Appendant Orders for eight on 4th November 2025.
The worthy knights of the Division of Devon and Cornwall are of hardy stock, worthy of the indomitable spirit of their Roman predecessors. A yellow weather warning in place, persistent rain, a wind blowing the rain horizontally, poor visibility on the roads, transport chaos and a flood warning for coastal areas, was not enough to prevent forty knights gathering at Topsham to support eight knights receive their Appendant Orders.
A warm welcome awaited the intrepid travellers to the Conclave from the Enlightened Commander P.Kt. Robert Rew.
The ceremony began with V.Ill.Kt. Roy Ruddling as Prelate. He was assisted by P.Kt. Gary Peard as Seneschal, Robin Clowes as Prior and David Gold as Sub-Prior. They were assisted by V.Ill.Kt. Warner Barton as Marshal and Ill.Kt. Mark Richardson as Deputy Marshal, P.Kt. Alex Barahona-Wills as Guardian of the sacred vault.
Seven of the knights were introduced followed by the representative candidate conducted by E.Kt. Gilson Rowe as Verger. The ceremony of Reception into a Sanctuary was conducted with great sincerity and held in great reverence. At times you could hear a pin drop! The spectacle instilled great awe in the candidates as well as many members present.
The second part of the ceremony was conducted by P.Kt. Peter Johns as Prelate with a change of representative candidate. Again the ceremony was delivered with a depth of meaning that could not be faulted.
Finally, the whole of the ceremony was pulled together under the lead of Ill.Kt. Paul Ackland as Commander. The accolade was delivered by the Divisional Prelate and Divisional Grand Commander, R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White, brandishing the sword on eight separate occasions! The sash and jewels were invested on the candidates by Ill.Kt. John Redman Deputy Divisional Prelate and Deputy Grand Commander. Ill. Kt. John has been central to the organisation of the Appendant Orders for the division which has led to the success of these meetings.
After closing we retired for an excellent festive board, the room was buzzing with conversation, positive comments about the ceremony and continued awe from the candidates. A wonderful event for the Division, the officers and the candidates!
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