Dear Brethren All,
I feel that I must commence this letter by offering our Sovereign, King Charles and The Princess of Wales, our best wishes and that they may have successful recovery from their recent medical procedures. They are, I am sure, in our thoughts and prayers. It does not matter to whom cancer strikes, it must impact on the family and difficult to come to terms with, both personally and for the family. I am sure that you join me in wishing His Majesty our heartfelt wishes.
How much more rain are we going to get, the ground is sodden, with water, but nature surprises us by virtually coming up trumps. Whilst travelling around the countryside we are seeing the catkins blossoming on the trees, daffodils flowering in the roadsides and under the hedgerows. Pat is amazed that so many of the spring flowers are showing forth with splendour, we have a good show of colour in the garden at present from primroses, daffodils, snowdrops and flowering shrubs. Having mentioned the rain, it has been a welcome sunny day today, with a good feeling when the sun is on one’s back.
I do feel that attendances are slowly beginning to improve at many of our Regular meetings, which is encouraging. There are still some brethren though, who have difficulty in being able to join in with us, please keep in touch with those that we have not seen for a while and, where possible offer some assistance. I did receive a telephone call from the daughter of one of our members enquiring if we offered any service of some one sitting with her father, who is housebound at present, so that, perhaps her mother might have a chance to get out of the house for a while. It would also mean that her father has someone else to speak to. We do not have a recognised procedure for this, although some Lodges may have something in place, but it is a matter that you might consider. It would show that out of sight does not mean out of mind.
I feel that it is so important for us to keep the lines of communication open and not have situations where we appear to be uncaring. We should, as I have said a few times before, all be Almoners when it comes to keeping in touch. I am very grateful that when the young lady that I have just mentioned, posed a question regarding Care Home facilities, that The Craft Almoners took this on board. I do have a good working a good relationship with both Malcolm Collier and Malcolm Childs and I thank them very much for this.
Enjoy the Six Nations Rugby, some very close finishes today, best of luck to your particular Nation.
My very best wishes to you all and I hope to see a few of you in the coming months, enjoy your Masonry.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Prov. Grand Almoner