Body Guard

Members of the Provincial Prior's Body Guard are chosen on merit by the Provincial Prior as a yearly appointment. The purpose of the Body Guard is to accompany the senior Provincial Officers on their formal visits, to perform duties during these visits (arch of steel and, possibly, junior offices) and to participate at Provincial meetings and our biennial Church Service. It is the equivalent, in other Masonic degrees, of a Provincial Steward but perhaps even more rewarding.

Notable members

From a book of certificates issued to members of the Body Guard, the first was issued on 24/9/59 to Kt W O Rydings of Ascalon Preceptory, when Warwickshire made up the Province. Geoffrey C Haynes of Wulfruna Preceptory was appointed in 1964, and F J Skidmore (again from Wulfruna Preceptory) in March 1966 alongside a Past Provincial Prior, Walter R Dean of Sir John Kent. From Godefroi de Bouillon Preceptory, Gordon Hewitt was appointed in April 1966 and Kevin Chawner in April 1977. From Roger de Clinton Preceptory, John Robbins was appointed in May 1973 and Stanley C Loweth in June 1979.