Dear Brethren All,
I am compiling this early so that I can get myself ready to join a number of you at Botley to support those of our Brethren who are receiving Promotions in Mark Provincial Grand Lodge. Congratulations to them all and I hope that they have an enjoyable day.
Dear Brethren All,
Last week this time, Pat and I were coming to the end of a cruise around the Isles of Scotland and Belfast. It was at last good to get away for a holiday. Pat very much wanted to visit Scapa Flow, which we were able to do. It was fascinating to see how the Churchill barriers were used, not only to protect the natural harbour from attack but to connect some of the Isles together.
The MBF recently granted £27,590 to the Disabled Sailors Association (DSA) for the purchase and fitting out of a new safety boat called ‘Magic of the Mark’. Unique in the sailing world the DSA has properly designed yachts and dinghies which allow any disabled person, irrespective of their disabilities, to use them and take part to the limit of their disability rather than the accessibility of the craft, especially wheelchair users and those with complex needs - no other organisation offers such facilities. Their new safety boat will always be on standby should anyone get in to difficulties.