Provincial Grand Almoner’s Report June 2024

Sir Sydney's Valedictory Report

Dear Sir Knights,

A warm pleasant May even if there was the odd downpour. An interesting week approaching, the 80" Anniversary of D-Day.

It was a Tuesday and | I remember it very well. 10 am the school alarm bell sounded and we all trooped into the Assembly Hall. In came “Bugsy” our Headmaster with a big grin on his face “Boys and Girls” he exclaimed (Il was attending Co-Ed Grammar School ) “I am announcing the finish of school for today; Allied Armies have landed in France, the War is coming to a successful end” We all rushed home cheering and the like. I spent the rest of the day listening to the Home Service of the BBC and getting the latest news. It was true, 11 months later the War in Europe was over, although we had to endure the “Doodlebugs” and V2 Rockets for a few months and wait until August of 1945 for the final end with the dropping of the A-bombs and Japan surrendering in the Far East.

| assume that all is well not having received any reports from Chapel Almoners nor any knight.

“No Mow May” is now over so the meadow will have to be mown, strangely the grass is not high so it should not be a problem and | shall avoid the clumps of daisies, buttercups etc. There are 3 cubs now with the foxes and they are regular evening visitors but no sign of Brock the Badger!

The birds are flourishing, with the Starlings now almost back to their former numbers, half of them are young fledglings and | have seen the odd pair of Sparrows.

Sir Knights this is my Valedictory Report. When | saw our Provincial Grand Preceptor a few weeks ago, | informed him that | did not wish to continue as Provincial Almoner. | have held the Office since the inauguration of the Province some 12 years ago and being the tender age of 93 next month, | feel it is time for a younger knight to assume the Office. Consequently | have sent my formal resignation, taking effect from the next Provincial meeting in July. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the Province and the Order. | only hope that my monthly jottings, which | commenced with the anxiety and fear of “the Pestilence” and the subsequent lockdowns, have given some light relief, along with the occasional professional adjuncts.

Thank you for your support,

My Best wishes. Pax Vobiscum,

Yours in Humilitas et Caritas

Sir Sydney of Belchamp Walter,

Provincial Grand Almoner 6th May 2024