Dear Brother Knights and Ladies,
Following on from the most enjoyable visit we had in October 2024 we are returning to Malta in 2026. The attached files contain details of the meeting dates and the two Preceptories we shall attend.
Please note that the attached Calendar is for 2025, the meeting dates for 2026 will be one day earlier than 2025 i.e. the two Preceptories will meet on Oct. 2nd and 3rd respectively. Morning dress will not be required, a dark suit, a white shirt, Prov. tie and black shoes will be sufficient together with full K.T. regalia. Do not bring your swords. The attached Calendar displays the dates for other Masonic meetings which of course you may wish to attend but primarily this visit is to witness the Knights Templar ceremonies and to enjoy ourselves with our partners. There are convenient flights from Lulsgate Airport via Jet2 and Easyjet.
The hotel I have used on many occasions is “The Grand Hotel Excelsior” which is ideally situated not far from the main gate of Valletta and the bus terminus. The hotel is at sea level and the Gates of Valletta are above which is a bit of a climb but should not be a problem to the majority of us. The Masonic Hall is also within walking distance. Holiday packages are available via Easyjet, Jet2 and “Mercury travel” departing from Lulsgate which I have used on many occasions for holidays in Malta. Other hotels are liberally spread over the Island. The “Hotel Cavalieri” situated in St Julian’s, is more economically priced and recommended by the knights from Somerset who may well be staying there again next October. Taxi’s I am informed are cheap and there is a passenger ferry from Sliema to Valletta which docks very close to the Masonic Hall. The Fast Ferry also departs from Valletta to Gozo which is well worth a visit. Dress code for dinner at the Excelsior is long trousers and I wear a long-sleeved open neck shirt. Ladies always look radiant, I shall say no more.
Short sleeved shirt and shorts all day long including breakfast is the usual attire.
It is preferable if we book our Flights and Accommodation separately. We have booked Easyjet, 28/09/2026 – 05/10/2026 staying in the Excelsior using Mercury Holidays (Probably not the cheapest option). Temperatures in October are circa 23-24°C. Of course, the flights and accommodation are recommendations, alternative accommodation is available as well as departure airports in the U.K.
If you have not visited Malta before, I thoroughly recommend it to you. Particularly at this time of the year when the weather in the U.K. prepares itself for winter, Malta will be warm and sunny. An aura of history surrounds you particularly in Valletta and Mdina the latter being the old capital, easily accessible by bus for a modest fee. There are of course organised excursions with very knowledgeable guides available. If you have booked via a Tour operator they will provide you with the relevant information.
A general overview of Malta may be found at: Malta – Tourism, Shipping, Manufacturing | Britannica
More information will be available soon, if you have questions please contact me at: [email protected]
We are really looking forward to your company, do come along and enjoy yourselves.
R.E.Kt. Peter Burrows.
Provincial Prior. Gloucestershire & Herefordshire.