Closing the year with swords raised high
By – E.Kt Gregg Smith and Ian Harper
Brinkburn Priory, led by Eminent Prior Neil Fraser, conducted the Province’s last meeting of the year on 21 December 2023 in Morpeth in the presence of Northumberland’s Provincial Sub Prior, VE Kt Bill Bewick. With Christmas only a few days ahead, it was of great pleasure that 26 members and 6 visitors, in total 32 Brother Knights were able to attend the banquet following the meeting.
Front centre, the Marechal, E.Kt Steve Mathews discussing the final points of the ceremony with the Eminent Prior, Neil Fraser before opening the priory.
With the Preceptory prepared and laid out under the careful eye of E.Kt Steve Mathews, it’s Marechal, all was set for a great evening. With all key offices and both tables fully manned, with anticipation and a good measure of butterflies, the waited knocks arrived, signifying the start of an important symbolic journey for one loan Knight, culminating in him becoming a fully-fledged Knight of Malta.
E Kt Brian Storey, our, as well as the Provincial organist.
However, before the main act there was key a-joining degree to attend too, which was eloquently conducted by Prior Neil Fraiser aided by his Chaplain E.Kt Bob Young and Marechal, E.Kt Steve Mathews. On their return, a symbolic journey from the Holy land to Malta was skilfully steered culminating in the Prior admitting Bro Kt Russell Breslin to the Order as a complete Knight of Malta.
The ceremony was conducted solely by members of Brinkburn with a notable enjoyable joint explanation of the history and symbols associated with the Order by the officiating Prior and E Kt John Wareham, who also part of the Provincial Malta delegation and a distinguished Great Priory Officer.
Following the meeting, the Brother Knights reconvened in the dinning room to enjoy each other’s company over a sumptuous three course Christmas dinner. With the night waning fast and Christmas Day just around the corner, toasts were made with full solemnity.
Our boisterous visitors
United with one heart, mind and voice, the loyal toast …. “The King”.
A wonderful night had by all, especially for our new Brother Knight, Russell Breslin who said during his speech, “This is just incredible, I have been thinking about today for so long and tonight has been better than I had hoped. I hope I can now live up to the trust and confidence you all have placed in me, thank you”.