Saturday, 10th October 2026, saw the annual meeting of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, held at the Masonic Hall of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, The Griggs Centre, Sheaf Close, Northampton. The meeting welcomed a new intake of candidates seeking installation into the Order. They were Knights Neil Wilson, David Linger, Nick Blount, Andy Mackie, Paul Langwith and Guy Gifford-Tiney

The hall was filled with Knights of Malta, assembled in readiness for the ceremony. The proceedings commenced with the Mareschal, E.Kt. Vince Tindale, calling the Knights to order. Three processions then entered the hall in due and proper form, with the final procession bringing the Provincial Prior into the room in pride of place.

The Eminent Prior for the ceremony, E.Kt. Tony Larkins, opened the Priory in due and ancient form before requesting the Knights of St Paul to retire and prepare the candidates. The candidates were duly inducted into the Degree of the Knights of St Paul and received the Mediterranean Pass, preparing them for their admission into the Order of the Knights of Malta.

During this time, the Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Stephen Churchill, invested his Malta Officers for the ensuing year. This part of the proceedings was conducted with great efficiency by the Mareschal and his Deputy. Following the investitures, a knock at the door announced the arrival of the candidates, who entered the hall and took their places. Knight Neil Wilson acted as the representative candidate for the ceremony and was ceremonially escorted through the Banners before being presented to the Eminent Prior.

The Installation ceremony then proceeded, with the candidates receiving their obligations, signs and words as appropriate. They were subsequently conducted to the centre of the Council Chamber, where the address was delivered admirably by E.Kt. Rob Taylor.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mareschal organised the recession, after which photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion and welcome the new Knights of Malta.

The day concluded with a highly enjoyable Festive Board, where the company celebrated the successful meeting with the customary toasts and wine, recognising the officers and those who had contributed to the ceremony.

It was another memorable and thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all the Knights in attendance, marking a further milestone in the life of the Province.