ST JOHN People and supporters from all over Wales the country gathered in Britain’s smallest city on Saturday 19th October for St John Ambulance Cymru’s Priory Visitation and Investiture service.
The service at St Davids Cathedral acknowledged those who had selflessly given their time to support the first aid charity for Wales and their local communities.
The occasion included admissions into the Priory for Wales of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, which are personally approved by HM the King, who is the Sovereign Head of the Order.
The service held particular significance as it saw James O’Connor OStJ, one of the charity’s Trustees, installed as the Bailiff of St Davids. This is one of the most senior roles in the Priory for Wales. Mr O’Connor was also part of the Côr Meibion Morlais male voice choir which performed at the service.
The Prior for Wales, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL, admitted two Members into the Order. Clare Buckley, who is Divisional Officer in Charge of Deeside Division, was recognised for her hard work which included giving 1,700 hours of time performing duties for the charity in 2023.
Gillian Knight, who is the Welsh Government’s Acting Chief Nursing Officer, was also admitted as a Member of the Order. Gillian has been a Trustee of the charity since 2023 and has brought a wealth of expertise in nursing and healthcare policy to the St John committees she supports.
Seven St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers were presented awards for long service totalling over 150 years.
There was a family theme with husband and wife, Kevin Lippiatt (Divisional Officer in Charge of Mumbles Youth Division) and Danielle Lippiatt (Divisional Officer in Charge of Gower Operations Division) both receiving 10 Year Service Medals.
Geoffrey Brown (Operational Member of Newtown Division) received an award in recognition of 40 years’ service, while his sister Iris Brown (Operational Member of Bettws Cedewen Division) was awarded for an extraordinary 55 years’ service.
Receiving awards for 20 years’ service were Lynda Cook (Operational Member of Haverfordwest Division) and Roger Viccars (Ambulance Operations Road Crew in West Glamorgan), while Neil Alderman (Operational Member of Loughor Division) received a 1st Gilt Bar for 30 years’ service.
Also being recognised for her efforts was Charlotte Parry (Griffithstown Division), who received the Super Badger Award, which is the highest accolade achievable within the charity’s Badger programme for 5 to 11 year olds.
The sermon was given by Rev Tudor Thomas-Botwood MBE BD, who was recently appointed Senior Chaplain for the Mid and West Wales Region, who also volunteers for the Rhayader Division.
Prior for Wales, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL, said: “It was a pleasure to bring so many St John People together with supporters and dignitaries to celebrate these awards and appointments, which recognise the hard work and commitment that underpins the work of our charity.
“I would also like to thank the Port of Milford Haven for kindly sponsoring the event.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO of the Port of Milford Haven added: “We are delighted to support the St John Ambulance Cymru Visitation Service, recognising the incredibly selfless volunteers who give up their time and energy for the charity.
“This event is a reminder of what can be achieved when we collaborate and the real difference it makes to our communities.”
The service was followed by a special dedication of a new ambulance in the cathedral grounds, the vehicle having be purchased thanks to a huge fundraising effort with significant contributions from the Gosling Foundation, West Wales Masons, the Masonic Charitable Trust and many other generous supporters.
