Norman Wright Preceptory 513
On Wednesday 13th May, the Knights of Norman Wright Preceptory No. 513 assembled in Stanford for an Installation Meeting that combined dignity, tradition, and a fine display of ceremonial pageantry.
The meeting was honoured by the presence of the Provincial Prior, Right Eminent Knight Stephen John Churchill, whose attendance brought considerable distinction to the occasion. Proceedings then commenced with the Eminent Preceptor E. Kt. Stephen Wright opening the Preceptory in due and ancient form. Assisting throughout were members of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard, whose polished precision and imposing presence added greatly to the evening.
The principal business of the evening then followed, as the Installation Ceremony was conducted and Knight Robert Hardy was formally installed into the Chair of the Preceptory. The ceremony was carried out with solemnity and precision, and the customary salutes were enthusiastically offered to the newly Installed Eminent Knight.
Having duly assumed the Chair, Eminent Knight Robert Hardy proceeded to appoint and install the Officers of the Preceptory for the ensuing year, entrusting each with their respective duties and responsibilities.
Under Any Other Business, the Provincial Prior requested that the Marshal present Eminent Knight Wilkin Wilhelm to the centre of the Preceptory. There, the Provincial Prior R. E. Kt. Stephen John Churchill invested him with a Field Appointment as Past Provincial Standard Bearer ‘B’. This well-deserved honour was warmly received by all present and marked a proud moment within the proceedings.
The Preceptory was subsequently closed and reopened in the Degree of Malta, where Eminent Knight Robert Hardy was installed as Prior. The ceremony and subsequent investiture of Officers were conducted with the same high standard of ceremonial excellence that characterised the evening throughout.
A particularly memorable feature of the night was the expertly organised recession arranged by E.Kt. Lee Freeman. Assisted by the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard, an impressive Arch of Steel was formed, providing a striking and fitting conclusion to the formal proceedings and bringing a memorable close to an evening of distinguished ceremony and fellowship.