Dear Sir Knight,

The Right Worthy Grand Preceptor of the Province of East Midlands, Sir Andrew (Emery) of Ghellinge extends an invitation to you to attend the Annual Grand Preceptor’s Council Meeting.

A copy of the Summons, Accounts and Minutes will be sent to you in due course.

The meeting will be held and commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday 26th September 2026 at the Long Eaton Masonic Hall, Cleve Lodge, Elm Avenue, Long Eaton, Derbyshire. NG10 4LR and will be followed by a luncheon at the cost of £30 per head (Including Wine or Soft Drinks). The Menu is shown on page 2; this year booking will be via an online form which you can access by CLICKING HERE

Bacon Rolls and Tea/Coffee will be available on arrival.

I would be pleased if you would indicate your attendance at your earliest convenience by completing the online form, or in case of difficulty by email together with payment confirmation, to the Provincial Grand Secretary, whose details are shown above, by Saturday 5th September 2026. Please note that no bookings are confirmed until payment is received.

We look forward to your good company.

Yours in Humilitas et Caritas,

A J Holloway

Sir Allan (Holloway) of Hamersmyth G.B.B.

Provincial Grand Secretary

Province of East Midlands

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Dear Sir Knight,

The Canterbury Pilgrimage – Saturday 19th September 2026

I write to confirm the details for our annual pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral.

Our annual service for this year, 2026, will be held in Canterbury Cathedral, as usual, commencing at 14:00 pm, on Saturday 19th September 2026 (3rd Saturday in September).

Members of the Order and guests should assemble outside of the Cathedral’s main gate, as a group. The group will then be conducted at 12:00pm (for the Buffet Lunch) or no later than 13:45 pm, if not taking part in the dining. Alternatively, if you will be taking part in the Buffet Lunch within the Cathedral Precincts, then please wait outside the Cathedral Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre at 13:45 to be escorted to the Cathedral Crypt for the Service.

As with last year Sir Berwyn of Boncath, has been able to organise a Buffet Lunch at the Cathedral Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, within the Cathedral Precincts (opposite the main entrance to the Cathedral building, itself), commencing at 12:00pm and at a cost of £25 per person. All Booking and Payment information can be found on the *online booking form - link below.

The dress code for gentlemen is Jacket and Collar and Tie, Ladies dress accordingly. Swords and any other regalia of the Order are NOT worn, although members are encouraged to wear the Tie of the Order as an aid to identification at the Cathedral Gates where the Cathedral Authorities waive the entrance fee for us and our guests.

With regard to car parking, there is NO parking available on site within in the Cathedral Precincts. There are, however, many car parks within the surrounding area and a Park and Ride Service is also available. For those choosing to travel by rail or coach, both the railway station and coach station are within a comfortable walking distance from the Cathedral.

For those of you who have not attended before, it is a wonderful occasion and something not to be missed. As noted in our Book of Constitutions (6.1.7), all members of the Order attending are eligible to wear the Pilgrimage Chough on the right shoulder of the mantle (similar in design to the graphic on the right-hand side at the top of this communication), for which there is a small charge of £10. I will ensure that the badges are available for you on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

*There is a simple, online form to complete for booking for Attending, Dining Payment, ordering a Chough Badge or Apologies. This can be found by following this link: è Book here for the 2026 Pilgrimageç

If you require a mantle Chough Badge, it would be most helpful if you would respond by 19th August at the very latest, so that we can ensure that sufficient Chough Badges are available and, of course, give the Cathedral and Caterers some indication of expected numbers. As indicated earlier, Booking and Payment Information for completion / action, and submission, can be found via the link given on the previous page.

The Most Worthy Grand Master, Sir Philip of Hamilton, the Most Eminent Grand Prior, Sir Harry of Benfro, KH, the Rev. Sir Stuart of Amport, Protector of Canterbury, and, of course, myself, look forward to welcoming you at the Service

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With warmest regards and in Humilitas et Caritas,

Sir Derek of Anfield, KH, PRWGPrec [EAng] Grand Secretary,

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Sir Richard de Bingham Septermber 2026

The Chapel starts at 1800 hrs on Tuesday 8th day of September 2026. The meeting is the Installation of this Provincial Officers Chapel.