Paul Jeffery Davis Provincial Prior for Somerset

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Temple - Third Wednesday of May

Malta - Third Tuesday of November

Monday 9th September 2024

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group have finally had the plaque’s made that will be hung on The Tree of Hope in Jerusalem. 

At the time of our demisemiseptcentennial celebration the Provincial Priory of Somerset donated a considerable sum of money to the Knight Templar Swift Appeal and in thanks for the generous support of our work received automatic sponsorship of a swift on the Jerusalem Eye Hospitals Tree of Hope and a large Swift for us to keep which the Provincial Prior has regularly on display for you to see at Meetings.

E.Kt. David Dixon was installed as Eminent Commander of Antiquity Encampment No.1 on Friday, 26 April by his predecessor and Installing Preceptor E.Kt. Richard Thurston. The ceremony was fittingly conducted in the presence of the Provincial Sub-Prior, E.Kt. Raymond Sheppard P.Gt.Std.B.(B). at the Old Theatre Royal, Bath, which most of you know is the Masonic Hall, in Bath

With the Provincial Team in attendance and despite the very inclement weather, the meeting of Estune Command Preceptory No 354 held on Thursday 28 March 2024 was an overwhelming success. 

Fifty-three Knights were in attendance to witness the arrival of the Somerset Sword of Chivalry being borne by a delegation of Knights from the Antiquity Encampment No.1, the presentation of which was impeccably delivered by E.Kt. Richard Thuston the Eminent Commander. 

This was followed by a splendid ceremony conducted by the Estune Commands own Eminent Preceptor E.Kt. Jon Mansell PPrHer, assisted by the Officers of the Preceptory. (further details to follow). The Provincial Prior for Somerset, R.E.Kt. Paul Davis, conferred the Accolade using the Somerset Sword of Chivalry, the occasion of which has been recorded in the Register which accompanies the Sword on its travels around the Province.

The high-end banquet which followed was superb and the Toasts and salutations were given with gusto.

On Tuesday 6th March 2024, the Provincial Prior accompanied by the Provincial Sub-Prior, attended the Installation of E.Kt. Graham Chipperfield as Eminent Preceptor for the second consecutive year of King Arthur of Avalon Preceptory No. 551. Two Knights Templar Patents were also presented to Kt John Morgan & Kt Micheal Bidwell by the Provincial Sub-Prior. In total of 26 Eminent and Brother knights attended the meeting, including 3 knights from  the Province of Devonshire and Cornwall.

On Tuesday 20th March 2024 at a Special meeting of the Preceptory, Bro.Kt. Clive Loxton was installed as a Knight of the Temple at the King Arthur of Avalon Preceptory No. 551. The ceremony was conducted by the Eminent Preceptor E.Kt. Graham Chipperfield with the Accolade being conferred by the Provincial Prior, and with a total of 21 Eminent and Brother Knights present.

On Tuesday 5th March 2024, the Provincial Prior and the Provincial Sub-Prior, attended the Installation of E. Kt. David Smith as Eminent Preceptor for the ensuing year of the Keynsham Preceptory of St Keyna No. 455. Thirty-Nine (39) knights in total attended the meeting including 3 knights from the Province of Devonshire and Cornwall. After an excellent ceremony performed by E.Kt Garry Mackenzie, the nights retired to an excellent Festive Board.

Friday, 1st March2024 saw E.Kt. Stephen Beach Installed as Eminent Preceptor of Cumba Preceptory No.476 in the presence of the Provincial Prior for Somerset, R.E.Kt. Paul Davis and 35 other Knights of the Temple