Provincial Grand Almoner’s Report November 2023

“Remember, remember, the 5" of November,

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot”

Dear Sir Knights,

At least it’s dry today! My goodness, what weather we have been experiencing in the last couple of weeks; hardly a day went by without a downpour, for the very first time in my memory, the meadow has had puddles!

Once again I am pleased to report that the Province appears to be in good health. I have not received any notification of either ill-health or distress.

Thanks to the weather, the garden has not had any attention for the last 2 or 3 weeks; in spite of that it is still reasonably tidy (apart from a small rubbish heap) and I may get away without any further cutting. The wild life continues to flourish especially the pigeons and magpies although the starlings are much less in number; there are new regular customers, a pair of enormous crows and Thave seen the infrequent sparrow. I think the badger has gone into hibernation, there have been no attempts to dig under the fences recently.

Masonically, it is becoming very busy with meetings coming thick and fast. But to me it seems a mix, some meetings are very well attended whilst with others, the number of attendees is very much reduced. Similarly some are attracting candidates yet others are struggling and relying on loyal visitors to stand-in for absent Officers. An explanation may be there is still the ghost of Covid, although I expect most have had their Boosters, also the economic situation remains a constant worry and a pressure on individual finances.

On a happier note- it is only 7 weeks until Christmas, so-

Until we meet again, my very best wishes

Yours in Humilitas et Caritas

Sir Sydney of Belchamp Walter,

Provincial Grand Almoner 5th November 2023