Keynsham Preceptory of St Kenya No. 455

Meetings

Installation Meeting

First Tuesday in March

Regular Meetings

Third Monday in January (Malta)

First Tuesday in June

Fourth Wednesday in October

All Meetings start at 6.30 p.m

On Monday 15th January 2023, 57 Knights including the Provincial Prior and Provincial Sub-Prior attended the Keynsham Masonic Hall, when three Knights (two from King Arthur of Avalon Preceptory and one from Worlebury Preceptory) were installed as Knights of Malta.

The meeting was superbly conducted by the Eminent Prior, E.Kt. Garry Mackenzie, supported by the officers of the Keynsham Priory. It was splendid to see the majority of the Knights wearing their Malta Regalia, which also added to the atmosphere of the occasion.

On completion of the Ceremony the Knights attended a wonderful After Meeting. This being the month of celebrating Robert Burns, the first course was Haggis accompanied by Neeps and Tatties and a wee dram, and the main course was the famous, Keynsham Hot Buffet! which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Officers Appointed 2024

Eminent Preceptor

E. Kt. D. J. Smith - Installed March 2024

Principal Contacts

Registrar: E.Kt. Alan McMurray
Almoner: E.Kt. Ian Walker

Officers

First Constable Kt. Richard Gover
Second Constable Kt. Robert Edwards
Chaplain E.Kt. John Creech
Treasurer E.Kt. Mike Gill
Registrar E.Kt. Malcolm Behling
Marshal E.Kt. Graham Jeffery
Deputy Marshal E.Kt. Mark Saunders
Almoner E.Kt. Derrick Griffin
First Herald Kt. Paul Drake
Second Herald Kt. Lee Preece
Standard Bearer (B) Kt. David Newland
Standard Bearer (VB) Kt. Sean Biggins
Captain of Guards Kt. Michael Short
Organist Kt. Adrian Moore
Guard E.Kt. Marcus Crew

Somerset host Gloucestershire & Herefordshire 20.01.2025

After several impromptu interruptions, including the hiatus of covid, the annual fraternal Visits between Somerset and Gloucestershire & Herefordshire, at the beginning of the calendar year, finally resume.Having received an invitation from the Province of Somerset R.E.Kt. Peter Burrows, the Provincial Prior of Gloucestershire & Herefordshire, accompanied by a strong contingent of his Knights descended upon the Keynsham Priory of St. Keyna on Monday 20th January. They were warmly welcomed by R.E.Kt. Paul Davis, the Provincial Prior for Somerset and his O􏰀icers, the Knights of the Keynsham Priory commanded by the Eminent Prior, E.Kt. David J. Smith, and other visiting Knights present.Ninety Knights in total were in attendance at this meeting to witness the installation of two Somerset Knights into the Order of Malta.† Bro.Kt. Mark C. Wilcox, a member of Estune Command Preceptory No. 354; and,† Bro.Kt. Gosta G Vou, a member of Worlebury Preceptory of St. Dunstan No. 121.

The prominence of the visit was exemplified by the welcome parade given to the two Provincial Prior’s, their Sub-Priors, and R.E.Kt. Roger Edgar K.C.M. who were received under an Arch of Steel formed by the Provincial Prior of Somerset’s Bodyguard.
Once the meeting was opened, welcomes exchanged and business conducted, the Degree of St. Paul was bestowed on both Knights before their Installation as Knights of Malta. Both ceremonies were conducted most splendidly by the Eminent Prior and his Oficers, with the Accolades being conferred by the Provincial Prior for Somerset, R.E.Kt. Paul Davis, and the Addresses given in turn by E.Kt. John Creech, E.Kt. Bill Whitehead and E.Kt. Graham Jeffery.
On completion and before the recession, a collection of Alms was taken during which the Malta Hymn was sung with gusto. The renowned Keynsham hot bu􏰀et awaited the Knights at the Festive Board, and with good company, fine stimulant and a lively atmosphere, culminating in the appropriate Toasts and appreciative thanks, a grand evening was had by all
Sadly, the evening was tarnished by a mishap which resulted in Bro.Kt. Richard Hibberd having to be taken to Hospital in Bath. Fortunately, paramedics were in attendance at the meeting, and the Provincial Marshal E.Kt. Brian Horn took Richard directly to hospital, and stayed with him until he was seen by the medical team. Our grateful thanks go him and all those who helped during this incident and our best wishes go to Richard for a speedy recovery.

Tuesday 5th March 2024, Installation of E. Kt. David Smith as Eminent Preceptor

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.

History - 1975 to ....

The Preceptory was consecrated at Keynsham on the 3rd June 1975. The ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Prior, V.E.Kt.W.B.Clatworthy K.C.T., assisted by officers of Great Priory and of Provincial Priory.

There were 19 founders present and, following the consecration, the Provincial Sub-Prior, Very Eminent Knight Dr.G.W.R.Bishop installed the first Eminent Preceptor, E.Kt.G.T.Garlick.

The Preceptory is named after St. Keyna, a British Saint who lived in the 6th century A.D. the daughter of a Welsh Prince, we are told that she left home seeking peace and contentment, and eventually settled at the spot now known as Keynsham. Legend informs us that she found the people there troubled greatly by poisonous serpents and, grasping one of these firmly in both hands, she beseeched the Lord to rid the surrounding countryside of this menace. In answer to her plea the serpents were turned into stones, and this is said to account for the many ammonites to be found in the lias rocks even to this day.