It is very much up to the incumbent to decide how they wish to undertake the role and how much time they are able to devote to it. However a quick response is sometimes necessary.   A budget is available in relation to Almoner duties to cover personal travel and postage costs and to send cards and small gifts as appropriate.

I will be relinquishing the role in October this year to coincide with the Installation of the next Master and would like to be able to hand over my badge of office at that time.  If required, I will be available in the background as a mentor to my successor and would ideally like to be able to provide a short induction.

For guidance, I have put together a list of the typical activities the role entails and what I consider to be desirable qualities in an Almoner and have now passed this to the Nominations Committee who will be handling the recruitment of my successor.  Anyone who is interested in applying for this role should contact  davidjohnson.wcomc@yahoo.co.uk - either to request further information or to express their interest in the role. 

Warm wishes

Gill King

Almoner WCoMC

(PS: there is an Almoner page on the website which might be useful as a starting point and a section in the Annual Report).  http://wcomc.org/the-company/almonerv2