Knightly News

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!!

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.

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 carrved at the table. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all.

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