Almost fifty Knights attended the meeting of Crossed Swords Preceptory No.618 at The Cloisters, Letchworth on Wednesday 2nd November 2005 . Amongst those present were the Provincial Prior , R.E.Knight Brian Blanchard, the Provincial Sub-Prior, E.Kt. A. (Tony) King, PGMBB and the Provincial Chancellor, E.Kt. Brian Muir, PDepGtSwdB.

Following the opening of the Preceptory, the Provincial Prior entered with his escort whom he introduced to those present.

The members of Crossed Swords Preceptory then proceeded to prove that not only could they demonstrate the ceremony of Installing a Knight but they could do it for real! The lucky recipient was Companion Christopher C. Salter, and what a lucky candidate he was. The Installation was performed on behalf of The Preceptory of St. Alban No.266 in a magnificent manner by the Eminent Preceptor, E.Kt. Colin Hellyer ably assisted by E.Kt. Tony Lapsley, E.Kt. Bob Landragin and the rest of the Crossed Swords Officers. Not forgetting of course the splendid Arches of Steel provided by the R.E.Prior's Provincial Body Guard. No wonder the Knights present at Torphichen Preceptory were impressed !!!!!.

It is hoped that the visits between Crossed Swords and the Torphichen Preceptory will become a regular thing and after seeing this ceremony and hearing about the amazing time Crossed Sword's team had in Scotland I suggest that you try and taste some for yourselves. Aye, and don't forget the secret of the Quaiche ?

E.Kt.Mike Beaty