Brethren, whilst there are signs that the Covid-19 pandemic is coming under control, I suspect that there is still a long way to go, before we can meet again “face to face”.
Today has been a particularly reflective one, I am afraid. This morning Martins’ Ogunbiyi’s funeral took place at St. James’ Church, Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Martins’ passed the Grand Court above on the 14th February after battling Covid-19 in Bedford Hospital. Whilst he could not personally attend the service W Bro Steve Norman, from Court No 48, was part of a guard of honour outside of the church, formed by Martins’ Craft Lodge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lilian and the rest of his family at this incredibly sad time. Martins was a larger-than-life character who will be sadly missed, by all who knew him.
As you are aware from the correspondence issued by our Provincial Grand Secretary Eddie Moore, our Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Roy Leavers stood down from that Office on the 8th February. He has subsequently been appointed to the office of President of the Grand Witan for which his knowledge and experience are ideally suited.
The Order is now suspended until 31st August 2021.
It is anticipated that the Consecration of the Court of Keith Ansell at Grantebrycge No 150 will now take place in Leicester on the 29th October 2021, the day before Grand Court. What an event that should be. If you can make it, please join us.
My thanks go out to all those who participated in the King Athelstan Virtual 5K in early January. Photographs of some of the participants can be seen on the East Anglia website.
The Friday 16.15 hrs “Zoom into Athelstan East Anglia” continues to get great support as does the Herbert de Losigna Court Zoom meeting, every Tuesday, with the PGM’s weekly “poser” giving rise to some promising “Papers” for the future.
Other Courts have now taken up the challenge of having a Zoom meeting with Court No2, Court No 11, and Court No 76 now participating. I am looking forward to Court No 81 coming on stream on Monday 1st March. Keep on encouraging your members to take part.
I look forward to the day when we can all meet up again and enjoy our fantastic Order together.
In the meantime, please look after yourselves, and your families, and I will be in touch again in due course.
Do not forget to Zoom in and enjoy the company of your likeminded Brethren!
Yours sincerely and fraternally
Alex Allan