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Published: 17 May 2025

In the historic surroundings of Great St Mary’s Church, in the heart of Cambridge, the Order of St George the Martyr held its annual Investiture Ceremony, celebrating both the heritage of chivalric tradition and the timeless values of service, courage, and compassion.

This year’s ceremony was especially significant, not only for its solemn dignity and inspiring atmosphere but also for the inclusion of new voices and cultures into the life of the Order. Five individuals were formally welcomed into the Order: Mr Mihail Stoyanov, Mrs Sofia Stoyanova, Mr Mark Joseph Boden, Mr Anthony Owen Smith, and Ms Joanne Marie Stannard. In addition, Chevalier Piero D’Angelico and Chevalier Tony Hore ware promoted to the rank of Knight Commander, in recognition of their continued service and dedication to the Order’s mission.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of several high-profile guests, including His Majesty’s Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, John Bridge, OBE, DL, and his wife Jenny Bridge, as well as His Excellency Mr Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom and His Excellency The Rt Revd Monsignor Provost Eugene Harknes. A deeply symbolic and emotional highlight of the ceremony was the performance of the Bulgarian national anthem, played by the church’s organist and choir in honour of the induction of the first two Bulgarian members of the Order and the presence of the Bulgarian Ambassador. The gesture was warmly received by all present and represented a powerful moment of cultural inclusion and unity.

Following the formal investiture, members and guests gathered in the church gardens for group photographs before the procession moved to a celebratory luncheon and networking reception at the Hilton Cambridge City Centre.

The five new members of the Order with Cllr Robert Dryden (Grand Master, in the white robes), from left to right, Mr Mihail Stoyanov, Mrs Sofia Stoyanova, Ms Joanne Marie Stannard, Mr Mark Joseph Boden, and Mr Anthony Owen Smith. Picture: Tim Gillett

The Order of St George the Martyr at Great St Mary's Church, Cambridge. Picture: Tim Gillett

The luncheon was opened with a moving address by Grand Master Robert Dryden JP, who welcomed the new members and reminded all present of the Order’s guiding mission:

“Today we honour those whose lives reflect the very virtues St George stood for—courage, justice, and compassion. This Order is not about formality or ceremony alone; it is about the quiet but powerful impact of service. Let this day inspire us to do more, to be more, and to stand for what is right in a world that so desperately needs it.”

This was followed by a keynote address from John Bridge, OBE, DL, who, speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, offered these words:

“The Order of St George calls on its members not simply to wear its insignia, but to live its values… Today is a moment of recognition, yes. But it is also a moment of recommitment – to continue that example, and to bring light where it's needed most.”

In a particularly meaningful moment, Ambassador Stoychev was conferred the title of Honorary Knight of the Order, symbolising the enduring friendship between the Order and the Bulgarian community in the UK. In his speech, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude and spoke of the strong bonds uniting the Bulgarian diaspora with British society through shared values and civic engagement:

“St George is a revered saint in Bulgaria, a national symbol of strength and sacrifice. This honour affirms the connection between our two nations and opens the door to future cooperation—perhaps even a formal branch of the Order in Bulgaria itself.”

Included below are a few selected photos from the luncheon tables, capturing moments of fellowship during the delicious lunch prepared by the Hilton Cambridge City Centre team.

As per the longstanding tradition of the Order, the Investiture Ceremony concluded with a charitable act, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to community service. This year, the Order donated £2,000 to Riding for the Disabled, supporting therapeutic horse-riding programmes that improve the lives of children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.

Closing the event, Grand Prior Richard Brown expressed gratitude on behalf of the Order and conveyed warm wishes from His Majesty The King, who had been informed of the day’s proceedings:

“Each year, I write to The King to inform him of our new Postulants and the good works we’ve achieved. His Majesty expresses his great thanks and wishes us a successful year ahead.”

The Grand Prior also announced that the next Investiture Ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026, once again at Great St Mary’s Church, inviting all members and supporters to return for another day of celebration, reflection, and renewal.

The 2025 Investiture Ceremony stood as a shining example of what the Order of St George the Martyr represents: a living tradition rooted in service, honour, and unity—ever open to those who lead by example and act with purpose.

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Published: 24 April 2025

On 24 April 2025, the historic Huntingdonshire Town Hall played host to a distinguished visit from the Grand Master of the Order of St George, Cllr Robert Dryden JP, and five esteemed Knights of the Order of St George the Martyr. This special gathering, arranged by the Mayor of Huntingdon, Karl Brockett, marked a proud moment of tradition, service, and shared aspirations.

The afternoon was rich with engaging discussions, focusing on the Order's prestigious history, the process of becoming a member, and the thrilling vision of establishing a new chapter in Huntingdon. The Knights, alongside Karl and Julie Brockett, and other key advocates, pledged to bolster local fundraising efforts, championing initiatives that promise lasting impacts for the community.

A highlight of the visit was a private and personalized tour of the Town Hall, where guests marvelled at the building's remarkable architectural heritage. Among the treasures on display was an extraordinary and rarely-seen artifact: Oliver Cromwell's personal watch, offering a poignant glimpse into the town's storied past.

Following the tour, a delightful afternoon tea was hosted in the Mayoral Parlour. This warm and convivial gathering fostered meaningful connections, strengthening bonds between the Order and Huntingdon's civic leaders. Notably, both Julie and the Mayor expressed a heartfelt interest in joining the Order, underlining their commitment to its noble ideals and future endeavors.

The visit also paved the way for exciting discussions around upcoming charity events and innovative fundraising initiatives, aimed at supporting vital causes both locally in Cambridgeshire and across the globe. With over 15 years of dedicated community service, the Order of St George's unwavering support continues to inspire and make a difference.

The Mayor and Julie extended their sincere gratitude to the Grand Master and the Knights for their enduring dedication, looking forward to a dynamic and impactful partnership that will enrich the lives of many in the years to come.

This memorable occasion serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, service, and fellowship—hallmarks of the Order's proud legacy and its bright future in Huntingdon.

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Published: 24 March 2025

On 24th of March, in the heart of Cambridge, the historic Guildhall was transformed into a vibrant gathering place for unity, dialogue, and cultural celebration. The Community Multi-Cultural Iftar, held under the theme “Share Food, Share Friendship”, brought together people of all faiths and backgrounds to mark the holy month of Ramadan — and to celebrate the strength of community through shared experience.

The event was hosted by Abdul-Kayum Arain, Chair of the Cambridge Muslim Trust, and friend of our Order, whose warm and inclusive leadership set the tone for a truly memorable evening. His thoughtful opening remarks welcomed all guests into a shared space of reflection, hospitality, and hope.

The Order of St George the Martyr was honoured to be invited to this deeply meaningful event.

Our Grand Master, Robert Dryden, was among the featured speakers, addressing the gathering with words that echoed the spirit of harmony and mutual respect that defined the evening.

“This evening is not merely about sharing a meal”, the Grand Master said in his speech. “It is about sharing stories, traditions, and values that connect us as human beings... creating a tapestry of mutual respect and harmony that transcends boundaries of faith, culture, and background”.

The evening’s programme reflected this sentiment through a diverse and thoughtful schedule, beginning with opening remarks from Mayor Baiju Thittala, an interfaith prayer led by Imam Sejad Medic, and a series of talks by religious and civic leaders including Mike Frankl (Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue), The Very Revd Mark Bonney (Dean of Ely Cathedral), and Mrs Jennifer Crompton, His Majesty’s Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.

Table discussions allowed participants to reflect personally and share stories, fostering authentic conversations across lines of difference. At sunset, the fast was broken in the traditional way — with dates and rose sorbet or water — followed by Maghrib prayer and continued fellowship over a shared meal.

Throughout the evening, the Order stood alongside civic, religious, and community leaders in a shared commitment to social harmony, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive charitable action. Representing the Order were not only our Grand Master, but also members actively involved in ongoing multicultural initiatives, including recent support for the Cambridge Memorial Fountain and international outreach efforts.

We were especially heartened to see representatives from organisations like Islamic Relief, the Cambridge Mosque Council, Citizens UK, Anglia Ruskin University, Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, Mill Road Traders, the Little Bulgaria UK, and many others — all working together in solidarity.

The Iftar was not just an event — it was a reminder of our shared responsibility to build bridges, and of the power of compassion, hospitality, and respect in healing divides and strengthening our communities.

As our Grand Master remarked in his closing words:

“Let us continue to build the bridges that unite us, not only for tonight but for many nights and days to come.”

The Order of St George the Martyr remains committed to this mission — to serve as a bridge between cultures, faiths, and generations, and to support those who work tirelessly for the common good.

We extend our deepest thanks to the organisers, speakers, and every guest who made the evening so memorable. May the spirit of “Share Food, Share Friendship” guide us all in the days ahead.