Dear Brethren All,
Good morning to you all on this sunny, hot day. How are you coping with these heatwaves, not too bad I trust. There are many lines of guidance to avoid heat or sun stroke or just a feeling of reaction to these extreme conditions. I am not going to try and teach any of you to suck eggs other than saying, drink plenty of water and keep out of the sun where possible, especially at the hottest part of the day.
Like the majority of you, our lawns are brown and looking very sorry for their selves, but as and when we might get some rain the lawns should recover well. Pat has made a large number of pots of various flavoured jams, the blackcurrant is delicious but so are the other ones stacked in the cupboard. The soft fruits have now come to an end but the blackberries are now showing signs of ripening, and the brambles are fully laden. I foresee apple and blackberry crumbles being made and placed in the freezer. In spite of the hot weather and lack of water the garden is looking very colourful with all of the different flowers. The wild birds continue to enjoy all of the goodies that Pat puts out for them every day. She does though bring the bird feeders in at night because she has got fed up with the pigeons getting there early in the morning and making a lot of racket in trying to balance and get at the food.
It is good news that we can now book up for the 2026 Festival, it has taken a long time in coming but at last the wait is nearly over. Having said that there is still time to contribute to the Festival and MBF by regular giving or one off payments. As Almoner, I am well aware how this money is used for the benefit of needy brethren and their families. I am informed that bookings are going well and if you intend to attend this event, please get your booking in as soon as possible. This is our way of supporting the P.G.M. and his hard working team. Another date for your diary is 2nd August, when some of our brethren will receive Provincial Promotions at Botley.
I am sitting here sweating like mad so I will finish this letter soon.
Please keep those avenues of communication open and keep in touch with one another, especially those that we have not seen recently. I was going to say, enjoy the break in Masonry, but it seems that nowadays there is not much break in the summer months.
Look after yourselves and your loved ones. Best wishes to you all.
Unfortunately, recently I have heard of a number of deaths of brethren and their loved ones. I keep them and all dependants in my thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes to you all.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Prov. Grand Almoner