Her Majesty was devoted to her role and carried out her dedicated life to this Country, the Commonwealth and those Nations that she was the Head of State, with great affection and purposefulness. Many tributes have been paid to her and the underlying thing is that many speak of her affectionate smile and that she made people feel easy in her presence. She was very much a family person and a great role model to us all. May she rest in peace and be reunited in spirit with her beloved husband, Prince Phillip. My heart goes out to King Charles III, and the Royal family, I appreciate that they live a privileged life, but, they are a family who have lost their beloved Mother, Grandmother and great grandmother, yet must continue to carry out their duties in the public eye, I know that they have had some private time to grieve at the same time showing dedication to duty as it would be expected of them. They are in my prayers.
At this sad and sombre time I reflect that the Nation seems to be called together and united in one common cause, to pay our deepest respect to Our late Queen, and show support to her family in this sad time.
In contrast many brethren visited Mark Grand Lodge on Tuesday to witness Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman, being Obligated, Invested and Installed as Pro Grand Master. This was followed by seeing a New Deputy and Assistant Grand Masters being Installed. It was an impressive and wonderful meeting. The fanfare for each officer were played by trumpeters from just in front of the Grand organ. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be present. On everyone’s behalf I offer heartiest congratulations to the new Pro Grand Master, may he have the health and strength to carry out his duties to the same great standard that he has performed all of the other high offices that he has held in this fine Order.
We have had a magnificent sunflower growing which has produced one large flower together with many other smaller blooms, it is now past it’s best but the birds are enjoying the seeds. The other morning I looked out on about three dozen sparrows searching for food in and around the bird feeders. A number of starlings then joined in, it was quite a sight.
Brethren at this sombre time please be mindful of our other brethren, some are still suffering from covid or long covid but as they are unable or hesitant in attending meetings they may fall from our minds. Please, do not leave it to the Almoners to always be the point of contact be pro-active. Best wishes to you all.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Provincial Grand Almoner