Cumba Preceptory No. 476

Installation Meeting

First Friday in March

Regular Meetings 

First Friday in May

First Friday in September

First Friday in December (Malta)

All Meetings start at 6.30 p.m

On Friday 7th March Cumba Preceptory was pleased to receive R. E. Kt. Paul Davis, Provincial Prior and E. Kt. Alan McMurray, Provincial Sub-Prior for Somerset to their Installation Meeting when Kt. Christopher (Chris) Kelley was installed as Eminent Preceptor of The Knights of Cumba. Along with the Provincial Escort, the many visitors had a very enjoyable meeting followed by substantial camp provisions at the festive board.

 The three Stars of the evenings proceedings.

R. E. Prior reminds all present that unlike the wine it's quality not quantity that counts with membership

E.Kt. David Platten was a member of the Cumba Preceptory for 23 years until his death in 2020. He was a respected Knight who was well known across the Province and further afield for his adept Marshalling skills. He served as Provincial Marshal with distinction for 6 years between 2014 and 2020. 

In a recent committee meeting, it was agreed that the late E.Kt David Platten Jewels should be passed down from Marshal to Marshal to inspire them to perform to the best of his abilities during their time in Office.

In our May meeting The Eminent Preceptor E.Kt. Steve Beach presented the jewels to our current Preceptory Marshal E.Kt. Clive Sanders.

Cumba Knights Templar Preceptory No. 476 meeting in Crewkerne Somerset, decided to hold an Open Evening following its regular meeting on Friday 1st September, when only administrative agenda was planned. 

The aim of the Open Evening was that all in attendance would gain an Advancement in Masonic knowledge, specifically regarding our Medieval Predecessors and its links to Masonic Knights Templars.

Following dialogue between the Provincial Prior and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for Somerset, it was agreed that Companions of the Holy Royal Arch could be in attendance. Invitations were sent to local Chapters and eight Companions duly booked to attend. 

The Preceptory was opened at 6.30pm and closed at 7.15pm with 34 Knights in attendance. The eight Companions in the meantime were entertained by two Knights in the Bar. 

Once the Preceptory was closed, the Companions were invited into the Preceptory where they Knights remained in full regalia. They were welcomed by the Eminent Preceptor Andrew Mackay and the R.E. Provincial Prior for Somerset Paul Davis.

The Provincial Priors Bodyguard under the direction of the Body Guard Commander E.Kt. Darrell Hinder on his last outing before being invested as Provincial 2nd Constable, then gave a short demonstration of Sword Drill followed by and Arch of Steel when the Provincial Prior and Sub-Prior retired.

All then proceeded to the dining room where a splendid three course meal was served. The sweet was accompanied by ‘Commanderia St John Dessert Wine’ and an explanation of its significance was given by E.Kt. Clive Sanders.

The Preceptory tradition of taking Port after the sweet was observed and then the snuff box was circulated.

Kt. Steve Beach than gave a short explanation of the snuff box which is engraved with the name Sir Lional Brett the Primus Eminent Preceptor in the year 1976. Sir Lionel was subsequently appointed 2nd Great Constable and from 1984 until his death in 1990 he held the office of Great Chancellor. In 1985 he became only the second member of the Province of Somerset to be appointed ‘Knight Grand Cross of the United Orders’.

Companion Mike Norton the Chairman of the (light blue) Adair Club ably responded on behalf of the visitors to the Visitor Toast.

In keeping with the Preceptories traditions, the last toast taken was to the memory of Serlo Fitz Odo who in 1185 founded the first Preceptory in Somerset at Templecombe.