Dear Brethren All, 

What an interesting and challenging week I have had. On Sunday my daughter called in to give me a pre-lockdown haircut. She did not stay long as she wished to see quite a few clients in the days remaining before she has to cease her hairdressing and beauty treatment business for four weeks. On Monday we discovered a water leak under the sink, what with one thing and another it was Thursday before the leak was fixed. It also threw up the fact that our external shutoff valve did not work effectively so that and the water meter had to be replaced. All done now, am I glad that I had an insurance to cover all of this.

Dear Brethren All, 

I missed writing to you last week but I had the pleasure of my son and his family staying with us. They live in Stratford-upon-Avon, where we were going to visit for the weekend. Plans changed as our son phoned to say that he did not want to risk our health in that area due to the number of visitors that descended on the town from the Birmingham area, where infection was increasing.

Dear Brethren All, 

It is with regret that I report the passing to the Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Roger Legg, Prov, G.Stwd., a member of New Forest Mark Lodge No. 611. From the messages that I received he was highly thought of and a very willing member of the Lodge. His wife, Jenny has said, ‚Äú He was a good man and loved his masonry.‚Äù Can I ask that you have her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We must continue to remember also all who are suffering in different ways, during these challenging and difficult times. Please keep up the communication with all. 

The Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire has the honour of presiding over the 153rd Mark Benevolent Fund Annual Festival. Festival Badges costing £10 each are now available from members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Executive team including the Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Wardens, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, and the Provincial Grand Treasurer. Please support the Mark Benevolent Fund and the Province of East Lancashire by purchasing a badge.

Those Brethren who were able to view the Provincial Wardens regular Monday night light hearted banter and the toast to absent Brethren on Facebook, were treated to a very important guest this week, the Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman. It was a very informative and interesting evening, with the DGM providing up to date information regarding our Order, and enlightening us on the current situation at Mark Masons Hall.

Dear Brethren All, 

Good morning to you all, it would appear that I owe some of you an apology because you have not been able to download my letters due to me not using PDF. I have had my knuckles rapped, I am not overly technically minded when it comes to computers. Today I will attempt to send this in PDF format.

Dear Brethren,

I am delighted to be able to report that the Grand Master has been pleased to appoint to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank the following Brethren,

Dear Brethren All,

Not a sunny day at all today, what some incessant rain yesterday, it seemed endless. Was this what it was like for a number of days prior to Noah and his family entering into the Ark? If this keeps up I will have to contact Alex Ward and get some guidance on how to build an Ark or suitable vessel.

Dear Brethren, 

Hello to you all,

Well we are faced with more restrictions, which are brought in for the protection of us all. Let us hope that we do not have to go back to a full lockdown. I know that I have said it before but it means that we have to be very cautious and keep safe as much as we can. There will be light at the end of the tunnel but I notice there is a kink in the tunnel.

Dear Brethren, hello once again,

I hope that I find you well. Yesterday I received a phone call from our good friend and brother, Stan Rickeard, he tells me he celebrated his 95^th birthday on Monday, after the small party, he was quite tired. He sends his and his wife Gwen‚Äôs best wishes to all. They are both well. Stan has obtained a small buggy to help with his mobility.