Four islanders invested into Order of St John
27 March 2026
Four people from Guernsey have been invested into the prestigious International Order of St John at a ceremony at St John’s Gate in London.
Nicola Hoyland Birch, Lieutenant of the Commanadery board, was formally appointed as an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem for services to the Ambulance and Rescue Service and the St John group in Guernsey.
Long serving Flying Christine volunteer Andy Lowe, who has been an active member of the crew for more than 30 years was invested as a Member of the Order of St John for services to the marine ambulance.
Volunteer Alan Stevens was appointed a Member of the Order for his dedicated service spanning more than 40 years, specifically for his contribution to the Volunteer Ambulance Reserve and event first aid with the St John Guernsey charity.
Paramedic and Communications Officer Jim Cathcart was recognised for his services to the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service and the wider St John organisation and was invested as a Member of the Order.
The ceremony was conducted by the Prior of St John in England and the Islands, Rear Admiral Simon Williams.
Nicola Hoyland-Birch said: “I am honoured to be recognised as an Officer of the Order of St John. The investiture was a deeply personal moment filled with both pride and gratitude. To have the contribution I make to St John recognised in this way feels truly special.”
Andy Lowe added: “It was a wonderful day and an honour to be involved in a very special occasion. It was also very interesting to learn more about the history and heritage of St John, some of which was reflected in the ceremony. It’s a real privilege to be involved with the boat, especially as my uncle, John Osbourne was the boatbuilder of Flying Christine II. There have been so many times when I have seen first hand how the marine ambulance has made a difference, from maternity cases to some very sick patients, it is a lifesaving service.”
Alan Stevens said: “I first joined as a Cadet at the age of 12 and from those early years, till present day, I have always felt that it was a calling, whether that be treating in first aid or in the ceremonial roles. It’s given me confidence within myself, through the duties I have undertaken. The award is a great honour. For me, St John is what one can put into the organisation and hopefully I’ve always put everything in to all that I do.”
Jim Cathcart commented: “It was a huge honour to be invested as a Member of the Order. The ceremony, which took place in the historic surroundings of the Priory Church and the Chapter Hall of St John’s Gate, was a unique experience and it was very humbling to be surrounded by so many people who have gone above and beyond in their service with St John. It struck me that there are many small parts of this large international organisation all doing great things and collectively all those individuals make a huge impact improving the lives of others.”
The appointments were announced in The Gazette in October 2025. Appointments and promotions in the Order of St John are sanctioned by His Majesty King Charles III, the Sovereign Head of the Order. The Order has its origins in Jerusalem around 1070, when the Hospitallers cared for poor and sick pilgrims of all faiths. The Order of St John re-emerged in England during the Industrial Revolution, in the reign of Queen Victoria, who made it a Royal Order of Chivalry. Today the Order of St John is an international organisation which continues to deliver first aid, ambulance services and healthcare in more than forty countries.
