On Saturday, 5 September, the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Priory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight was held at the Novotel Hotel, Southampton.
Following tea and coffee, and an opportunity to renew acquaintances and catch up with old friends, the Knights assembled in the Temple. The Provincial Prior, R.E. Kt. Julian Mitchell, accompanied by his Officers, entered in possession beneath an Arch of Steel and duly opened the Chapter of Provincial Priory.
After extending a warm welcome to distinguished guests and visitors, the banners of the Preceptories were paraded before the assembly, and the Roll of Preceptories was called.
E. Kt. Ron Wray, P.Dep.Gt.Swd.B., was reappointed as Sub-Prior of the Provincial Priory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. In making the appointment, the Provincial Prior expressed his sincere gratitude to E. Kt. Ron for his steadfast support throughout his first year in office.
The Provincial Prior then appointed and invested the Provincial Officers for the ensuing year before delivering his address to the meeting, in which he thanked the Knights of the Province for their continued loyalty and support. His full address can be found in the latest Provincial Yearbook.
The Provincial Prior was also delighted to present a Certificate of Service to the United Orders in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight to V.E. Kt. Jeffrey Charles Southwick, P.G.Reg., in recognition of his outstanding service to the Province.
He subsequently presented a donation towards the 2027 Freemasons Charity Festival (MCF) to R.E. Kt. Jonathan Whitaker, Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, in support of his Festival appeal.
The knights of the Province also voted to donate £1,500 to the Uninterruptable Power Supply Appeal for the Eye Hospital of St. John in Jerusalem.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, brethren and guests enjoyed refreshments in the bar before retiring to the dining room, where they were treated to a splendid luncheon. The meal provided an excellent opportunity for the Knights of the Provincial Priory of Hampshire and Isle of Wight and their guests to enjoy fellowship and companionship in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
