Annual Meeting of Somerset Provincial Priory 2015
The warm sunny weather of the previous week was in stark contrast to that which greeted
the record number of Knights and their guests arriving at the Webbington Hotel, Loxton on
Monday 14th September for the Annual Meeting of the Somerset Provincial Priory of
Knights’ Templar. Torrential heavy rain and strong winds did not curb the enthusiasm of
those looking to support the Provincial Prior, Barry Burridge, presiding over his tenth
annual meeting.
Any lingering doubts over the change of venue were dispersed within minutes upon
witnessing such a vast army of Knights mustering from every part of the country. A record
number of some 180 Knights, including 18 Provincial Priors and 14 Sub-Priors registered
their attendance. Many had journeyed great distances from as far afield as Cheshire,
Cornwall, East Anglia, Kent, Sussex and Yorkshire in support of Barry and the Province.
The official business of the day took place during
the morning meeting at the commencement of
which the 12 Preceptory Banners were paraded into
the Temple, under the direction of David Platten,
the Provincial Marshal, and presented individually to
the Provincial Prior.
The presentation of the
Banners coupled with such a large number of fully
robed Knights made a colourful and memorable
spectacle.
Initiating a new precedent the Somerset Sword of
Chivalry was presented to Barry Burridge by Brian Porter
representing the King Ina Preceptory the current holder.
Barry briefly explained the aims and purpose of the
Sword and referred to its being passed to King Arthur of
Avalon Preceptory in a few weeks time.
Barry then reappointed and invested Neil Hawes as his
Sub-Prior and David Platten as Marshal. Denis Oakman
was invested 1st Constable, John Dunford as 2nd Constable
and Chris Muggleton reappointed and invested Warden of
Regalia.
During a confident and forward looking address Barry expressed his immense delight seeing
a record number of Knights at the new venue which he was sure boded well for the future.
Barry made specific reference to the 175 th anniversary of the Province, the second oldest
in England and Wales, and advised that in the New Year he would be setting up a
Committee to deal with every aspect of this historic event which will take place in 6 years
time.
Christopher Muggleton the Provincial Warden of
Regalia was then presented to Barry Burridge.
Chris presented a cheque to Barry who thanked
him in most generous terms for his untiring and
ceaseless work on behalf of the Province and
welcomed the opportunity to be able to extend
his thanks publically for his continuing efforts.
After the meeting members and their guests partook of luncheon during which the
customary toasts were observed.