Provincial Grand Almoner’s Report January 2024

The Feast of the Epiphany

Dear Sir Knights,

I am sure that you have by now recovered somewhat from the Festive activities and again I wish you and your families a Happy New Year. The Star is high over Bethlehem, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar have brought their gifts to the Christ Child; let us at this time remember those less fortunate than ourselves and with that, our vow of Charity.

I have to report that one of our knights has had to retire to a Care Home, however, I am reliably informed that it is a little above “the cut” and has a Bar! Also, I hope that the current Junior Doctors dispute has not postponed a scheduled shoulder operation for a knight.

This stormy and wet winter is causing havoc everywhere; records are being broken, with rivers overflowing onto full floodplains and sodden fields and hundreds of families being driven from their flooded homes. This I am sure is just one effect of the climatic changes, with more disasters to come if we do not now really reduce our Carbon Footprints. However, in spite of this, the wildlife continues to flourish; the birds seem to be back to normal numbers. Since my neighbour died the house has been empty and the garden is becoming overgrown, this has been one reason I think for the health of the birds and there are several Tits and Finches now and even some Sparrows. The Badgers do not seem to be hibernating and the ground by the fences is being tunnelled nightly!

After a quiet few weeks, Masonic activity is again becoming more active and it is good to see that there is an increase in candidates with many meetings Initiating, Exalting or Advancing a Candidate.

On that happier note, I again extend my Best Wishes for another Joyful Masonic Year.

Until we meet again, my very best wishes

Yours in Humilitas et Caritas

Sir Sydney of Belchamp Walter,

Provincial Grand Almoner 7th January 2024