Happy New Year 2017

Brethren

Welcome to my first update of 2017. On behalf of the Almoners of the province I wish you and your families a very happy and prosperous New Year, lets hope it’s a good one.

Look back then look forward

Brethren, a New Year brings challenges both old and new and I’m full of confidence that the Almoners of our province will, once again, rise to the challenge : caring for the sick and elderly in our province as well as organising the various events throughout the year such as the Almoners’ Concert and our fundraising efforts for Sir James McKay House.

As I look forward to the coming year with renewed enthusiasm I am also reminded that over the last year the number of brethren called to the Grand Lodge above was painfully high. In some instances, the numbers lost were equivalent to a small sized lodge. These brethren will be missed not only by the brethren of their respective lodges but, more importantly, their loved ones. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

Sadly even though 2017 is still fairly young a few lodges in our province have already suffered the loss of some well respected members. Once again our thoughts are with their families and friends. I know they will be well cared for by the Almoners of our province.

Christmas Hampers

Once again brethren the Almoners’ Christmas hampers were well received by the respective recipients. I wish to thanks the Almoners of the province for providing me with all the positive feedback on this exercise. I am working with our PGM, Bro Jim Ellis, on how we can best share this feedback with you.

My hopes for 2017

You may have been expecting insight and inspiring hopes for 2017 but my first hope is reflected by the various Installing Masters across our province when installing their respective lodge Almoners. I hope the Almoners of the our province have a quiet year when it comes to caring for the sick and the bereaved whilst continuing to work hard on the various events across our province.

I also hope my second year as Provincial Grand Almoner is as successful as the last year, it was a great year and I thoroughly enjoyed working with your lodge Almoner. To the Almoners I say thank you very much.

My last hope has already been answered by our webmaster, Bro Alan Borsbey, whose first class work on our new provincial website has delivered a great new Almoners' page to promote and share the hard work of the Almoners. More hard work to get some great content on that page brethren.

Brethren, I look forward to meeting you across our province in 2017.

Kenny