Dear Brethren All,
Last week this time, Pat and I were coming to the end of a cruise around the Isles of Scotland and Belfast. It was at last good to get away for a holiday. Pat very much wanted to visit Scapa Flow, which we were able to do. It was fascinating to see how the Churchill barriers were used, not only to protect the natural harbour from attack but to connect some of the Isles together.
Dear Brethren All,
In my last letter I mentioned attending the Installation of Rt. W. Bro. Keith David Bristow as Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Buckinghamshire, it was a splendid day. W. Bro. Ian Vincent was the Grand Standard Bearer, accompanying the Pro. Grand Master, Most W. Bro. Raymond John Smith. One thing I learned was that Rt. W. Bro. Keith was Advanced in Thomas A Becket Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 775, so he has an association with our Province. During the day I was speaking with some of the Brethren from Cheshire who asked if I knew Charles Bailey, I answered in the affirmative, to be told that the person I was speaking to takes Charles’ wife, Josie, out socially. It is a small world. Josie is keeping quite well.
Dear Brethren All,
What a glorious week of sunshine we have had, putting much needed vitamins into our bodies. I know that not everyone is comfortable with such heat but I trust that you have been able to cope well with the conditions. It has not been such a good week on the health side for Pat and I as last Sunday, on arriving back from a masonic meeting in Hinckley, I tested positive for covid, and Pat proved positive on the Monday. We have spent the week isolating and trying not to spread the virus too much. Thankfully it was like having a cold but we were very tired. We are now beginning to feel a lot better. Figures show that there has been an increase in the number of infections so Please, be careful and take care of yourselves. Pat has spent some time sitting on the patio and completing jigsaws that we received for Christmas.
Dear Brethren All,
I hope that you were able to celebrate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee yesterday. What a remarkable woman and an inspiration to us all in dedication to duty to her Country and the Commonwealth. We wish her our deepest congratulations and such an achievement.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Ian Small, was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, Professor Mark Smith, CBE. The Province were delighted to attend the University of Southampton’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of receiving their Royal Charter on 14th May 1952.
Dear Brethren All,
Here I am again, Saturday morning trying to compile an interesting letter to you all. I have said in the last couple of letters how good it has been seeing nice, warm sunshine. Now I say how grateful Pat and I have been for the rain which fell over the last few days. Never satisfied with the weather are we in this country!!!
The Provincial Grand Master invites you to join with him in congratulating those brethren of the Province honoured with Grand Rank in the Mark Degree. More details here.
Following the Provincial AGM of Saturday 16th April, find the latest Mark and RAM toast lists here.
Dear Brethren All,
I have delayed compiling my weekly letter so that I can bring you all up to date with the proceedings of the Annual Mark Provincial Meting at the Guildhall in Portsmouth. What a day of a few surprises, the first one was the Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. George J. Deacon had caught covid and was unable to attend. V. W. Bro. Brian Ridler, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, presided over the meeting in an excellent and efficient manner.