Merlin Royal Arch St David’s Day Celebration of the Leek

To celebrate his year in Office as Zerubbabel of Merlin Royal Arch Chapter E Comp Ralph Durbridge together with E Comp Bob McKnight an Army Major, and E Comp Mark Bell-Davies a Naval Engineer, decided at one of their coffee mornings to arrange an event to celebrate his year in Office. They discussed many themes for the lunch and potential dates when E Comp Bob suggested the ‘Celebration of the Leek’ event which quickly became St David’s Day, so the date was secured for the 1st March 2026. Following many more planning sessions and great laughter the three Ex’s determined a programme for a St David’s Day Celebration, and they then discussed suitable people who could present in Welsh and English.

The Masonic and Royal Arch turn-out on St David’s Day was tremendous, E Comp Ralph opened the event by thanking all for their support, this was followed by a very warm and sincere speech by E Comp Philip Wynne Jones Deputy Grand Superintendent of West Wales, where he outlined the Masonic Involvement in Armed Forces Covenant. Ex Comp Bob McKnight continued as Master of Ceremonies, in his usual humorous and knowledgeable manner. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the St David’s Day Celebration of the Leek and the wonderful support from seventy-seven people mostly Royal Arch Companions, their wives and family.

After opening the event between each course there was recitals from; E Comp Bob McKnight on the Gunfire, being a strange brew of black tea and rum and to have originated in the 1890’s as a drink taken before a battle to settle the nerves which everyone present had a small glass to sample. This was followed by Comp Wyn Gruffydd, who gave an explanation of “Cennin Pedr”, Peter’s Leek how the leek and daffodil are associated as the National emblems for Wales, and Comp Hywel Rees who at the last minute stood in for Sgt Clive Roberts of the Para Regt who unfortunately was unable to attend with a presentation of the History of the Leek.

The lunch concluded with six victims, sorry participants who were drawn at random from the attendees to take to the stage and compete in the Ceremony of the Leek; (from left to right in the photograph, Ann Thomas, Bill Hurst,
Gaynor Anderson, Trevor Johnson, Lucy Jones and Harri Hodson) who were subjected to eating a fresh leek and downing real ale. This was led by Chief Druid, Major Wynne Jones MBE supported by Ex Comp Mark Bell-Davies, Comp Kevin McCarthy and Comp Sam Hodson and expertly co-ordinated by Ex Comp Major Bob McKnight. The celebration concluded with the entire room singing a roaring rendition of the Welsh National Anthem, “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” accompanied with music played by Companion and Royal Marine Sgt Michael Sproston. The Armed Forces and Blue Light Services were sincerely thanked for their Service.

Thanks to all who supported this event, especially the Presenters who made the afternoon enjoyable and informative, thank you to our Deputy Grand Superintendent Philip Jones for his support and a special thank you to Ex Comp, Major Robert (Bob) McKnight TD for his skills, military knowledge and wonderful Army contacts WE all offer tremendous thanks to The General Manager and all staff at The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen
A collection was made for the Marie Currie Cancer charity, whose motif is the daffodil, and the sum raised will be announced at a later date.