To All Brethren of the Province.
Good morning to you all on this very wet and unpleasant day. Now that the rain has started it does not know when to stop. Having said that I appreciate that we do need this water for many reasons, to fill up our reserves and to assist nature to get back to normal. The lawns are benefitting and have almost got back to being green all over. We do still have some bare patches but if these persist in the spring, I feel that some turfs will have to be acquired to cover up the nakedness. We do still have plenty of colour in the garden but when we had a frost recently, Pat did all she could to save some of the not so hardy plants. This is a time to continue tidying up shrubs and bushes, so still plenty to do.
I have been involved with Pat’s Trefoil Guild ladies recently in learning hand bell ringing ready for a Carol service in December. It gives me a bit of exercise and another interest. This section of the Guide movement really know how to enjoy themselves. I think on the day I have been detailed to help with serving soup, teas and coffee.
We have a number of brethren and also some wives or partners, who are suffering ill health at present. To all of you, I send my best wishes and assure you that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Where possible I hope that you have a speedy recovery. Brethren, please do not leave all of the visiting or the making of contact with those affected to the almoners. Pick up the phone and maybe have a chat to those that you have not seen recently or send a message or text. We all are aware how important it is to maintain contact with those we have not heard from, so please, keep those lines of communication open.
Next July we have the Provincial MBF Festival to look forward to. From my knowledge, we have a well organised and motivated festival committee who have worked hard, and continue to do so, to make his a very special event. If you have not booked to attend, can I ask if you will consider doing this as soon as possible. I have heard that at present there are more applications received from outside of the Province than our own members.( This mention of the Festival is of my own volition, without any reference to the Festival committee. Thought I might just mention this.)
Best wishes to you all, please keep those lines of communication open, we are all in this together.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.S.G.D., Prov. Almoner