A serving member of the Queen’s bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard helped Frome and District Probus Club celebrate its 30th anniversary at the Standerwick Centre on 18th November, with 80 members and invited friends.
Before a celebratory lunch, Shaun McCormack treated the club to a lively and humorous presentation of the history, traditions and personal experience of serving with the Guard. Shaun also brought along some of his red “beefeater” uniform for a “hands on” experience of something only seen on State occasions.
Founded by the Tudor dynasty in 1485 to protect the monarch and the crown, the Yeomen are the oldest bodyguard in the world and are currently 82 strong. Members of the Guard must be the rank of sergeant and above with 22 years military service.
Shaun also explained that the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London, who wear blue uniforms, are an offshoot but not part of the State Guard, a popular misconception.
All present at the lunch received a 30th anniversary commemorative booklet from current president, Michael Weale.
In October the club was given a presentation by Ted Mustard, an ex-helicopter pilot, about the little known birth of the RAF by three wealthy aviators in WW1, who brought and flew their own planes in the war effort. It all started from a base next to Stonehenge and air force bases at Stonehenge continued into WW2. The hangars are still there today and he takes parties to see them.
Membership of Probus is open to retired professional and businessmen in the Frome area and anyone interested should contact club secretary, Graham White on 01373 834740.
