Dear Jeremy

Yesterday evening I heard of the lockdown extension with disappointment as, probably like many, I had been hoping, against reason, that our lockdown would come to an end on the 16th April.

Today, being Good Friday, we should be in our local Anglican Church participating in the 3-hour devotion. This you would all know of with our shared upbringing.

After the service, we should normally come back to our home to share the rest of the weekend with our three children, their spouses and our six grandchildren.

But today worldwide we are not in normal circumstances and we are not able to participate in ‘normal’ activities- we’re locked down now until the 30th April, we cannot go to Church, and our families are all locked down in their own homes.

But we can, and must, communicate through the wonders of modern technology and that is what I chose to do today while I should be in Church.

So I bring greetings and Easter wishes to the many thousands of Bishops old boys wherever you may be in the world and the hope that, through our compliant behaviours in this time of COVID-19, we may limit to the greatest extent possible its impact on this special worldwide family of ours. Greetings also go out to those in the family who celebrate other Festivals currently.

We may not know the detail, but I am certain that many in this family are doing wonderful deeds to assist the many who are in need. Few of us are not going to be free of any impact but we collectively enjoy a starting point that puts us in a favoured position to come through this troubled time. So, to those who are helping go our thanks and to all the hope and prayer for good health.

For one moment, on a practical level, allow a quick update on what has been going on with your OD Committee. Necessary sub-committees were formed already on 11 March and these have all been active with enthusiasm and impact, getting an understanding of their areas of responsibility and setting the course for the year ahead. The second meeting of the full committee took place on Wednesday via Zoom and this will continue Tuesday after which there will be communication with you again. This is part of the new committee’s commitment to open communication. I have great confidence in this new OD Committee.

Sincerely.

Your President, David Carter (1958G).