Where has the year of 2011 gone, as it seems only a few weeks ago, I was being asked by E. Knight Steve Tamcken to prepare my message to you all for 2010, and it is now approaching that special time of year once again.

Of course I must thank you all for your continued support for our United Orders, in not only helping me, but the whole Executive in performing our duties in a manner that you would all wish us to do, and both Sally and I wish you and your families, good health, happiness and success for 2012.

By the time that you read this, all the Provincial Ranks will have been offered and accepted, and knowing the way the Masonic jungle drums beat, will all be known to most of you, and on behalf of myself and the whole executive we offer you all, our most hearty congratulations, but we have no hesitation in telling you all, that it is not only given for what you have already done, but what we hope that you will continue to do in the future.

This year, the Provincial Meeting will be held at the Gresham Sports & Social Club, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP4 3QJ, this is a much bigger venue with ample car parking, where I hope as many Knights as possible will come along to support the Province, as well as the Brother Knights who are getting their First Rank or promotion within Knights Templar or Malta.

Ever mindful of the need to keep everything ‘fair’ within the Province we are having three Provincial visits 2011-2012, the first is on 19th. November 2011, to the Installation Meeting of Walsingham Preceptory No. 497, in Fakenham, the next will be on 3rd. February 2012, at the Malta meeting of Holy Rood No. 179, at Cambridge, and the last will be on 6th. November 2012, at the Installation meeting of Tancred Preceptory No. 102, held at Bury St. Edmunds, where we hope as many of the active Officers will be present, as well as many other Brother Knights who may wish to accompany us, all on a ‘self pay’ basis.

You will have noticed that I am continuing my pledge made at my Installation, that I intend to move these meetings and visits throughout the whole Province to be fair to all, and as you will notice in the two degrees that make up our wonderful United Order.

The Annual Church Service was held at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Woodbridge Suffolk, on Sunday 18th. September 2011, and was led by The Reverend Canon Kevan McCormack, in a lively, amusing and thought provoking address to us all, and he and the Church Wardens, as well as the choir made us most welcome.

We were privileged to have with us as our Guests, the Provincial Grand Master of Suffolk R. W. Bro. I.B. J. Ross, and the Inspector General for Suffolk V. Ill. Bro. R.J.R. Tile, and his wife Pam, as well as The Inspector General for Norfolk, J.D. McKee and his wife Heather, and the Intendant-General for East Anglia D.E.H. Adams, both of whom are members of Knights Templar, who delivered two of the readings.

We then held a most wonderful tea, held at the Abbey School Hall, which from the noise emanating from the tables, was enjoyed by all.

Both Sally and I, would like to thank E. Knight Colin Birkbeck, for his patience, endurance and above all his complete unflappability in organizing this most enjoyable annual event.

Another first for East Anglia, was a Knight Templar Provincial Banquet held at Birkbeck Hall, The Great Hospital, Bishopgate, Norwich on Saturday 3rd. September 2011, organised by Kt. Robin Senter and his wife Alison, and was attended by some ninety Brother Knights and their wives, partners or girlfriends, (but not all three, as the room was not big enough!!!)

The evening was fine and warm, which enabled the Brother Knights dressed in Dinners suits, uniform or kilts to entertain their ladies dressed in cocktail dresses to mingle in the grounds before the meal, drinking bucks fizz or just plain orange juice, for those who were drivers before entering the large hall for an excellent four course dinner, where we were accompanied by music throughout by Kevin Hartnest, which was appreciated by all who were privileged to have been there.

From the comments that Sally and I have received, it is an event that the Brother Knights and their ladies enjoyed, and would like repeat annually, so I have asked E. Knights. Richard Strutt and David Mostyn as well as Knight Robin Senter, to form themselves into a Banquet Committee, to explore another venue, to hold another function in 2012, So please watch this space for further news.

The Brethren of the United Orders in England & Wales and Provinces Overseas are reminded to join in good wishes to their Brethren throughout the World on Sunday 25th. December 2011, at 5.00 p.m., G.M.T.

May the Great Captain be with you all