V.W. Bro. Malcolm Lloyd,
e-mail; wizardmal@hotmail.co.uk
7th October, 2026
To All members of the Mark and RAM Lodges, Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Brethren all,
I thought it about time to write another letter from Andover to keep up the communication. Pat and I are
keeping quite well and are very thankful that we are not suffering too many health problems except aches
and pains due to getting older. I trust that in the main, you are all quite well, although I am aware that some
of you are suffering from some problems. I feel that we are all shocked by the sudden passing to the Grand
Lodge Above of our dear friend, Rod Armitage, and our thoughts go out to Jilli and her family.
It is good to see the rain today, which will brighten up the garden. We have been trying to fill in some of the
bare patches in the lawn. I have experimented by growing grass seed on wet kitchen paper indoors, this has
germinated and then been planted on the areas needing attention. Besides this I have scattered other grass
seed. In general, the lawns are looking very green and healthy. I think I will leave more reseeding until the
spring now that the weather is forecast to become colder.
Pat has planted some potatoes which we hope will be ready for Christmas, also she has planted red cabbage
and spring cabbage plants. There has been much tidying up and pruning, as soon as the bin for garden waste
is emptied then it is filled up. We are still being treated to seeing many wild birds in the garden such as
starlings, sparrows, pigeons, magpies, collared doves, robins and bluetits. It is fascinating watching their
antics and determination to get food.
Recently I have had the pleasure to see a number of you whilst attending Official visits, it is good that in this
degree we are able to enjoy meetings, having the support of the Provincial Team and with a good
atmosphere. It is a good feeling that there is support and encouragement from many good friends. Besides
Official visits there is an effort being made by W. Bro. Gary Ellis, through the Installed Mark Masters
Lodge, to give support and help to those Lodges that are finding difficulty in filling offices at some of their
meetings. Long may this continue.
Please keep up the important communication between one another, pick up the phone and speak to a brother
that you have not seen for a while, this is a friendly Degree.
Best wishes,
Malcolm Lloyd, GJO, P.Prov.Almoner