Talking of gardening, I have to compose this letter very early in the morning this week as I am told two of my grandsons and a son-in-law will be here at 08.00 hours to start on a garden make over. A holly tree is to be taken out and replaced by fence panels. Then the wooden edging of the raised beds is to be removed and replaced with sound timber, the old stuff having rotted away in places. Me, I am duty cook and it has been arranged for me to supply bacon rolls as they arrive and then feed them hot dogs and beef burgers later on. It will be well worth it in the end. Funnily though, that will not be the end, because we all know that a garden needs attention all the year round. The other jobs have been listed but have to wait until the soft fruit trees and bushes have finished producing crops.
My son and his family did get back from France in time to miss being locked down but the preparations and the journey was fraught. Having managed to get booked on a ferry they were pleasantly surprised by receiving a meal voucher from the ferry operators. A very nice gesture that appeared to go down well with the passengers. Who says there is no good will about.
Brethren, I hope that you are aware that we have an “In Memoriam” page on the Provincial Mark website. It is there for you to post an entry if you wish to, regarding a deceased brother or spouse. If you so desire, let me have the details and I will ensure that an entry is forwarded in your name. Each one is vetted before publication. It is a small gesture to show our respect for departed Brethren.
It was good to see that the Test match started at Southampton, yesterday, and England making a good score. Let us hope that the weather does not spoil this Test match. Over the last couple of years Pat and I have visited the Hampshire Ground for one day Test matches and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
I trust that you have all been made aware of the Virtual Provincial Annual Meeting scheduled for the 26th August and that those who wish may be enabled to take part. My best wishes go to the Provincial Grand Master for this venture, I will do my best to be there.
Please keep safe and well and keep in contact with one another, as time goes by and restrictions are still in place, it is as important as ever to keep in touch.
God Bless you all,
Malcolm Lloyd, Prov. Grand Almoner. GSD