For a third consecutive year the Provincial Prior, RW Kt Michael Banbury, and his wife Frances welcomed Surrey Knights, their families and friends into their home, on Sunday 17 July, for an annual barbecue.

Seventy three guests braved the inclement weather to join the Provincial Prior and his wife, who welcomed them into their beautiful garden in the village of Outwood.  Not to be outwitted by the vagaries of our ‘summer’ weather E. Kt Garry Lewis, who helped to organize the event, made provision for rain in the shape of gazebos, tables and chairs.

The ubiquitous Bodyguard, under the guidance of E. Kt Nigel Harding, their newly appointed Commander, seamlessly choreographed the tasks of parking cars and serving drinks. The sporadic downpours proved no match for the Surrey Knights and friends who continued their quest for food, drink and merriment undeterred.  Once again E Kt Jim Smith barbecued up a feast of a master butcher’s lamb chops, beef burgers and sausages, which guests helped themselves to, along with salads, bread rolls and dressings prepared by Carol Lewis and her daughter Michelle.

We were indebted to E. Kt Garry who braved the downpour at around 4 pm to add sides to the gazebos facing the brunt of the rain.  Well done Garry!  By 4.30 pm the sky cleared and the sun threatened to shine.  We were then invited to take ‘afternoon tea’, or coffee, served with a selection of scones, preserves and clotted cream. 

Thanks to the generosity of both those attending, kind donations from Brother Knights unable to attend, and those bringing prizes for the raffle: around £1000 was raised for the Jerusalem Eye Hospital.

The Prior closed the event offering special thanks to his wife, Frances, who had tended the garden alone due to his recent hip operation.  He also thanked E Kt Garry Lewis, his wife Carol and their daughter Michelle who, with himself and France, organised the event preparing food, providing many of the items needed and the particularly to Garry, who supplied the background music; to E Kt Jim Smith for barbecuing the excellent food; and to members of the Bodyguard who helped setting up and dismantling the equipment and overseeing the car parking.

Finally, he thanked everyone for coming, for braving the weather and making this such an enjoyable day.