Mustering Under the Banner
of the Great Priory 2023
E Kt John Liddle in deep conversation with ME Kt Roddy MacKenzie GCT, Grand Master of the Great Priory of Germany with Provincial Prior, RE Kt Kevin Stannard In the background in the Connaught Rooms.
During 2023, several senior Knights from Northumberland, led by the Provincial, Prior, Right Eminent Kt Kevin Stannard, made the pilgrimage to Great Queen Street to muster under the Banner of the Great Priory of England, Wales and its Provinces Overseas. The Templar meeting earlier in the year truly tested the Knights resolve as all GNER trains were cancelled, putting a spanner if works for travel. However, undaunted with dedication and commitment shining through, many drove across the country to Carlise to make the train journey south and back.
The Grand Temple on both occasions was filled to near capacity with it being noted that some attendees had trekked thousands of miles from the Far East, as well as a large contingent of distinguished guests from other Constitutions overseas, including our friend, ME Kt Roddy MacKenzie GCT, the new Grand Master of the Great Priory of Germany.
During the opening ceremonies, the Province was for the first time, honoured to have two of its Brother Knights on duty as members of the Grand Master’s Body Guard (veteran to the Body Guard, E Kt Geoff Morrison and newly appointed this year, E Kt Lt Col (Retd) Ian Harper).
We offer our sincere congratulations to them on their promotions and wish them many happy years in which to enjoy their new appointments and responsibilities.
Further, our Right Eminent Provincial Prior and Knights of Northumberland were delighted to witness the appointment to Great Priory rank of VE Kt William Bewick who was promoted to Past Great Registrar/ Past Great First Lieutenant, E Kt Steve Read receiving his his first appointment to Great Priory rank as a Past Great Aide de Camp/Past Great Baillie and E Kt John Robert Gilroy who received honours as a Past Great Warden of Regalia/Past Great Turcopolier.
Relaxing with a pre-lunch drink in the bar at Great Queen street.
After closing the Great Priory, Brother Knights retired to a sumptuous Banquet in the Connaught Rooms, which was enjoyed by all the Knights who had attended the event. The room was full to the brim with numbers as well as good Knightly jeer, with toasts many and conversation rich with happiness. All to soon, the event was over and the long trek home undertaken, but lightened by joyful and happy memories.