Good morning to you all,
What an attendance we experienced at the Mark Provincial Meeting, held under the banner of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Installed Mark Masters Lodge, at Botley on 2nd August, 2025. It was a pleasure to see so many present, to support the P.G.M. and those receiving Promotions in Provincial Rank. Well done to all who were so honoured and those who organised the day. Most W. Bro. John Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, presented a very interesting and thought provoking talk.
Pat is still picking blackberries from the garden and we have many pots of jam, which the family are very fond of so stocks run down very quickly. Due to the lack of rain, the return on the effort put in to growing vegetables is poor, but still worthwhile. We are still able to enjoy the beautiful array of colours produced by the many flowers that we have growing. Bindweed is prominent every where this year, so that plant defies the lack of water. The lawns are still looking very sorry for themselves, awaiting those heavy downpours of rain.
I, like all lodge almoners, do not have glass balls to look into, so we are unaware if you or your families are facing some form of financial difficulty. Perhaps through medical or dental problems. Even if you are getting some support from the MCF, it is also possible to make approaches to the MBF at the same time. Please, I know that the number in this situation can be quite small, but we are here to help. As it was put to a Provincial Almoners Seminar some time ago, we are here to give members a leg up when they need it. I am here to listen to you if you need advice, and it is always in confidence I can assure you.
Brethren, Please, keep those lines of communication open, especially in the so called “Off season.” Pick up the phone and call someone you have not seen for a while, just to make contact. These seemingly little things make a lot of difference.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Prov. Almoner