Brother Knights <\/p>\n
Well, Brother Knights, here we are again \u2013 another year older (well for me, anyway) and in jolly good company \u2026<\/p>\n
I look around and see much good company, and I trust that you all will have an enjoyable time today \u2013 at least once I have finished speaking, perhaps.<\/p>\n
As is the tradition in Cheshire and North Wales, I am going to introduce friends from afar, and a number of friends from close-by too, before the work that we are here to do begins\u2026<\/p>\n
I would be grateful if rowdy applause could wait until I have finished the introductions \u2013<\/p>\n
From the Province of Lancashire –<\/p>\n
Right Eminent Knight David Harry Gallear, KCT.
\nE.Kt. Christopher Sage Provincial Sub-Prior, P.G.A.de-C.
\nE.Kt. Gordon Turner Provincial Chancellor
\nKt. John Owens Prov Std. B. (B)
\nE.Kt. John Roberts, Deputy Commander of the Provincial Bodyguard
\nKt. Mark Tomlinson<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Warwickshire<\/p>\n
R.E.Kt. David Handley Prov.Prior Nottinghamshire<\/p>\n R.E.Kt. Jim Crossley Provincial Prior <\/p>\n West Yorkshire<\/p>\n R.E.Kt. Hearl Lenton, OBE Provincial Prior <\/p>\n North & East Yorks<\/p>\n R.E.Kt. Keith Marshall Provincial Prior (1st time as Prov Prior) <\/p>\n Northumberland<\/p>\n R.E.Kt. Steve Ranson Provincial Prior, (1st time, Invested March 2026) <\/p>\n Lincolnshire<\/p>\n E.Kt. Ian Dean, Great A-de-C, Dep Commander, GMBG<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Durham<\/p>\n E.Kt. Kevin Gleghorn, Past Dep.Gt.Swd.B. Provincial VC <\/p>\n Derbyshire<\/p>\n E.Kt. Anthony Lymer GMBG, Prov. 2nd Constable, Sub-Prior designate <\/p>\n And from Leaders and Past Leaders from within the Province \u2013<\/p>\n CRAFT<\/p>\n E.Kt. Alan Glazier, Past DepPGM – Cheshire <\/p>\n ROYAL ARCH<\/p>\n E.Kt. Rob Bramley, Past Deputy Grand Superintendent – Cheshire MARK & ROYAL ARK MARINER<\/p>\n E.Kt. Austin Bamber, Past Dep Prov.GM – Cheshire ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RIGHT<\/p>\n E.Kt. John Robert Bramley, Inspector General for East Cheshire<\/p>\n RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE<\/p>\n E.Kt. Chris Macdonald, Deputy Grand Sovereign ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS<\/p>\n E.Kt. Stan Rawcliffe, Past District Principal Conductor of the Work for Cheshire and the Marches<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SCARLET CORD<\/p>\n E.Kt. Robert Jordan, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Summus CNW<\/p>\n ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND<\/p>\n E.Kt. Barrie Sant, Worshipful Substitute Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Cheshire<\/p>\n Now, Knights of Cheshire and North Wales, let us show how welcome they all are\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brother Knights \u2013 before I address you\u2026<\/p>\n The date today is the 6 June; on the 6 June 1944, a generation who came before us embarked on a crusade \u2013 much like the knights of old \u2013 to free lands conquered by the forces of evil. To the men and women of this Country we owe a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made on the beaches of Normandy and in the fields and towns beyond.<\/p>\n Let us stand \u2013 without swords drawn \u2013 in humble remembrance of those valiant soldiers, sailors and airmen who were prepared to give up everything for those who came after; The Provincial Prelate will lead us in a prayer of remembrance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now Brother Knights \u2013 my address to this meeting – <\/p>\n Well, I am now into my fifth year as your Provincial Prior. How time flies when you are having fun!<\/p>\n Patents of Appointment for all Orders administered by Mark Masons Hall are initially for five years, (or rather during the pleasure of the Grand Master), and then are subject to renewal \u2013 or otherwise \u2013 by the Grand Master. So this may be \u201cgoodbye\u201d or \u201csee you next year\u201d but I want to place on record my gratitude for all the support I have received from Knights of this Province, not only as Provincial Prior, but also when I was the Sub-Prior, and before that \u2018a little helper\u2019\u2026 and also to Knights of the Order from other Provinces, as represented by those who sit behind me. And sometimes tut\u2026<\/p>\n The past twelve months have seen the celebration of several Preceptories in the Province \u2013 fifty years for St. David in Rhewl, one hundred years for de L\u2019Isle Adam in Chester and Menai in Bangor, and then one hundred and fifty years of Grosvenor Preceptory, when we had the honour and privilege of the attendance and company of the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master. On that occasion we dined at the Grosvenor Hotel \u2013 now closed for repair. Let me assure you that the damage was not caused by us, but rather RAAC concrete.<\/p>\n Each of those milestones demonstrate the continuing support for the Order by many Knights over the decades \u2013 centuries even – and I am pleased to say that that support is well in evidence today. Unfortunately however one Preceptory found that it was unable to continue and surrendered the Warrant in late 2025. We have to accept that there are ups and downs in all walks of life and Freemasonry is no exception.<\/p>\n Moving on, this coming year, we have individual celebrations to look forward to \u2013 two fifty years in the Order, and one sixtieth \u2013 that of our well loved and most respected Knight Ben Addy (Past Pro-Grand Master in the Mark) \u2013 but subject to Ben\u2019s wishes of course. Ben\u2019s fiftieth was much cause for celebration, but when my predecessor, Tony Mathie, approached Mark Masons Hall asking if they wanted to attend, the immediate response was \u201cwe don\u2019t do fiftieths\u201d. \u201cCan we tell you who it is?\u201d Tony asked. \u201cIt makes no difference\u201d they said. \u201cIt\u2019s Ben\u201d, said Tony. \u201cWe\u2019ll be on the next train\u201d they said. <\/p>\n The fiftieth celebrations are for R Em. Kt. Stephen Clayton-Barker, KCT, our well-loved Past Provincial Prior and E. Kt. John Maclain \u2013 each subject to their wishes, of course..<\/p>\n We will give details of those events as and when the plans are determined, and I\u2019m sure that many of you would wish to join in the celebrations.<\/p>\n Let me congratulate the Knights of the Province who received appointments or promotion in Great Priory this year \u2013<\/p>\n and a direct appointment from Great Priory – E. Kt. Glyn Hewitt \u2013 appointed as Deputy Great Marshal<\/p>\n Not forgetting E. Kt. Mike Steggles, now Deputy Provincial Grand Master in the Craft for Cheshire, who received a field appointment at the celebration of Grosvenor Preceptory\u2019s 150th. as Past Great Aide-de-Camp.<\/p>\n Well done all \u2013 you have worked hard for the Order and your Preceptories. Keep it up!<\/p>\n Late news (I had already written my address) \u2013 announced by the Grand Master at the recent meeting of Great Priory \u2013 he is pleased to appoint V Em. Kt. Harry Crook to the Office of Great Sub-Prior of Malta, and we are pleased for him too!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I refer again to the ceremonies undertaken by Knights of the Order. When you were Installed as a Knight Templar, you were the most important person there \u2013 not the Eminent Preceptor, not the Provincial Prior (if he was there) \u2013 you! Please extend that importance and courtesy to new Knights, and do your best with the ritual. Learn it beforehand if you can, share it if you need to, but if you read it, read it before the night, and more than once \u2013 and learn the floor work to be able to deliver it without a book in your hand.<\/p>\n I have witnessed other Orders finding it totally acceptable to read everything. We are Knights Templar, and we pride ourselves on undertaking those duties to which we aspire, with dignity and determination.<\/p>\n The Provincial Marshal has recently organised a Marshal\u2019s workshop which was well received and will be repeated in future years to support new Marshals and those who aspire to that important role in our Preceptories. Leading on from that, Em. Kt. Andy will be liaising with the Registrar of the King Edward VII Preceptory of Improvement to bring a demonstration team to the Province.<\/p>\n Now, let us get on with the reason that we are here for today \u2013 to celebrate the appointment and promotion of Knights who have given support and service to the Province and their Preceptories. This year we perhaps right a wrong that has long been the case in Cheshire and North Wales, that those who didn\u2019t install their successor in the chair did not receive Provincial rank. Today they do, and I thank those Knights who continued to support the Order despite that long-standing rebuff.<\/p>\n I thank all the Knights who have undertaken their duties on behalf of the Province over the last year \u2013 or years, and without naming anyone \u2013 thank you once again to E Kt. Anthony Lloyd for all that he does, and all that he puts up with from me. Anthony has indicated that he wishes to step down as Provincial Vice-Chancellor in due course, and with great reluctance, I must accede to his request.<\/p>\n We do have a volunteer to assume that Office and I thank Em. Kt. Simon Richardson for accepting it.<\/p>\n The Provincial Prior\u2019s luncheon is on Sunday 26 July here at Cheshire View. I look forward to seeing as many Knights \u2013 with partners, family and friends \u2013 as possible, and raffle prizes are always welcome.<\/p>\n Let us get on with the show\u2026<\/p>\n Thank you, Brother Knights<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Additional Item under Any Other Business<\/p>\n Brother Knights, it is rare to introduce an item at this point \u2013 I have done it only once before, when I had the pleasure of sacking Very Eminent Knight Fraser John Fowlie \u2013 or that\u2019s what he said I did.<\/p>\n Today I want to undertake an even more enjoyable duty \u2013 but it is not a duty at all \u2013 it is a pleasure.<\/p>\n Over the years I have been privileged to serve as a member of the Provincial Prior\u2019s Bodyguard, and I make mention of that fact on numerous occasions. But I was a foot soldier, and others \u2013 more distinguished in their dedication to the Bodyguard than I \u2013 undertook the management and leadership of those merry men without hesitation (and pay, of course!) to create the impressive force that was the Bodyguard.<\/p>\n One of those leaders gave much time and effort to make the Bodyguard such a force \u2013 I am aware that others have given too \u2013 but today I talk of a stalwart of the Provincial Prior\u2019s Bodyguard over many years. In recognition of that dedication of service it will now be my pleasure to address the Knight I speak of.<\/p>\n Eminent Knight Allan Hughes Baldwin \u2013 you have supported the Order, the Province and several Provincial Priors over a long period, including as Commander of the Provincial Prior\u2019s Bodyguard. In recognition of that support you were appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Second Constable. Today I think that we should raise that a little \u2013 and so I now promote you to the rank of Past Provincial First Constable of the Province of Cheshire and North Wales.<\/p>\n That, Brother Knights, is a one-off.<\/p>\n Allan, I thank you for all the work you have undertaken since joining the Order and your active membership of no less than four Preceptories over that time.<\/p>\n A remarkable birthday celebration is not far away for you and I want to give you my hearty good wishes for when that day comes.<\/p>\n Allan, thank you for being here today. I know that you no longer galivant around the Province helping to demonstrate military precision but your attendance here is much appreciated.<\/p>\n I present to you a Certificate of Appreciation for what you have done, and acknowledging your promotion to Past First Constable of the Province of Cheshire and North Wales.<\/p>\n Brother Knights of Cheshire and North Wales \u2013 I am going to salute Em. Kt. Allan in his new rank as Past Provincial First Constable. I trust others might wish to join in. Provincial Marshal\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Brother Knights Well, Brother Knights, here we are again \u2013 another year older (well for me, anyway) and in jolly good company \u2026 I look around and see much good company, and I trust that you all will have an enjoyable time today \u2013 at least once I have finished speaking, perhaps. As is the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3099","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nR.E.Kt. Roger Dixon, KCT – Past Provincial Prior
\nV.E.Kt. Michael Southworth, Past 2nd Gt. Constable, Provincial VC
\nPast Regional Grand Prefect, Knights Beneficent of the Holy City
\nV.E.Kt. Brian Kimberley, Past 2nd<\/sup> Gt. Constable.
\nE.Kt. Andrew Timms, Dep.Gt.Mar.<\/p>\n
\nKt. Paul Birks<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Richard Binks P.Gt.Herald, Prov Sub-Prior
\nE.Kt. Carl Heath, Provincial VC (1st time)
\nV.E.Kt. Tony Wilkinson Past Gt.Reg. Past Provincial Sub-Prior
\nV.E.Kt. Frank Johnson Past Gt. Reg. Past Provincial Chancellor
\nV.E.Kt. Roger Skinner Past Gt.Reg
\nE.Kt. Malcolm Brodie Provincial 1st Constable
\nE.Kt. Andrew Parkin Prov. Chamberlain
\nE.Kt. Richard Clague (Glegg) Prov. Almoner
\nE.Kt. Antony Learoyd – Commander of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Paul Atkinson, P.Dep.Gt Mar. Sub-Prior 1st time
\nE.Kt. David Roach,Prov. 1st Con Regional Grand Prefect KBHC<\/p>\n
\nStaffordshire & Staffordshire
\nE.Kt. Ralph Ritchey Past Gt.A.-de-C. Provincial Sub-Prior
\nV.E.Kt. John Francis Past Gt.Reg Provincial VC (Last time)
\nE.Kt. Mark Roberts Prov. 1st Con
\nE.Kt. Philip Spencer-Grey Provincial VC designate<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Thomas Glennding, Past G.M.B.B, Provincial Marshal
\nE.Kt. Graham Campbell, P.Prov.2ndCon.<\/p>\n
\nKt. Ivan Baker Prov Prior’s Bodyguard<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Peter John Butler, Assistant Provincial GM – North Wales, Past Provincial Sub-Prior
\nE.Kt. Chris Jones, Assistant Provincial GM – Cheshire
\nE.Kt. Chris Macdonald, Past Assistant PGM – Cheshire
\nE.Kt. Jeffrey Cunnigham, Past Assistant PGM – Cheshire
\nV.E.Kt. Fraser John Fowlie, Provincial Director of Ceremonies – Cheshire<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Peter Butler, Past Provincial 2nd Grand Principal – North Wales
\nE.Kt. Chris Jones, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal – Cheshire
\nV.E.Kt. Fraser John Fowlie, Provincial Director of Ceremonies – Cheshire<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Chris Macdonald, Past Assistant PGM – Cheshire
\nE.Kt. Glyn Hewitt, Past Assistant PGM – Cheshire<\/p>\n
\nE.Kt. Michael Baptist, Intendent General \u2013 Division of Cheshire
\nE.kt. Graham Kyffin, Venerable Eusebius \u2013 Division of Cheshire<\/p>\n\n