With the weather improving more attention is being put towards the garden, 6 bags of manure have been purchased and we have started muck spreading around the roses and on the vegetable patches. The fruit trees will be getting the same treatment so that, hopefully, we will be able to improve the crops during the year. Many bulbs have pushed through and it looks as though we might get a good display of daffodils and other spring flowers soon. Pat though is complaining that our snowdrops do not seem to have made an entrance so far this year. They are visible in other places so we wait for developments. I did get a response from one brother last week mentioning leatherjackets and the affect that they have on the lawn. Yes they are a nuisance, which we experienced some time ago, it would appear that the said brother’s son has a similar problem. Here is hoping that it gets sorted.
It was with much pleasure that I received the Annual Report of the MBF from W. Bro. Darren Coleman, I trust that you have all had the opportunity to see the same details. It is satisfying to see where the money that you all raise is distributed, going for the benefit of others. We are a very generous Province collectively for which I thank you. I know that W. Bro. Nigel Wilkinson, the Provincial Charity Steward, finds there is a good response to giving, again thank you. Why is the Almoner so interested in raising these type of funds, well as it was pointed out during a seminar that I attended, if the Charity Funds were not raised, we as Almoners, would have nothing to fall back on.
You should have received the Calling Notice for the Annual Provincial Mark Meeting on the 16th April at Portsmouth Guild Hall. It is appreciated that this is Easter weekend but I hope that as many of you as can will attend. It will be a very special day as V.W. Bro. Brian Ridler will be standing down, with W. Bro. Tony Green being Installed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master. W. Bro. Ian Small will become the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Congratulation to them both and hope that they have an enjoyable day and settle in to their respective Offices well. Please support this day if you can and also all those Brethren who will receive their First Provincial Appointment on that day. Perhaps I will say more on this as the day approaches.
I have been informed the W. Bro. Ken Young, from the Isle of Wight, has suffered a fall resulting in serious injury and he is now receiving treatment in Southampton General Hospital. Please keep him and all others that you know are suffering in your thoughts and prayers.
Please keep those lines of communication open with other brethren, look after yourselves and you loved ones. Keep safe. Hope to see some of you again soon.
Kindest regards and Best Wishes.
Malcolm Lloyd, G.S.D., Prov. Grand Almoner