The Grand United Order
of the Knights
of the Golden Horn

The KGH
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The GUOKGH - "Pro Rege, Lege et Grege"

The Grand United Order of the Knights of the Golden Horn (GUOKGH), known as the Knights of the Golden Horn, or KGH, is an independent and sovereign fraternal and philanthropic order. 

The KGH was founded in 1872 as a higher order within the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) before breaking away in 1926. We are proud of our history and we welcome those who share our values as a fraternal order, subject to being loyal to the crown and constitution, and a promise of obedience to our Rules.

To read more about our origins and history see our  Information & History page.

Information about joining the GUOKGH and downloadable forms can be found on the Downloads Page.

The Order is under the governance of the Grand Encampment of England which is headed by the Grand Knight Commander (GKC) who for 2024-5 is our Most Worthy AKC Ian Glasper OM whose "mother encampment" is No 24 Whitworth Encampment, Spennymoor.  The GKC is assisted by 15 elected officers who are listed on our "Grand Camp Officers" page.  

Ten of the Grand Camp Officers convene as The Grand Executive and they meets to provide day-to-day oversight and management of the Order. District Camps are made up of delegates from their constituent camps and they meet to address local matters and recommend actions to be taken forward by the Grand Executive or to be considered at the Annual Grand Camp.

Previously the KGH was comprised of up to 88 locally based encampments, today there are eleven "Camps", located throughout England. To find our locations see: Where To Find Us Page.

Members of the Order, called comrades, meet at their "mother encampments" which today are grouped into four districts: Mid Durham, Teesside, Wearside and Wessex. The 11 minor camps are located from Sunderland to Sutton and from Chippenham and to Sheerness. We seek to open new encampments wherever there is sufficient interest. For more information on joining or opening a new encampment see:  Join Us? at www.thekgh.org/join-us


Comrades move through six stages, or degrees of membership with progression based on time served and work done within the Order. Each stage is marked by the award of a jewel or collarette. More information is available at our page Degrees, Jewels and Collarettes.

Comrades undertake to support the King and constitution and to offer charitable assistance where needed.  Our motto is Pro Rege, Lege et Grege which translates as "For The King, The Law and The People". 

Benevolence and Fraternity

The GUOKGH is a "closed" order which is to say that it's business and ritual is not disclosed to anyone outside of its ranks.  

Aware of the changing demands of modern life and depending upon local circumstances, our "Camps" meet weekly, monthly or quarterly to provide a forum for discussion and fraternal support and "harmony". Each camp has its own flavour, based around a standard framework, and this is what makes the KGH unique within other fraternal Orders.

It is harmony that makes the KGH special, and which attracts comrades from all walks of life to join our ranks. We enjoy ceremonial rituals though we are perhaps less formal than some of our brother orders. Some camps still enjoy the harmony of an organist although this skill is becoming less common. Vocal harmony, monologues, lectures, quizzes, and even karaoke are all enjoyed as forms of harmony these days. Others may choose a different style for their encampment meetings.

Camps meet at a range of venues. Our Headquarters is located at the KGH Club in Spennymoor, Co. Durham. Pubs, social clubs and masonic halls also host our camp meetings. Traditionally, camps meet on an evening once a week however in response to the demands of modern life some meet less frequently. Luncheons and other social gatherings are also ways for camps to enjoy their own style of KGH.

Charity and benevolence are fundamental to the ethos of the KGH. Camps sponsor local and national charitable causes as well as granting aid to those in need.

Camps publish an annual calendar of events and ceremonials to which Grand Camp Officers and comrades from the other camps are invited to attend.  Visiting other camps has been a long held and continuing tradition of the KGH.

Click "Read More" to see location in Google Maps.

5 Colonel Cameron

Middlesbrough see website link below

Opened 4 Jan 1889. Re-opened 16 August 2024 at the Coronation Inn, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 8AY Meets 3rd Friday of February, May, August and November. Scribe: SKC Neville Dart IPGKC. webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

Read More  

24 Whitworth

Spennymoor

Opened 31 March 1908. Meets Thursdays 7.30 to 9.30 pm: KGH Club, 5-6 Whitworth Terrace Spennymoor. Scribe: AKC Barrie Cooper OM

Read More  

65 SJ Slade

Spennymoor

Opened 24 Nov 1920. Meets alternate Mondays 7.30 to 9.30 pm: KGH Club, 5-6 Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor. Scribe: AKC Chris Lewarne. Please contact via webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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139 William Tindale

Easington

Opened 16 Oct 1973. Meets Tuesdays, 7.30 to 9.30 pm, Easington Social Welfare Centre, Seaside Lane, Easington Scribe: AKC Malcolm Welsh OM PGKC Contact via webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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144 Grenville

Milton Keynes

Opened 27 Apr 2002. Meets: 3rd Wednesday, 7.45pm, Stantonburry Social WMC, Milton Keynes. Please contact the scribe prior to visiting. Scribe: Kt Paul Green. email: scribe.no144grenenc@btinternet.com

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145 Moonraker

Chippenham

Opened 31 March 2005. Meets 2nd Wednesday, 8pm - 9.30pm, Loyalty Social Club, Woodlands Road, Chippenham, SN14 0HF. Scribe: SSKC Craig Atkinson. Contact webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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147 Erimus

Middlesbrough

Opened 28 May 2008. Meets: 4th Wednesday, 7.30 to 9.30 pm, The Coronation Inn, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 8AY. Scribe: AKC Clive Warham OM GS Contact webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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148 Wildfire

Sheerness

Opened 23 June 2010. Meetings 1pm (preceded by a light lunch), 4th Wednesday of Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct, Nov (Christmas Meeting). Masonic Hall, St George's Ave, Sheerness. Scribe: SKC L G Feist Contact webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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149 Phoenix

Sunderland

Opened 9th June 2012. Meets: Saturdays at The Gunners Club, Mary Street, Sunderland, SR1 3NH from 1230 to 1430: 2024: November 2nd (CANCELLED) , 23rd (CANCELLED) new date November 30th, December 14th. ALL SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION: Please confirm with the Scribe prior to attending. Scribe: SSKC G G Matthew OM Contact webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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150 Worlebury

Lacock, Chippenham

Opened 19 Nov 2015. NO MEETING JUNE 2024 Meets: The George Inn, 7 West Street, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LU, 3rd Tuesday in February, April, June, August. October, December( Christmas Meeting) Opens 6pm Closes 8pm, followed by Dinner. Scribe: SSKC Mick Hurst, Contact via webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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151 Sutton

Sutton, Surrey

Opened 9 Sep 2022. Meetings on dates and times To be confirmed: Masonic Hall, 9 Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1BB. Scribe: Kt Graham Hancock. Contact: webmaster.kgh@gmail.com

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Colonel Cameron is back!
1 min read
0 Comments

Colonel Cameron is back!

No 5 Col. Cameron Encampment is open for business once again.

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Ian takes over the reins
1 min read
1 Comments

Ian takes over the reins

AKC Ian Glasper OM was installed as the new GKC 24-25

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Founder Members Promoted
1 min read
1 Comments

Founder Members Promoted

Two founder members of 149 Phoenix Encampment raised to Senior Sir Knight Counsellor.

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Charitable Donation For Evergreen School
1 min read
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Charitable Donation For Evergreen School

A cheque for £863 presented to Evergreen Primary School by 24 Whitworth Encampment GUOKGH.

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Double Honours for 144 Encampment
1 min read
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Double Honours for 144 Encampment

Members of 144 Enc. L/R Comp. Gary Overell, SSKC Bill Garner, SSKC Brian Morrish, AKC Adrian Todd, Kt Paul Green, AKC Robin Todd OM, SSKC Peter Clarke.

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Robin's Promotion Recognises 21 Years of Service
1 min read
2 Comments

Robin's Promotion Recognises 21 Years of Service

21 Years of dedicated service recognised by promotion to Arch Knight Counsellor.

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Father's and Grandfather's Jewels
1 min read
0 Comments

Upcoming Events

TitleDateLocation
144 Enc. Ceremonial Evening19 Feb 2025New Bradwell Milton Keynes, MK13 0BG
135th GRAND CAMP26 Apr 20255-6 Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, UK

Past Events

TitleDateLocation
150 Enc Ceremonial Evening19 Nov 20247 West Street, Lacock, Chippenham, UK
24 Whitworth Enc. Presentation Evening.29 Aug 20245-7 Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, UK
65 SJ Slade Encampment Presentation Evening19 Aug 20245-7 Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, UK
Reopening No 5 Col. Cameron Encampment16 Aug 2024Coronation Inn, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 8AY, UK

More information is provided by downloading the Information Leaflet and Enquiry Form below:

KGH Information Leaflet

About the KGH - Join Us.

Join Us - Enquiry Form

Information and Enquiry Form. About our existing encampments, basic rules for joining our Order and a short enquiry form. NOTE: All information is processed in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act (2018).

April 2024 to April 2025 (* Member of the Grand Executive) Dates in parentheses show when post holder was the Grand Knight Commander (GKC).

Grand Knight Commander *

AKC Ian Glasper OM

(2024-2025) 24 Whitworth Encampment

Deputy Grand Knight Commander *

SSKC John Warham

147 Erimus Encampment

Immediate Past Grand Knight Commander *

SKC Neville Dart

(2023-2024) 24 Whitworth Encampment

Grand Director of Ceremonies *

AKC Robin Todd OM

150 Worlebury Encampment

Grand Scribe *

AKC Clive Warham OM

147 Erimus Encampment

Deputy Grand Scribe *

AKC David Mattimoe OM PGKC

(2007-08) 149 Phoenix Encampment

Grand Auditor *

KOS Gary Taylor

147 Erimus Encampment

Grand Trustee *

AKC J Daley OM PGKC

(2015-16) 24 Whitworth Encampment

Grand Trustee *

SSKC Keith Foreman OM

147 Erimus Encampment

Grand Trustee *

SKC Stephen Preston PGKC OM

(2022-2023) 147 Erimus Encampment

Grand Warden of Treasury

KOS R Stevenson

147 Erimus Encampment

Grand Warden of Registry

KOS K Simpson

147 Erimus Encampment

Grand Sentinel

SKC Chris Turner

139 Wm Tindale Encampment

Grand Guard

SKC David Connor

149 Phoenix Encampment

Grand Usher

Post Vacant

Grand Steward

Post Vacant

Our Story

Our Story

1 min read
3 Comments

The early days of the GUOKGH - how it all started.

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History of the GUOKGH

History of the GUOKGH

2 min read
2 Comments

A history of the GUOKGH.

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Encampments Past and Present

Encampments Past and Present

7 min read
1 Comments

Details of the locations of encampments, past and present.

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Grand Knight Commanders

Grand Knight Commanders

1 min read
0 Comments

Names, encampments and dates of the past Grand Knight Commanders of the GUOKGH.

Read More  

Who can join the KGH?

The Order is open to all men over age 18, who are of good character, and who are free from criminal convictions.   There is no upper age limit to join however initiates aged over 65 years old will not be entitled to some membership benefits.  Applications are welcomed from those who wish to promote the general aims of the Order
• To support their “mother” encampment in its charitable and social work.
• To support the King, the constitution and rule of law.
• To be an active member of the encampment and take part in its meetings, ceremonials and social events.
• To contribute to the financial upkeep of the Order and encampment by paying registration dues, currently £1 per week.

Admission to membership starts by being proposed and seconded by two existing members of the encampment. They will need to learn about you, if not already known, so that they may give an account of your suitability to join the Order and your chosen encampment. The members of the encampment will be balloted and if they accept your nomination, you will be invited for initiation. .

How do I join the KGH?

We welcome new members to our Order and joining is a relatively simple matter.  It requires the nominee to be proposed and seconded by two existing members.  Your application will be considered by the encampment and if successful you will be prepared for initiation into the GUOKGH.  

If you know which is your local encampment then it may be appropriate to talk to the scribe to discuss the process and any local requirements.

Alternatively, please leave us a message ​(Contact Us)​​​ and we will pass your details on to your nearest camp.  

Can I join more than one Camp?

You can be a member of one camp - this is called your "Mother Encampment" but you are welcome to attend others as a visitor at any time.  It is usual to contact the scribe before the visit, as a courtesy.   Regular visitors may be offered honorary membership of the other camp.

There isn't a Camp nearby. Can I start one up?

Of course we welcome new camps joining our Order, subject to their being viable.  The first thing to do is talk to the Grand Scribe or seek advice from one of the nearest encampments to you.  

New encampments must be "sponsored" by two existing members of the Order and need at least six gentlemen who are interested in becoming members.

See our downloads page for a useful enquiry form.

How much does membership cost?

There is no joining fee.  Membership is paid by registration of attendance.  The current fee is £1 per week and can be paid weekly, monthly, quarterly, 6 monthly or annually.  So, the cost per year is £52 which can be paid in advance if preferred.   Special rates may apply for the unwaged.   Ask your local encampment for details.

Can you provide past membership information?

Generally, individual membership records are not available especially records from encampments that have closed.   We can pass on enquiries to the scribes of currently active encampments, if appropriate.
ForumForum
Welcome to the KGH Forum.
Here you can find a great community for sharing new ideas and talking about day to day life.
 
  • The GUOKGH
  • Correspondence to: The GUOKGH, c/o 6 Cornfield Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 5QL

This phone number is for the GUOKGH and NOT for the KGH Club.


Data Protection and Privacy Statement (Website Version)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 give you the right to be informed about how we process your personal information. The information below supports this right.

Introduction
The Grand United Order of the Knights of the Golden Horn (GUOKGH) is the data controller for purposes of data protection. We are committed to protecting the personal information of all our members, visitors, and partners. The GUOKGH recognises its obligations to keep personal information secure and believes it is important for you to know how we treat personal information.

We are happy to receive feedback to make this statement more user-friendly.

Who We Are
The GUOKGH is a fraternal and philanthropic charitable order under the governance of the Grand Encampment of England and The Grand Executive which provides day-to-day oversight and management.

Data Protection Officer
The Order appoints a Data Protection Officer to oversee application of the Data Protection legislation and act as a point of contact for all related matters and with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

Lawful Basis
The GUOKGH processes personal information about its members, visitors and wider community under any lawful basis, as defined in the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

Legitimate Interest
In all our operations as a charitable and fraternal order, we use the ‘legitimate interest’ lawful basis for processing in relation to delivering our services and meeting the high expectations of our members, visitors and the general public.

Consent
Sometimes, there will be situations where a member or visitor may wish to engage with additional services or opportunities. For processing personal information in this way, we seek direct consent.
We will always use ‘opted in’ Consent if we send you targeted marketing information. We will ensure that our marketing practices comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation (PECR).

Vital Interests
We may be relied upon to provide personal information to the Emergency Services or other agencies in order for them to save a life or where an imminent or potential threat to life exists. We will disclose information to these agencies under these circumstances.

Public Task
On occasion, we will be required to disclose personal information to the police for the purpose of the prevention or detection of a crime. As this purpose would be to protect the general public, we will share such information under the legal basis of a Public Task. Where special category personal data is involved and we decide to disclose information, we will also rely on the Condition of a ‘substantial public interest’ (in the prevention or detection of an unlawful act). We will not always be able to let data subjects know that we have disclosed their personal information to the police, but we will keep a record of all such disclosures.

Collection
The GUOKGH may collect your personal information for the legitimate purpose of administering membership of the Order and providing goods and services requested.

The methods we use (electronic form, application form, etc) will inform users at the point of data collection that they are submitting personal information to the GUOKGH. When personal information is collected (in Enquiry Forms or Application Forms, etc), the GUOKGH will provide the reason for collecting the information and how the information will be used.

Where all such data collection takes place online, a secure, encrypted connection is presented to users to protect the data they are submitting. Furthermore, once that data has been safely collected by the system, only authorised personnel will have access to that data, offering additional security.

We may also collect personal information, submitted voluntarily, about users from their use of our website or social media pages. Users should note that information submitted to social media pages is not, in the first instance, collected by us, or held on our servers, but by the third party service provider such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. However, once we have collected such personal information from the external service provider, only appropriately authorised personnel will have access to this information.

We may share personal information with third party organisations (data processors) that we have engaged to provide services to us, or with whom we have a legal duty to share information, such as local authorities, etc. Such organisations are bound by the same regulations as us to use personal information only for the performance of a legal or authorised purpose.

We do not process personal data for purposes or under any bases not listed here. If we wish to use your personal data for new purposes, we will ask for your permission directly first.
We may be required to share personal information before, during or after your relationship with us is established (member, visitor, etc).

Security of Collected Information
We maintain strict physical, electronic and administrative safeguards to protect users’ personal information from unauthorised or inappropriate access.

Your Rights and Legal Support (www.gov.uk)​​​


Data Protection and Privacy Statement image