Her Majesty’s Palace and Fortress The Tower of London

Dated 08/06/2009,

By Chev. Dave Phillips KStG

On the 23rd of May 2009 at Rochester Cathedral I took the Oath of Knighthood and joined the International Knightly Order Valiant of Saint George.  Within the hour I was asked by the Grand Prior of The United Kingdom if I could produce an article about my fairly unique job and a little background about me, so here goes.

Originally from East London, I joined the army in 1979 and after basic training was posted to an Infantry Unit, The Royal Irish Rangers, and served in mainland UK, Northern Ireland Gibraltar and Cyprus, as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.  In 1988 in the Rank of Sergeant, I passed an intensive six-month selection course and transferred into the Small Arms School Corps.  I then worked as a specialist trainer in a variety of postings in the UK and across the world supporting the Armed Forces on a joint-service basis in order for them to train effectively. 

Order Raises £225 for Fairbridge Charity

Dated 17/05/2009

The charitable work of The Order has started in earnest in the north of England, where a fundraising committee has been formed and a calendar of events formulated for the coming months. 

It is hoped to raise the sum of £3,000 in support of the charity Fairbridge which supports young people facing multiple issues, who are on the fringes of society, giving them the self-confidence and skills they need to change their lives.

At a recent party to recruit fundraising volunteers, the charity tombola in aid of Fairbridge raised the magnificent sum of £225. Thanks for this achievement goes to UK Grand Priory Charity Organiser & Northern England Regional Coordinator, Dame Muriel Taylor DStG.

Dame Muriel Taylor DStG organising the charity tombola

Special Prayers for St. George's Day

Dated: 24/04/2009

The Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali (Lord Bishop of Rochester) extended a most gracious invitation to attend special prayers on St. George's Day (April 23rd) in honour of England's Patron Saint and Martyr, St. George. A contingent of Knights and Dames from the Knightly Order Valiant of St. George (led by inter faith advocate Chev. Steve Nimmons) attended Rochester Cathedral, and immensely enjoyed the spiritual refreshment that this occasion afforded.

Prayers included the concerns:

• The people of God, that they may proclaim the risen Lord and live courageously
• God's creation, that the peoples of the earth may meet their responsibility to care and show chivalry in public life and service
• Those in despair and darkness, that they may find the hope and light of Christ
• Those in fear and death, that they may find faith through the resurrection
• Prisoners, captives and all who suffer for Christ in conscience
• The people of England, our national life and the values and practices of society and government.

Knights and Dames of the Knightly Order Valiant of St. George with the Bishop of Rochester.

Steve Nimmons Appointed UK Grand Herald

Dated: 1st January 2009

It is with pleasure that the UK Grand Priory announce Chev. Steve Nimmons KCStG as the UK Grand Herald of the Order. Chev. Steve brings a wealth of experience to the role.

He is a Certified European Engineer, Chartered Engineer, Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Linnean Society, Zoological Society, Institute for the Management of Information Systems, Institution of Analysts and Programmers and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. 

He is also an enthusiastic Rotarian and a Freeman of London.

Extended Biography.