Spring National Investiture

Submitted by Val Hiscock on

The Spring National Investiture for 2025 took place in Shrewsbury and was attended by about 80 members and guests, hosted by the Commandery of The Marches. All Commanderies were represented, apart from Avalon who sent apologies.

The evening before, 33 people had signed up to a wine-tasting and tour of the 16th century cellars and premises of Tanners Wines at 26 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. This highly informative and entertaining event was conducted with consummate skill and professionalism by Alexandra Chidley-Utley, the Events Manager, and her colleague, Howard Hutchins. Those attending were met with champagne and canapés, followed by a tour of the extensive cellars, a tutored tasting of 8 wines and a buffet supper.

The service of investiture was held at 10.00am in The Cathedral Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Peter of Alcantara, by kind permission of the former Dean, the Very Rev’d Christopher Canon Mathews ChLJ. Since the Chaplain-General, the Rev’d Canon Brendan Clover SChLJ, OMLJ, MMCM was recovering from surgery on his knee, the liturgy was led by the Deputy Chaplain-General, the Very Rev’d Dr Sebastian Jones Cong. Orat.,

SChLJ, OMLJ; the preacher was the Right Rev’d Dr Michael Langrish, former Bishop of Exeter. The presiding officer at the Ceremony of Investiture was the Bailiff and Acting Grand Prior, Chevalier Dr David Woolf KCLJ, OMLJ. The Grand Priory Marshal, Dr David Knox KLJ, OMLJ, organised the ceremonial officers and directed the ceremony; sidesmen and ushers were provided by the Commandery of The Marches. Chevalier Oliver Rainbow KLJ deputised for the Grand Priory Custodian of Insignia, Dora-Leigh Chadwick OLJ, who was unable to be present, ably assisted by Deputy Bailiff Chevalier Mario Rizzardi KCLJ, CMLJ. We are grateful to the organist and director of music, Jon Barton, and Shrewsbury Cathedral Choir for the music.

 

A drinks reception then preceded an excellent three-course luncheon at Prestfelde Preparatory School, during which the Bailiff and Acting Grand Prior announced the truly impressive amount of money raised from the World Leprosy Day Appeal in memory of our late Grand Priory, Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian - £38,000.