Investitures are normally only held at the headquarters of St John in London, but the ceremony to promote John Hollis – who had to step down before his investiture ceremony due to illness – and Mr Farror, who succeeded him in January 2025, to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order took place at Government House in Guernsey.
During the ceremony, which was conducted by Prior of England and the Islands, Simon Williams, and Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, a ‘transfer of power’ signified the transition of leadership to Mr Farror.
‘I am thrilled to be invested as Knight Commander alongside my good friend John Hollis. John, in his short time as the Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, made such a positive impact on our organisation, and as the new Knight Commander, I realise that I have a lot to accomplish to fill his shoes,’ he said.
‘It is an honour to be recognised as part of the Order of St John, as it is a 900-year-old order of chivalry, that has its origins in pilgrims making their pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and seeking aid and refuge from the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
‘I’d like to thank the wider team in St John, our staff, volunteers, and our community, who give us tremendous support. They are the heroes who give their time who deserve this accolade. I feel privileged to serve in such a team.’
The Knight Commander is the figurehead of the organisation and chair of the board which oversees the St John Guernsey charity and the Ambulance and Rescue Service, providing strategic oversight of the Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick. Both promotions were sanctioned by King Charles III.
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