RWGP Provincial Address 2017
Provincial Grand Preceptors’ Address 2017
It is now my will and pleasure to address you at the sixth Grand Preceptors’ Council of the Province of Wessex also to extend to you hearty greetings and invite you all to enter into a celebration with me of presiding over this, my first Council Meeting.
A celebration, to congratulate those Sir Knights who have received Provincial Grand Rank either first appointment, re-appointment or promotions today; also to celebrate and congratulate those Sir Knights who are Members or Joining Members from other Provinces and who have received Grand Rank at the Grand Master’s Council Meeting held on the 29th of December 2016 and they are:
First Appointments: Nigel of Montacute, Micheal of Akrotiri and William of Braintree all received Past Grand Heralds.
Promotion: Ian of Widcombe to Past Grand Almoner.
Promotion also in South Wales: Terence of Dryslwyn to Grand Marshal.
Re-appointments also in South Wales: Wayne of Waunarlwydd to Grand Warden of Regalia.
First Appointment also South Wales: Michael of Cardiff to Past Grand Herald.
First Appointment also Central Midlands: Philip of Hagley to Past Assistant Grand Marshal.
First Appointment also Greater London and South Wales: Vaughan of Tretower to Past Grand Herald.
There were also a record number of Sir Knights from this Province, whom attended in support of the Province and those receiving honours and I congratulate them for attending.
However, our celebration must include our deep and sincere gratitude to our Founding and Primus RWGP. Sir Harry of Benfro KC. who unstintingly has devoted his services to this Province and the Order until he completed his desired term, retired, leaving a strong and firm foundation – “Not built on sand but on strong rock” for his successor to build upon.
A presentation will therefore take place at our Charity Luncheon on Sunday October 8th at Nailsea Masonic Hall to show our gratitude to Sir Harry and Lady Esme.
Following my appointment as Prior-in-charge, I received a communication from the Grand Secretary informing me that the MW Grand Master, Sir Melvyn of Wud Plumpton KH, after considering recommendations, decided to offer me the position of RWGP. for the Province of Wessex and I was Installed at Bath at an additional meeting of the Reginald Fitzjocelyn Chapel No. 74 on 11th April 2017 where I was told in no uncertain terms “You are the Master”. I then Appointed and Installed Sir David of Cadbury Heath as the REPGP. It was a joyous occasion and I pay tribute to all who took part in the ceremony and those who supported the Grand Master, Grand Prior, Grand Officers and the Province.
I have attended the Provincial GPC meetings of Central Midlands, the West Country and South Wales to-date, ably supported by Sir David of Cadbury Heath on Two occasions and have carried out official duties visiting each Chapel thus far.
I take this opportunity to remind Provincial Officers, that each Chapel Installation is an Official visit by the Provincial team. Continuing this theme, I hope to enthuse Sir Knights to visit Chapels and Provinces in order to gain experience, meet different members, taking part if necessary in order to build up the enjoyment and spirit within the Order.
The Order is still growing and we have started to see a new wave of candidates and joining Members. In France, Europe, there is now a Province.
I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Executive in working together since our last meeting to make this day a success and the host Chapel of the St. Martin of Tours Chapel No. 114.
Finally, try to remember that this is a Chivalrous, Christian Order of Knighthood based on Humility and Caring. Through Caring, I add those words our Saviour said, “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” and with Humility, those in a position to recognise your good works can truly say “Friend go up higher.”
Ian of Widcombe GMA RWGP (Wessex)
