To All Brethren of the Province.
Hello once again to you all as we approach the Christmas Festivities.
Pat and I have been unwell for nearly a fortnight with some bug, either the flu or a severe cold and we are finding it hard to get rid of. My sleep pattern has been such that I have been waking up each hour during the night, which makes it a long night. Thankfully though we have not had to go in to hospital. The wet weather has not helped and needless to say, the garden has not had too much attention.
Some of you would have received invitations to First Appointments or Promotions in Provincial Grand Rank. Congratulations to one and all, these are well deserved and gives the recipient the opportunity to take part in Official visits. Some may feel that they should be higher in the list, if I might relate an incident regarding a member of Wyndham Mark Lodge some years ago. W. Bro. Peter Percy, was offered and accepted the Appointment of Provincial Grand Tiler, which he accepted. Someone said to him, “ Peter, for all of your hard work and effort I thought that you should have got something higher.” Peter, who was an unassuming brother, replied, “At least I have a speaking part in Provincial Grand Lodge.” End of conversation.
All of you make the most of every opportunity that you are offered, you never know what is round the corner. I am not being reappointed as Provincial Almoner so there will not be too many Letters from Andover to come in the New Year.
On the MBF Festival front, Alan Dean, has just reminded us, that about 75% of the available places for the 2026 Festival have been taken. If you are wishing to attend, please submit your application as soon as possible. As we are all aware, these Festivals do not come around for each Province, very often.
We managed to see all of our children last Sunday and get festive matters sorted out. It was a very joyful day, with lots of laughter. Our youngest grandson was good enough o get the Christmas tree out of the garage and put it up. He then helped his grandmother decorate the tree, which Pat much appreciated.
Please keep those lines of communication open, they are so important.
A very Happy Christmas to you all and hope that you have the opportunity to share beneficial time with your families. Having said that, I am very conscious that some of you are facing your first Christmas without your beloved wife or partner, in some cases, sons or daughters. To all of you please rest assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this challenging time.
Best wishes to you all.
Malcolm Lloyd, P.G.S.D., Prov. Almoner