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

Staffs & Shrops Saunter in the Sun

On a gloriously sunny Sunday, 11 May, the members of the Staffordshire and Shropshire Provincial Priors Body Guard set out on their latest challenge. They had committed themselves to walking along the Tissington Trail from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and back, a total of 27.5 miles.

They successfully completed their walk in a time of 8 hours and 15 minutes with a step count of 57,000 paces. In the process they have raised £1500.00 which will be divided between the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital and the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) UK Patient Support Group, a charity very dear to the Prov.Prior, himself an MDS Patient.

The selection of the Tissington Trail was ideal as it allowed for walkers of various abilities to join in the challenge and offered the opportunity for frequent stops with suitable amenities.

No challenge can be completed without support and the designated support team were diligent in ensuring the walkers were assisted throughout the challenge. They provided a safe and mobile service and met with the walkers at various stages of the trek, with drinks and helpings of homemade sustenance.

The trail was once an industrial railway line connecting two canals on either side of the Pennines, as it was cheaper to build the railway rather than to extend the canal system over the hilly terrain. Consequently, the path was mainly level and good underfoot with some areas having been tarmacked and other areas were made up of compacted gravel.

The trail has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as well as some areas being in shade, from the trees growing adjacent to the track. This was gratefully appreciated as the walkers neared the end of the challenge.

The scenery was stunning especially in such perfect walking conditions.

Content Credits: Ralph Ritchey

Grand Master, M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, was Invested as Officer of the Order of St John in Ceremonial Clerkenwell Service

The Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master of the Order of Knights Templar, Paul Raymond Clement, OStJ, G.C.T., was officially invested with the honour of Officer of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem at a very dignified and intimate ceremony at the Priory Church of St John The Baptist in Clerkenwell on Wednesday, 14 May.

As well as being joined by members of his close family, the Grand Master enjoyed good support from the Order of Knights Templar. Pictured left to right are:

V.E.Kt. Dan Heath, Gt.Vice.Chan.; M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, OStJ, G.C.T., G.M.; E.Kt. Jamie Ingham Clark, P.Dep.Gt.Swd.B. (a recipient of Knight of Justice on the same day); E.Kt. Lewis Clement, a Past Preceptor of the Preceptory of George No. 6; E.Kt. Alexander Maclean Bather, Gt.Her.; & R.E.Kt. David Thompson, Prov.Prior for London (both members of the Order of St John’s ceremonial team).