The enthusiasm of the members of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard is legendary and it recently took off in two impressive new ways.
The members turn out for events all over South Wales, Monmouthshire and West Wales in support of the United Orders and accompany the Provincial Prior on his travels.
Their esprit de corps is something that makes them stand out and they recently commissioned the production of a number of polo shirts for wear at training and promotional events and just to wear socially.
Enjoying the full support of the Provincial Prior, the Commander of the Bodyguard, Kt Stephen Roberts said “The polo shirts have been introduced to underline a team spirit approach to the Bodyguard”.
“We have introduced these grey shirts to match the colour of the provincial tie. This is a great example of a team approach and identification of our fellow Knights”.
He added that “There is no reason why any Brother Knight who is proud to be a member of the province can't have one of these shirts. If they are not in the Bodyguard it would solely feature the provincial crest and name of Monmouth and South Wales but without the reference to membership of the Bodyguard”.
In a separate development, one of the much-travelled members of the Bodyguard, Kt Mark Newbold– inspired by his visit to Rosslyn Chapel – purchased a Jewel there in the shape of a sword and donated it to the Commander for him to wear at the festival board.
At Rosslyn Chapel, he was inspired by the history of the Knights Templar there and he wanted to recognise the hard work of the Provincial Prior's Bodyguard across the southern half of Wales. This jewel will be handed by each Commander to his successor as a further reminder of the pride that the members have in being members of the Bodyguard and as a reminder of Mark’s generosity.
The Commander – who is shown in the picture, wearing the polo shirt and the refectory jewel - is currently recruiting new members for the Bodyguard and anyone interested in being considered should apply to [email protected].