The Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard

The Provincial Priors Bodyguard forms a vital part of the Provincial Team and members are drawn from Preceptories across Somerset to provide ceremonial duties when the Provincial Prior is visiting a Preceptory, and at the Annual meeting of the Provincial Priory.

Membership is by invitation, and the selection of new Knights takes place annually, in March or April.

Referrals are usually made by Preceptory Registrars and Marshals, leading to nominations being made by the Commander of the Bodyguard and endorsed by the Provincial Prior himself.

The duties entail a high level of commitment and high standards, and will be time bounded to compliment the Knights progress through the ranks of his own Preceptory. Qualification will normally cease when he is appointed to the Office of Constable.

Individual members are able to enjoy lasting bonds of friendship, learn the ritual by participation and enhance their knowledge of the Order – taking part in Temple and Malta ceremonies on a more frequent basis – which presents an exceptional opportunity to prepare for progression in their own Preceptory. Thus, adding strength to Preceptories by having more experienced, proficient and dedicated officers.

Equally, Past and Present members of the Provincial Priors Bodyguard have the privilege of being able to join the Somerset Bodyguard Preceptory - Our Lady of Walsingham Preceptory No.672 (OLoW).

There they can recapture the benefit of the distinctive and especial camaraderie formed as active members of the Provincial Priors Bodyguard – a camaraderie which cannot be understated.

Newly installed Knights are eligible to join the Provincial Bodyguard and are expected to become a Knight of Malta. Additionally, they should display a proficiency in sword drill; and are encouraged to regularly attend the Preceptory of Improvement which meets at Yatton MMH, where, at the June meeting, preparations for the annual Provincial Meeting in September are rehearsed.

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Commander E. Kt. Harry Blinston or his Deputy Kt. Ralph Howard. They will be more than happy to offer advice on how you can achieve personal fulfilment as an ‘Active Knight’ of this prestigious team.