Page 9 - Keystone Summer 2020 Issue 5

Farewell Dave & John

Being the Provincial Almoner has engendered a variety of feelings
and emotions. There has been great satisfaction when we have
been able to help a Brother or his family.

I say we, because so often it is not just one person. On many
occasions I have been able to call on the welcome assistance of
National Officers, Provincial Officers, Brethren and the
representatives of outside agencies. In my experience they have
always been very willing and generous with their input and time.
There has been sadness. Talking to the bereaved and attending
funerals has sometimes been difficult.
The strengthening of old friendships and the making of new ones
has been a great pleasure, as has the very warm welcome that I have received whenever
visiting Lodges.
Visiting Lodges has often been as part of a Provincial Team Visit. These visits have been very
enjoyable and it is always interesting to see how different lodges do things. They have also
brought me one other responsibility. Someone has had to make sure that John Nicholson is
awake at the right time during proceedings!
Overall, my time as Provincial Almoner has been very enjoyable and I am very grateful to R.W.
Bro. John Morgan who appointed me to the Office.

I can only say a general thank you to so many of you who have helped me to do the job. A list
would be a very long one. I must however mention my wife, Sue. She has always supported my
Masonic activities and without her I would not have been able to carry out my duties.
I am sure that you will continue to help and support Bob O’Malley-White as he now becomes
the Provincial Almoner. Such a shame that the new Provincial Team will not yet be honoured at
a Provincial Meeting. Bob received his Collar Jewell in a box on my front doorstep!
These are strange and difficult times but do keep safe and well.

Thank you for the last five years during which I have been
honoured to hold the Office of Provincial Charity Steward as well
as for the previous six years since we started the Provincial 600
Club.
As is the way of things, the PGM has appointed a worthy
successor; I have great confidence in handing over to W. Bro. Val
Cooke who will bring his own ideas and enthusiasm to the Office.
If Val gets half of the support that you have given me, he will be
as overwhelmed as I have been.
The past five years have had many highs; Fran and I meeting the Grand Master at the Inns of
Court, the National presentation of the Blood Bikes, the Provincial Presentation of the Support
Vehicle to St John’s Ambulance and the fellowship of every Mark Provincial Team of which I
have been part amongst others. But Brethren, the most memorable part of carrying out the
duties my Office was the friendship, support and generosity of all my Mark Brothers
throughout Somerset.
I have enjoyed every single one of my visits around the Province and your company at those
visits; the friendship and happiness of the Mark Degree is second to none and I consider
myself fortunate to be a member.
All of this is would not have been possible without the support and help of Fran.

I can’t thank her enough.

Summer Issue 2020 Page9