SEPTEMBER 2025
Installation of R.E.Kt. Julian Mitchell
On Saturday, 06 September, the Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal, Andrew Christopher Rainbow, G.C.T., conducted the Installation of V.E.Kt. Julian Mitchell, P.G.Reg., as Provincial Prior for the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
The meeting was held at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton. After tea and coffee, and the opportunity to catch up with old friends, we went into the Temple. The Installing officer and his Assisting officers entered in Possession under an Arch of Steel, ascended his throne, appointed his officers and opened a Chapter of Provincial Priory.
The Banners of the Preceptories were paraded and the Roll of Preceptories was called. The Installing officer addressed the Knights on the purpose of the meeting, and the Great Marshal informed the Installing Officer that the Provincial Prior Nominate, V.E.Kt. Julian Mitchell. P.Gt.Reg., was in attendance and requested to be Installed. The Great Marshal formed an escort and the Provincial Prior nominate was introduced into the Chapter Room under an Arch of Steel.
The Installing Officer demanded to see the Patent of Appointment and directed that it be read. He addressed the Provincial Prior Nominate, and the Great Prelate offered a prayer. The Provincial Prior Nominate knelt and recited his Obligation. The Great Prelate raised the Provincial Prior Nominate and conducted him to the East where he knelt and paid homage to the M.E. & S. Grand Master, following which he was invested and installed. The Great Prelate pronounced the Benediction, and the Banner of the Province was placed in the East.
The Right Eminent Provincial Prior was proclaimed from the West by the Great Herald and saluted under the direction of the Great Marshal. E.Kt. Ron Wray, P.Dep.Gt.Swd.B., was then obligated, invested, installed, and proclaimed as the Sub Prior of the Provincial Priory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The Great Marshal Invited the Right Eminent Provincial Prior to appoint and invest the Provincial Officers for the ensuing year, following which the Right Eminent Provincial Prior addressed the Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal and presented him with a donation of £4,000 to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, which was gratefully received. The Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal said how much he enjoyed the day and the opportunity to install R.E.Kt. Julian Mitchell, especially as it was the first time he had conducted the ceremony. He then made a presentation of a 60-year certificate to E.Kt. Sydney Aynsworth, saying how much of an achievement it was to achieve 60 years’ service in this Order. He also had much pleasure on behalf of the M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, OStJ, G.C.T. in making a field appointment to Past Great Aide de Camp. After the collection of alms, the Installing Officer retired under an Arch of Steel accompanied by the officers of the installing team. The regular business of Provincial Priory was completed and, after a brief address due to time constraints, Provincial Priory was closed in due form and the Provincial Prior, the Provincial Sub Prior, Provincial Officers of the year, and honoured guest retired in procession under an Arch of Steel. After some refreshments in the bar, we retired to the dining room where were treated to a splendid lunch with the Knights of the Provincial Priory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight and their guests.
Content and Photos by Chris Eley
May 2024
50 years as a Knights Templar – V.E. & R.E. Malcolm Slater
On 3rd of May 2024, a packed temple in Christchurch hosted a meeting of Sepulchre Preceptory and Sandeman Priory No.27 to help celebrate V.E. & R.E. Malcolm Slater’s 50th Anniversary in Order.
The Grand Master, Most Eminent and Supreme Knight, Paul Raymond Clement G.C.T. attended to support the evening along with R.E. Kt. Charles Aspinell, the Provincial Prior for Hampshire and Isle of Wight and his team.
The meeting was run by Sepulchre’s Eminent Preceptor E.K. Malcolm Collier who led his team through a double ceremony, in which the Grand Master gave the accolade.
The Grand Master presented V.E. & R.E. Malcolm Slater with his certificate reflecting on Malcolm’s extensive masonic career. When Malcolm was appointed to Great Seneschal in 2006 it was for a 2 year term, however his ability to perform the role was so appreciated that he held the office for 13 years! R.E. Kt. Charles Aspinell, Provincial Prior, added to the tribute which was also reflected in the impressive turnout of knights attending. The presentation was concluded by a standing ovation leaving Malcolm almost speechless in his response.
The Grand Master was accompanied by the Great Marshal, Great 1st Constable and the Grand Master’s Banner Bearer (who had travelled down from Newcastle just to carry the banner for the evening!). Also in attendance was the R.E.Kt. Jonathan Charles Whitaker, K.C.T., PGM for the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight and President of the Grand Master’s Council.
Over 70 dined to complete a very memorable evening which had been expertly organised by V.E.Kt. Tony Bargrove P.2nd.Gt.Con. and E.Kt. Dr. Stephen Brooks P.Gt.A-de-C.