Dear Brethren All,
I was on an official Mark visit recently when one of the brethren said to me, “Have you stopped the letters as I have not seen one for a while.” I am still here but have not been at my best for some reason. It is good once again to be in touch with you. Since my last letter we have seen the Installation of V. W. Bro. John Burrell as Assistant Provincial Grand Master, many congratulations to you John, it was a splendid ceremony and a pleasure to witness such an occasion.
This wet weather has put a stop to much happening in the garden except to sweeping up the wet leaves that have fallen, but these can be used as compost so don’t just throw them away. Pat has been cutting back some of the shrubs and bushes that have got a bit out of hand so things are looking tidier. We still have plenty of colour in the borders so all is not gloom and doom. Planning is taking place as to what will be planted in the spring. We are still blessed with an abundance of wild birds, who seem to be very hungry as Pat sometimes fills the bird feeders up twice in one day.
Today is a mixed family day, late this morning we will be attending the birthday party of our great grandson, who is two and later in the afternoon we will be travelling to Ferndown to attend my cousin’s 90th Birthday. I think each will be quite a different atmosphere but very enjoyable. I trust that you are well on the way with your Christmas celebrations and arrangements, On Boxing day, if all goes to plan, it will be the first time for over twenty years that we will be with our son and three daughters. This time of year, in my opinion, is very important for family relationships, although I am aware that for some it is not so easy as they remember absent relatives and very much loved ones.
Speaking of families, we are one big family and should be trying to keep in touch with those we do not see at meetings so often for various reasons. Do we know those reasons, do we try enough to contact the families of those who might be suffering physical or mental health, or other reasons for non-attendance. Brethren I ask that those lines of communication be kept open, a phone call, perhaps a visit to share a cup of coffee, please do not leave it all to the Lodge Almoners.
Hope to see some of you in London on Monday for the RAM Assembly.
Best wishes to you all.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Prov. Grand Almoner