Yesterday saw the celebration of Very Eminent Knight Michael William Cox’s 50 years as a member of Knights Templar A member of De Lacy Preceptory no. 95, it was held at Southport Masonic Hall and, to honour him a team visit has been arranged Once the Preceptory had been opened the Bodyguard were admitted, followed by the Provincial Prior and his team of Officers. The Provincial Prior took the chair and proceeded to ‘paint a picture’ of Michael Cox, as a man and as a Mason and he was then presented with a certificate to mark his achievement The Eminent Precptor, Eminent Knight Thomas Holt presented, on behalf De Lacy Precptory, a cheque for £500.00 for the Eye Hospital at Jerusalem Following the meeting the assembled throng retired for pre-dinner drinks. The festive board … Read entire article »

Last night saw the Installation of the new Preceptor of the St Michael Preceptory, No.12, stationed at Rawtenstall Knight Michael Joseph Brotherton was installed by E Kt Martin Stott (the Deputy Marshal) in an excellent and time honoured manner, both as Preceptor and Prior Their Preceptor, E Kt Terrence Brown, was unable to be present as he was visiting his son, and future daughter-in-law, in Australia. The proceedings were conducted under the watchful eye of E Kt Eric Davidson the Marshal, who was later presented with an engraved Great Priory jewel,  a token of their  esteem for him, from all the members of the Preceptory. The presentation was performed by the Right Eminent Provincial Prior who was in attendance. It was noted by the members that it was the first time in a long … Read entire article »

Last night saw the Installation of the new Preceptor of the Plains of Mamre Preceptory, No. 8,  stationed at Burnley Knight Hans Helmut Broughton was installed by E Kt John Sarti in an excellent and time honoured manner, both as Preceptor and Prior, the Malta degree being performed in the shortened form. The proceedings were conducted under the watchful eye of E Kt Frank Cook, the Marshal Helmut is a past member of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard, as was Jon Sarti. Interestingly John’s predecessor was also a past member of the Bodyguard, Is this a unique event in the Province’s history? Nineteen knights partook of a convivial social board … Read entire article »

On Wednesday evening Plains of Tabor Preceptory, No. 11, stationed at Colne saw the installation of Kevin Pickering (a member of Pendle Lodge No. 4703 and a Companion of Nelson Chapter No. 2193) as a new knight of the Order. The ceremony was split very successfully between the Eminent Preceptor and seven other members, each performing their part in an excellent manner The accolade and Grand sign, grip and word were given by the Right Eminent Provincial Prior who commented the he would like to see more Preceptories sharing the work as it takes pressure off the Eminent Preceptor and encourages junior members of the Preceptory to participate The festive board was attended by 29 knights and consisted of soup and sandwiches (thanks to the good efforts of the Registrar V E Kt … Read entire article »

Saturday 10th 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 … Read entire article »