Knights Templar AGM

By command of the Right Eminent Provincial Prior, a Chapter of Provincial Priory was summoned to the Novotel Hotel, 1 West Quay Road, Southampton, SO15 1RA, at 11:00 hrs on Saturday 5 September 2026. And, let’s be honest, when the Right Eminent Provincial Prior issues a command, “I'm sorry, I’m washing my cloak” is unlikely to be accepted.

The car park was already full, as nearly 200 people assembled for the occasion. That is an impressive quantity of cloak swirling, sword waggling and determined searching for somewhere to leave the car.

The ceremony unfolded with polished professionalism and effortless charm—almost as though somebody had practised. Possibly more than once. Everyone appeared to know exactly where to stand, when to move and, most importantly, which end of the sword to hold.

The only trial came at the Novotel bar, where buying an overpriced drink can take so long that one begins to wonder whether it is being brewed specially in a distant monastery.

Still, it was a colourful and memorable occasion, held in the air-conditioned ballroom - which, beneath all those cloaks, was less a luxury and more an act of mercy. Bliss!