A Message from the Provincial Almoner
Brethren All,
I appreciate that there is much being circulated during this challenging time with regard to Coronavirus. Please be patient with me but I would like to share some thoughts with you.
Provincial Mark Lodge for Hants & IoW Sunday Lunch 15 March 2020 Cancelled
Sadly in response to the changing situation relating to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it was decided to cancel the Ins and Outs Luncheon on Sunday 15 March 2020.  This decision was not taken lightly but in view of the late cancellation by Members who were concerned about the risk of infection it was felt that in the best interests of everyone it was not appropriate to go ahead.
Visit to the Provincial Grand Masters’ Mark Lodge of Instruction (East) Festival
 
 
The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. George J. Deacon, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Brian Ridler, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. W. Peter Lewis, and Officers of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge visited the Mark Lodge of Instruction (East) Festival on Wednesday 11 March 2020 at the Masonic Hall, Clarence Road, Gosport.
Norman Lodge No.1279 Field Promotions
The Norman Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1279 had a private visit from the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. George J. Deacon, on Wednesday 4th March where he carried out 2 field promotions to the following worthy brethren of the Norman Lodge;- 
Visit of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master to Wyndham Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 37
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, W. Bro. Brian Ridler, RAMGR, accompanied by Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge attended the Regular Meeting of Wyndham Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 37 at Andover on 26 February 2020. The Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Malcolm Lloyd, RAMGR, warmly welcomed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master on his Official Visit to his own Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. Prior to the ceremony the Deputy Provincial Grand Master had great pleasure in presenting a Grand Council Certificate to Bro. Stuart Lumsden who joined the Lodge at the November meeting and has immediately stepped in as Organist.
Visit by The Provincial Grand Senior Warden to Christchurch Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1453
The Provincial Grand Senior Warden, W.Bro. Barry Wilkinson along with Officers of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge, and holders of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, visited Christchurch Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1453 on Tuesday 18th February 2020, at the Masonic Hall, Warren Avenue, Mudeford, Christchurch.
Promotion to High Office
Brethren, I am delighted to inform you that WBro Brian Wisbey, Grand Superintendent and High Prelate of Hampshire and Isle of Wight in the order of  Knight Templar Priests, is to become the Assistant Grand High Priest on June 13th 2020. As a result of his new appointment, WBro Malcolm Lloyd ( Provincial Almoner) is to succeed him as Grand Superintendent & High Prelate, and we wish both Brian and Malcolm every success in their new High Office.
RWBro George Deacon
Provincial Grand Master
New ProvGM of the Craft announced
At the Special General Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held on the 7th February, RW Bro Michael Wilks announced his retirement as ProvGM of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. He will be succeeded by VW Bro Jonathan Whitaker the DepProvGM. VW Bro Jonathan will be installed on 22nd May 2020 at the Novotel Southampton.
50 years a Royal Ark Mariner
On 28th January 2020, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Peter Lewis visited Christchurch Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 1453 and presented WBro Colin Atyeo, ProvRAMGR with a Certificate to mark his 50 years continuous service in the Degree.
Official visit to Unity Lodge No.381
On Wednesday the 22nd of January, the Provincial Grand Master attended Unity Mark No 381 to present WBro Laurie Brookes with his 40 year Certificate.  WBro Laurie was advanced in St Cuthberga Mark in Dorset and is now W.M in Unity Mark for the second time. RWBro Michael James Whelan, PGM of Dorset attended as Laurie's Guest.