In November, members of Croydon Preceptory No 196 were pleased to receive one of their honorary members, R.E. Kt. Michael Banbury, Provincial Prior, attended by two members of his Bodyguard. This was Michael’s first official visit since the Full Team Visit in June to celebrate their Centenary.

The afternoon started with a short meeting of the Knights of the Temple where the members voted for V.E. Kt. Patrick Crossan, Provincial Sub Prior, V.E. Kt . Chris Cradock, Provincial Vice-Chancellor, and E.Kt Chris Eley, Provincial Marshal, to be made Honorary Members of the Preceptory in appreciation for their assistance at their Centenary meeting.
On display in a splendid frame was the Preceptory’s Centenary Warrant and the Preceptory Warrant.



Then followed a meeting of a Priory of Knights of Malta where the E. Prior E.Kt. Dennis Wheeler, ably assisted by his officers, Installed four Knights into the order.

Following the most enjoyable Installation the R.E. Provincial Prior was invited to present 9 Great Priory Certificates.
There were 5 Knights of Malta Certificates presented to Knights Eddie Mulqueen, Alan Zimon, Ian Keen, Alan Harris and Les Smith; and 4 Knight Templar Certificates presented to Knights Alan Whiddett, Andrew Gilham, Tony Worboys and Brian Pulley. Is this a record?



There followed a most enjoyable festive board where the R.E. Provincial Prior said how encouraging it was to see Croydon Preceptory in such good heart and growing in numbers.

Article and photographs by Chris Eley
Provincial Marshal