Installation of Kt. Peter John Hyde as Eminent Preceptor of Thomas Dunckerley Preceptory No. 627
The Installation Meeting of Thomas Dunckerley Preceptory No. 627, held at Cole Court, Twickenham, on Tuesday 7th October 2025, marked an important milestone in the Preceptory’s history with the formal Installation of Kt. Peter John Hyde as Eminent Preceptor. The meeting was well attended by the Knights of the Preceptory, together with several distinguished visitors representing the Province of Middlesex and neighbouring Provinces.
The Preceptory was opened under the direction of the outgoing Eminent Preceptor, E. Kt. Denis Leigh, who has served the Preceptory with distinction over the past two years. After the confirmation of minutes and the Treasurer’s Report, the Knights turned to the principal business of the evening: the Installation of Preceptor-Elect Kt. Peter John Hyde.
The ceremony of Installation was carried out with dignity, precision, and the characteristic solemnity of the Order. Kt. Hyde, who has served the Preceptory faithfully, including recent duties as Standard Bearer (B) and Banner Bearer, as recorded on the summons approached the Chair well-prepared, and with a clear dedication to the responsibilities entrusted to an Eminent Preceptor. His acceptance of the Office was met with warm acclaim from the assembled Knights, reflecting the high regard in which he is held.
Following his Installation, E. Kt. Hyde proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers for the year. The team included a blend of experienced Knights and newer members rising through the ranks, ensuring continuity and stability within the Preceptory. Among notable moments was the presentation of the Eminent Preceptor’s Collarette to E. Kt. Denis Leigh, recognising the exemplary manner in which he discharged his duties during his tenure across both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 years.
The evening also included important administrative and ceremonial matters, such as the election of Auditors, receipt of the Almoner’s Report, and the ballot to elect V.E. Kt. Mike Hardie as an Honorary Member—all carried in due form. The business of the evening concluded with the uplifting singing of For All the Saints, a reminder of the spiritual foundation that underpins the chivalric and charitable work of the Order. The ceremony closed in harmony, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Thomas Dunckerley Preceptory No. 627. The Knights now look forward to a year under the leadership of Eminent Preceptor Peter Hyde, confident that his commitment, experience, and steady hand will continue to strengthen the Preceptory’s contribution to the Province of Middlesex and the wider Order.
