Warwickshire Travels “Up” North

In their quest for ‘something really different’ the Provincial Prior of Warwickshire, R.E.Kt. David Handley, led a small party to the Provincial Priory of Lancashire to attend St Michael Preceptory No.12. The other travelling warriors were the Immediate Past Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Roger Dixon, Vice-Chancellor V.E.Kt. Mike Southworth, E.Kts. Hosey Davoudian (2nd Constable,) and Dr Michael Buckingham (2nd Constable Designate) and Bro.Kt. Matthew Wynne (Pr.P.B.G.)

On arrival at the Radcliffe Masonic Rooms they received a traditional warm welcome from the members of the Preceptory, but were delighted to be greeted by R.E.Kt. David Gallear, K.C.T, the Provincial Prior.

Being No.12 firmly implies the antiquity of St Michael Preceptory. The original Warrant or Charter was signed on 10 April 1808 in London by the then Grand Master, Walter Radwell. The warrant was then registered in The Grand Conclave. Our Great Priory is yet to be conceived ! To put this into a historical perspective, The Peninsular War was still being fought and Napolean was busy conquering as much of Europe as he could.

The Warwickshire Knights were truly presented with ‘something really different’ right from the outset. Now, as this involves ‘ritual’ one must be very careful in what is said. Suffice it to be say that the opening and closing was not what was expected, being very Craft like; not surprising, however, as K.T. was worked by Craft Lodges in ‘days gone by.’ The Eminent Preceptor was not ‘Installed’ but ‘Inaugurated.’ A beautifully worded item on the agenda to remember a departed Brother was, ‘Eulogy to a Fallen Knight.’

The dinner that followed was a most enjoyable and convivial affair. The continual chatter and laughter being clear evidence that everyone was enjoying themselves. The Warwickshire Knights were overwhelmed by the Knightly Fellowship that was extended to them.

Was the long journey from the Midlands justified ? Most certainly, ‘YES.’

Warwickshire would like to say, “THANKS LANCS !!”

Content Credits: Roger E Dixon