IQBF continues to support members

IQ members are remined that support is available from the IQ Benevolent Fund in times of difficulty

AS COVID-19 continues to affect the lives of many, members of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) are reminded that support is available from the IQ Benevolent Fund in times of difficulty.

Established in 1925, the IQ Benevolent Fund (IQBF) has, over the years, helped many members and families facing financial uncertainties because of long-term illness, disability or death.

From financial support and advice to a regular phone call or email exchange to help with isolation, IQBF welfare officer Wanda Zablocki is on hand to help.

She explained: ‘No one could have predicted the chaos caused by the coronavirus. While the Government’s furlough scheme has supported many workers over the last few months, with changes to the scheme effective from 1 November, we’d like to remind IQ members that the Benevolent Fund is here to help them and their families through some of the most challenging times in their lives.

‘The fund itself is so versatile and can help in more ways than one. As an example, we’re currently funding towards the college tuition of an aspiring musician who is a dependent of a deceased member. Our trustees are very open to new applications.’

James Thorne, chief executive officer of the IQ, added: ‘Being an IQ member not only supports you throughout your career, but through the IQ Benevolent Fund can also support you throughout your life.

‘Anyone contacting IQBF can be assured that their situation will be treated with discretion and care, and each case that comes forward is treated individually by an independent board of trustees.’

The IQ Benevolent Fund AGM held on 22 September 2020 confirmed the board of trustees as:

• Paul Calladine FIQ (Chairman), John McGough MIQ (Deputy Chairman), Russell Mason FIQ (Treasurer), and IQ office administrator and events co-ordinator Louise White (Secretary)
• Ordinary trustees: Martin Isles FIQ, Ken Bradley FIQ, Brian Wiltshire FIQ and James Thorne IQ CEO
• Martin Riley FIQ (IQ President) and Viv Russell FIQ (IQ Chairman), representing the IQ board
• Tyrone Partridge FIQ and Nigel Morton FIQ, representing IQ branches on the board from London and Home Counties and Derbyshire respectively.

Enquiries about the IQBF should be directed to IQBF welfare officer Wanda Zablocki. Email: [email protected] or tel: (0115) 855 6500. There is also a dedicated page on the IQ’s website: www.quarrying.org/iqbf