A very French experience

L to R:- E Kt Stephen Gilliver, Kt Ian Simpson, R E Kt David Gallear, E Kt David Swindlehurst

Saturday 10^th December 2012 saw a red letter day in the development of French Knights Templar with not one, but two, new Preceptories being consecrated at a magnificent chateau near Bordeaux

Five members of Lancashire were in attendance namely the Right Eminent Provincial Prior, the Chancellor, the Bodyguard Commander, E Kt Stephen Gilliver, a past member of the Bodyguard (and member of the Grand Master’s Bodyguard) and Ian Simpson,  a current member of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard

The first Preceptory to be consecrated was No, 57, the Geoffroy da GonnevillePreceptory and the ceremony was performed by Most Eminent & Supreme Knight Andre Bassou, the Grand Master of France.

Luncheon followed after which the Bertrand de Blanquefort Preceptory, No. 56 was consecrated, this time by the Seneschal

R E Kt David Gallear and V E Kt Mike Southworth acted as consecrating First and Second Constables during the morning and as the Grand Master’s Banner Bearer and Standard Bearer during the afternoon. The other knights from Lancashire formed part of the Bodyguard for both ceremonies

At the ‘white table’ banquet which followed our Provincial Prior proposed the toast to the newly consecrated Preceptories

The two new Preceptories give the region sufficient numbers to warrant the formation of a new Province, to be included in the agenda at the meeting of the Great Priory of France on April 21^st, 2012. A contingent from this Province plans to be present

The first Provincial Prior of the Guyenne Province, Bordeaux, will be Adrian Leopard who happens to be a member of one of Lancashire’s Preceptories, Plains of Tabor, No. 11

We all wish him, and his Province, the very best