Knightly News

On Tuesday the 10th of June 2025 Jon Mannion CStJ Chair of the St John County Priory Group of Staffordshire and Teresa Tanner CStJ Chair of the St John County Priory Group for Shropshire invited the Prov. Prior R.E.Kt David Philips, The Prov. Sub Prior E.Kt Ralph Ritchey and the Prov. Vice Chancellor E.Kt John Francis to The Order of St John United Kingdom Award for Organ Donation Annual Awards ceremony and reception held at the Staffordshire County Showground.

The awards were initiated some 14 years ago within Staffordshire and similar events are now spread across the UK. The awards recognise those individuals who have made the decision, and advised their families, that their organs should be to be donated, in the event of their death, so others may have the chance of life.

Each family was awarded a certificate and lapel badge by Anna Turner JP His Majestys Lord Lieutenant for Shropshire and Graham Morley His Majestys Vice Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire in recognition of their family members brave and ultimate sacrifice.

The awards ceremony itself was done in a very dignified and personal manner where those making the award sat with each family and listened as the relatives recounted tales and shared photographs and memories of the life of the donor.

Jon Mannion CStJ was an excellent host and introduced the Knights to the doctors, staff and fundraising team who work at the Royal Stoke University Hospital who regularly deal with individuals who for whatever reason are in the Critical Care Unit. This is often brought about by traumatic events and the on-site team are specialists in organ and tissue donations and due to the size and status of the University Hospital North Midlands as a Major Trauma Centre are regarded as one of the larger donor-generating centres nationally. Specialist nurses coordinate and facilitate the process of organ donation retrieval in patients who are end of life in areas such as Critical Care, A&E. The process can take as little as a day, from identifying potential donors and gaining support from their families, to finding suitable recipients and arranging and mobilising specialist surgical teams.

It was a very moving and emotional event for everyone concerned and the members of the Provincial Priory of Staffordshire and Shropshire can be justifiably proud of enabling this event to happen due to their voluntary funding of this event.

On Monday the 9th June 2025 the Province of Staffordshire and Shropshire celebrated their annual Provincial Priory meeting which was again held at the Staffordshire Showground near to Stafford. The venue is particularly appealing to the Province as it is centrally located and has excellent facilities which are all on one level.

Nearly 130 Knights and distinguished guests were in attendance and witnessed a thoroughly enjoyable and happy ceremony. Many of our distinguished knights had travelled considerable distances to be with us and we were very grateful for their efforts in joining us.

The many newly appointed and promoted Knights were presented to the Prov Prior R.E.Kt David Philips in confirmation of their new rank.

In his address the Prov Prior thanked the outgoing officers for a job well done and inspired the incoming officers to enjoy their year in office and to visit the Preceptories within the Province as often as their circumstances would permit. He particularly thanked all of those knights who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the meeting runs to plan.

The festive board consisted of a fan of melon, ham and boiled potatoes followed by strawberries and cream. Many of the Knights present appreciated the ‘light’ meal and were complimentary of both the quality of the meal and the service provided by our caters.

The hum of conversation at the festive board was palpable and it was obvious that everyone attending had enjoyed their day, and many loitered with friends before making the journey home.

A great night last night with Wulfruna Preceptory. Four new knights of Malta. Brother knights, Trevor Cowell, Andrew Durham, Charles Cowell and Simon Martin.
Three for Wulfruna and one for St Clement. Many thanks to St Clement for hosting us and making everyone feel at home.
The Great Sub Prior V.E.Kt Alan Howls and the Prov Sub Prior E.Kt Ralph Ritchey were also in attendance with the addition of Great and Provincial Officers. The last meeting before Provincial Priory and it was an excellent evening.

A number of Knights had travelled far and wide to attend the Installation meeting of Sir Robert Mavesyn Preceptory.
The visitors witnessed a lovely ceremony.
The festive board was furher enhanced by the supply of Staffordshire Oatcakes that had been brought from the north of the Province.
A lovely evening was had by all.

The Provincial Prior, Sub Prior and the Great Sub Prior attended by a retinue of a further 23 Knights attended an excellent ceremony at Great Priory. The Grand Master was in fine form and the event flowed very well. The ritual was performed to a high degree and accompanied by our very own EKt Mario Rizardi on the huge organ that fills the temple with some fantastically sounding music.
This is an excellent event and Knights of the Province are encouraged to attend if at all possible!

Congratulations must be given to
EKt Mario Rizardi for his re-appointment as Great Organist
EKt Dave Truman for his promotion to Past Great Herald
EKt Garry Breakwell on his his first appointment to Past Great A-de-C.
EKt Selwyn Burton on his first appointment to Past Great Warden of Regalia

There was also a high number of the Body Guard in attendance ensuring that we didnt get in to any trouble!

In the realm of noble quests and gallant deeds, a fellowship known far and wide as "The Bodyguard" emerges, sworn to shield and protect with unyielding valour. As the sun sets upon the horizon and shadows of uncertainty loom, we beseech thee, noble souls of Staffordshire and Shropshire, to join hands in a pact of sponsorship.
Behold! The warriors of "The Bodyguard" embark on a perilous journey, where honour and duty intertwine like ancient roots. In the spirit of fellowship, we extend an invitation for your esteemed support, as we traverse the winding paths of the Tissington trail, from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and back again, a Marathon to overcome, literally.
By the light of the stars, we seek sponsors who, like the Elves of old, understand the importance of unity and the strength that lies in the union of kindred spirits. Your sponsorship shall not be in vain, for it shall resonate through the ages, just as the songs of the bards echo in the halls of Great Priory.

As you generously contribute to our cause, envision yourself standing alongside the valiant guardians of "The Provincial Priors Bodyguard," a beacon of hope in the shadowy realms. Your support, like the gifts of the Knights to the noble causes, shall fortify our fellowship and fortify the foundations of our mission.
In return for your benevolence, we offer a place of honour in the annals of our saga, where your name shall be etched in runes upon the pages of gratitude. May your generosity shine as brightly as the stars, illuminating the way for "The Bodyguard" as we traverse the realms of duty and commitment.
In this grand tapestry of fellowship, your sponsorship is the golden thread that weaves resilience into our quest. So, dear patrons of Staffordshire and Shropshire, heed this call, and let your support echo through the ages, a testament to the enduring strength found in unity and shared purpose.
For in "The Bodyguard," united we stand, and with your support, we shall weather the storms of adversity like a ship sailing steadfastly towards the Undying Lands.

On the 10th April the Prov Sub Prior EKt Ralph Ritchey Accompanied by the Prov Dep Mar EKt Martin Snape and EKt Mike Vozza PPrA-de-C travelled to Kings Heath in Birmingham. The purpose of the visit was to return a Past Preceptors Collarette. The collarette had found its way to Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands and when EKt Paul Crutchley took ownership he suggested that it should be returned to the Preceptory from whence it came.
After some delving into KT records the Preceptory was eventually identified and the visit was organised.

The collarette was presented by the members to EKt Ernest Dickson in 1956 and was produced by Spencer and Co. It is hallmarked and made of silver gilt and is a very substantial jewel which any Past Preceptor would be proud to wear. The original collarette and presentation case were included in the presentation. After the ceremony the Knights assembled for a very hearty meal with the Prov Prior, Sub Prior and Sub Prior of Malta in attendance with many other high ranking dignitaries from the Province of Worcestershire in attendance. A reciprocal visit is being organised!!

Brother Knight Graham Nash (the tall one) became the newest member of the oldest Preceptory in the Province when he was installed into KT42. Following the ceremony the Knights enjoyed an excellent meal with Beef carved at the table. a fantastic evening of fellowship enjoyed by all who attended.

The members of the Preceptory welcome Brother Knight Nash!

The Knghts of ther Preceptory assembled in Aldridge Masonic rooms to install their new Eminent Preceptor EKt Tom Duffin. The outgoing EP EKt Neil Fantarrow did an excellent job of installing his successor and was ably supported by the Knights of the Preceptory. Worthy of note was the acting Marshal EKt Barry Clark who did a commendable delivery of his duties with only two hours notice.

The Knights of the Priory put on a full Malta evening at Shelton Masonic Hall. The Prov Prior, the Great Sub Prior and the Prov Sub Prior were well supported by a gaggle of Great Officers and a plethora of Provincial Officers.
Members of the Priory should be congratulated on the excellent and efficient delivery of the ceremony. Our new Knight of Malta Richard Johnson was most suitably impressed.

With over 60 Knights in attendance the meeting and the festive board which was preceded by a glass of bubbly were a resounding success. The Prov Priors Body Guard added to the activities, non more so than the noisy response every time their name was mentioned at the festive board. There were many happy faces to be seen at the end of the evening.

The Preceptory converged on to the West Bromwich Masonic Hall and despite being depleted in numbers due to some of the Preceptory Knights being ill an excellent evening was had by one and all.
The Eminent Preceptor was assited by every visitor who took up various offices to ensure that the candidate had a night to remember.
The festive board was a light hearted and enjoyable event where everyone was able to enjoy the hearty meal and festivities of the evening. The formalities were delivered with good humour and appreciatted by everyone.

The members of the Preceptory had a very quick KT meeting followed by the main event which was to hold a full Malta ceremony which was to install two Knights of Malta. This was an extremely enjoyable event with the Knights of Robert de Stafford assisted by Knights of other Priories delivered a ceremony on behalf of the Sir John Kent Priory in Stafford. Everyone in the Priory rose to the occasion and the candidates had a lovely progression into this Order of Malta. A truly team effort which everyone enjoyed.

Knights descended on to Burton for the Installation of EKt Denis Brown who was an interloper from another Province and had finally been allowed to reached the chair of this fine Preceptory. EKt Keith Davies did a fine job of installing his successor and the Knights assembled were treated to a lovely ceremony and appointment of the Officers.

The new pre production Provincial Gauntlets have now been passed around at a number of Festive Boards with a very positive reaction. The Sub Prior has now ordered the initial stock of Gauntlets and when they arrive will be on sale for £30 per pair. As with the new Provincial Ties we have used the Provincial coat of arms which will mean that there is no intention to redesign the gauntlets in the future.

The amended date for this meeting did not prevent a great turn out from the Preceptory Knights and the invited Great Priory and Provincial Priory Officers. The Knights were treated to a lovely talk given by the Eminent Preceptor EKt John Walters. The Festive Board to follow was an excellent part of the evenings entertainment with Great, Provincial and Preceptory Knights all sitting together around various round tables. The hum of talking was a true testament to how much everyone enjoyed the evening and particular the festive board.

Our Provincial 1st Constable EKt Kieron Marsh ably assisted by EKt Peter Short and other members of Sir Robert Mavesyn Preceptory No 457 allowed all of the attendees to splice the mainbrace and shiver me timbers. The menu was excellent, with Melon Cannon Balls, Salmon with Capers, individual Beef Wellington with vegetables followed by a fruity dessert, coffee and chocolates! After the dinner Tamworth Masonic rooms could be seen to be vibrating as everyone sang a number of Sea Shanty's accompanied in style by the resident pianist Kt Dudley Ray.

Afterwards Kt Richard Stimpson regaled us all with stories of how the Royal Navy achieved such success in times gone past and the arduous conditions that the crew worked under! Not to be outdone we were all pit under the cosh as we tried to outdo each other in the quiz that followed. An excellent night was had by all and as we departed for the journey home everyone was in fine spirits after a thoroughly enjoyable Trafalgar Night!

The Knights of Sir John Kent Preceptory met for their Malta night where 6 Knights were installed into the order of Knights of Malta.

An excellent evening with a lovely ceremony and festive board!

The members of the Preceptory congratulated EKt Rob Walker on finally becoming the Eminenet Preceptor of KT 524 at Leek, a year after he suffered a heart attack which prevented him from doing so in 2023.

The installing EP Dave Blakeman with the new EP EKt Rob Walker the Preceptory 1st and 2nd Constables and the Sub Prior trying to look pretty.

Over 30 Knights attended the Installation of EKt John Derry in to the chair of Mercia Praetorian Preceptory. The Body Guard were out in force and the camaraderie was evident throughout the meeting and the festive board that followed.

EKt Derry delivered a paper relating to the history of the Knights Tempar and their banking procedures which held the rapt attention of the attendees.

The members and visitors of Wulfruna Preceptory met for their Saturday morning meeting which was very well attended. The festive board afterwards was a joyous event with an excellent meal amid the many conversations that were being had between courses. Congratulations to EKt Jofn Hilton for staying in the chair and the manner in which he invested his officers.

The Knights of the Province decsended en masse to the Great Priory Meeting in London with 21 Knights enjoying the spectacle of seeing our Great Sub Prior VEKt Alan Howls being active on the floor, ably supported by the Prov Marechal EKt Garry Breakwell who had been asked to assist the Great Marechal's team as well as EKt Mario Rizardi playing the huge organ with gusto. Congratulations to those Knights who were appointed and promoted. A truly excellent day with our Province having the largest contingent present!
The Prov Prior RE Kt David Philips was very impressed by the commitment of those attending, despite the cold weather.

No less than 10 Great Priory Officers accompanied by 11 Active Provincial Officers accompanied by numerous guests and the members of the Preceptory were priveleged to participate in an excellent installation ceremony at Shelton on Tuesday evening. Congratulations to E.Kt Dave Hoole as the new E.P., and thanks to E.Kt Eddy Haycock for leading the Preceptory so well during his tenure as E.P. and well done to E.Kt Tony Askey who should be congratulated on the standard of his ceremony as should E.Kt Paul Molley the Marshal for diligently ensuring that we did what was required!!

The festive board was a gastronomic delight with 5 courses, wine and port with pre dinner drinks included in the price. Not surprisingly everyone was in good cheer and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

The first meeting of the season at Ranulph de Blundeville Preceptory in Leek started in a very positive manner. One re-joiner and a new Knight became members of this illustrious Preceptory. An excellent evening with a fine festive board where all the Knights in attendance had a very enjoyable evening.

The newly updated Provincial tie is available to purchase at a cost of 15.00. There is also a matching pocket square available costing 5.00. The tie now incorporates the Provincial Coat of Arms and it is hoped that it will remain 'in service' for many years to come.
There will be ample opportunity to purchase the tie when senior members of the executive visit your Preceptory.

The annual Provincial BBQ was yet again a great success with Knights from all over Staffordshire and Shropshire as well as invited guests from other Provinces descending on to Fulford Village Hall. There were too many raffle prizes to count and the 3 raffles raised 1210 pounds which when added to the income from the bar, the treasure hunt and the very many donations from those who couldnt attend a magnificent sum of 3156.55 pounds was raised which will be used by the Provincial Prior to support initiatives and Charities that are most in need of our support

At the end of the event the Provincial Prior thanked the organisers for a job well done, he included the wives who had assisted us so well and congratulated each and every attendee for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make the BBQ such a success.

Having returned home after a very successful Provincial Priory I would like to say a sincere thank you to all of the 'movers and shifters' who make our annual meeting so enjoyable for everyone that attends. To have a total of 148 Knights and our many guests is an accolade of how well the Province is thought of by our peers in other Provinces and the sight of so may Knights enjoying the Festive Board afterwards was one that I will remember for some time to come. The day was a great success and I congratulate those Knights who have been appointed to an active Provincial rank, as well as our Knights who have received recognition with an appointment or promotion. They are all richly deserved.

During the meeting of Provincial Priory at the County Showground on the 10th June 2024 the Provincial Priors Body Guard looked resplendent in their full Knights Templar regalia which was further enhanced by each member carrying his new sword. Funding for the new swords has been supported by the monies raised at the annual BBQ and the Provincial Prior is extremely happy with such a positive and colourful addition to the Provinces regalia.

The new Body Guard 'to order' brandishing their new swords.

St Alkmund are working tirelessly to increase their numbers. After their last meeting where they Initiated two new Knights, they added another to their number yesterday evening and one more to come at their next meeting. Fantastic news for such a happy Preceptory.

As is now the 'new' norm Wulfruna Preceptory met for breakfast at 0930 at the Chase Gold Club. After a hearty and filling meal we all descended to the temple for todays meeting. A lovely ceremony was conducted and each and every one of the participating officers should be congratulated on a job well done. With three new joining members and an initiation completed today the Preceptory is going from strenght to strength. In the photograph the newly installed Kt Andy Durham can be seen posing with the EP, The Prov Sub Prior, the Past Prov Sub Prior and Officers of Great Priory who participated in the ceremony.

Last night marked a significant moment for the members of the Provincial Priory's Bodyguard as they gathered to witness the installation of one of their esteemed members. Eminent Knight Steve Jones was ceremoniously installed as the Eminent Preceptor and Eminent Prior in an evening brimming with tradition and camaraderie.
The event was a testament to the rich heritage and values upheld by the preceptory, as well as the commitment of its members to the principles of chivalry and service. Thirteen past, present, and future members of the Bodyguard, Including the Provincial Sub Prior and Provincial Deputy Marshall, came together to show their support, underscoring the strong bond that unites them.
As Eminent Knight Steve Jones assumed his new roles, he not only embraced the responsibilities entrusted to him but also symbolised the continuity of a legacy that stretches back almost 50 years. His installation exemplified the dedication of individuals who strive to uphold the ideals of honour, integrity, and fellowship within the order.
In an era marked by rapid change, events like these serve as reminders of the enduring importance of tradition and community. Through their unwavering commitment to their principles, the members of the Preceptory continue to inspire and uplift each other, ensuring that the legacy of chivalry remains vibrant and relevant in the modern world.

On Wednesday the 15th May 2024 19 Knights of the Province travelled to Great Queen Street in London for the annual meeting of the Knights Templar where Knights are appointed and promoted within Great Priory. The ceremony was extremely well organised and everyone had a very enjoyable meeting. If any Knight has the opportunity of attending the meeting, please do so it is a spectacular event with Knights from across the world attending!

Those Knights who had made the journey to be appointed and promoted were all suitably impressed and could be seen floating on air with silly smiles for the rest of the evening! The festive board was aloud with the hum of chatter and congratulations throughout the dining room!

On a very warm and sticky evening it was heartening to see the Preceptory so full of Knights awaiting the installation of EComp Richard Johnson. The ceremony was delivered in a fine style with EKt Tony Askey and EKt Phil Grindley ensuring that the standards expected were maintained. Afterwards the festive board was a 'buzz' of conversation and having completed our usual toasts and had our fill the Knights departed in the vain hope that they could cool down!

An excellent evening was had by all.

A very affable and full meeting welcomed a new Knight being initiated into this fine Preceptory this evening. The Provincial Prior and Sub Prior were both in attendance where everyone enjoyed each others company. The festive board was humming with chit chat and we all enjoyed a hearty meal before departing home.

Mercia Praetorian met at the Chase Gold Club where the assembled Knights were treated to an excellent demonstration of Personal Drill by the Prov Marshal and Prov Deputy Marshal. Its true to say that we all think we know the ritual but there were a number of questions asked by the Knights which were answered in such a way that we all took home a daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge.

Following the meeting the Knights retired for the Festive Board which was a very happy event which everyone enjoyed.

The Preceptory was slightly depleted due to other Craft and KT meetings being held on the same evening. However that didnt detract from the standard of the ceremony and the Eminent Preceptor should be congratulated on the manner in which he installed his successor. The new EP installed his officers to great effect and the whole evening was a happy event.

The Festive Board was highlighted by the three massive sausages provided for each diner. Tact and diplomacy bans me from saying who I gave my third sausage too!!

A delegation of Staffordshire and Shropshire Knights made the journey to Leicester to join in the Installation meeting of this French Preceptory. They come to the UK annually and are hosted by a different Province each year. The ceremony is done in English and French, but the French sounds so much nicer! The dinner which followed was an eight course feast that delighted the tastebuds and included Sole Veronique, Fillet of Beef, a selection of French and English cheeses, and a cold sweet. Each course was accompanied by its own wine and it has to be said, dont go if you intend to drive home that night!!! An excellent evening was had by all who made the effort to attend.

A great time was had by everyone at the meeting of Robert de Stafford. A KT and a Malta ceremony were completed and the new candidate Paul Harvey was welcomed into the Preceptory by everyone present. Dave Truman presented certificates in fine form with Mark Roberts delivering an excellent History. Mark Snape stepped up to the plate and controlled the Banner Bearers in good style. The Festive Board was a lively element of the evening with good banter being heard around the table. An excellent night.

Ranulph de Blundeville had an excellent night in Leek. They welcomed Comp Vic Evans in to the Preceptory. The ceremony was delivered in excellent fashion by the officers present and the icing on the cake (literally) was that EKt Brian Cockersole celebrated his 80th birthday and all of the assembled Knights tucked in to his cake with relish!!

Members of KT 42 had a spectatacular full Malta ceremony with Knights from all over the Province descending onto Shelton Masonic Hall. Every Kniight was in full Malta regalia with the exception of the two joining Knights who were resplendent in their Knights Templar garb. The ceremony was delivered to the highest possible standards and the Knights who took on this challenge should be congratulated for a job well done. After the ceremony the Knights were treated to a sumptuos meal with beef carved at the table. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all.

Wulfruna Preceptory had their first meeting at the 'Chase" on a cold and chilly Saturday morning. This was a new and innovative approach for the Preceptory which was promoted by the Prov Prior. After a number of years of declining membership and the closure of Wolverhampton Masonic centre it was felt that a new approach should be tried. Following a hearty breakfast the meeting opened and there were 4 joining members who joined today and another three joining members coming in at the next meeting as well as a Candidate. The future certainly looks rosy and the Precptory have the full backing of the Province.

The air was heavy with expectation on a chilly Thursday in Kidsgrove as the members of John O'Gaunt preceptory respendent in their Knights of Malta regalia prepared for the installation of a new Knight. The candidate was nervous, but determined to do his best and he rose to the occasion in fine form. The picture shows the Provincial Sub Prior and the Great Sub Prior flanking him after his ceremony with smiles all around for a job well done.

A date for your diaries Brother Knights, following the excellent success of this years Provincial Priory we have booked the Staffordshire Showground for next years Provincial Priory meeting. The date is Monday the 10th of June 2024. More details will be available when they have been confirmed.

A splendid turnout at the Installation of the new Eminent Preceptor, E. Knight Keith Davies, a good time was had by all present and the Preceptory are looking forward to a busy year