The Order of St John is a British order of chivalry dating back to its founding in 1080 as a hospital in Jerusalem by a group of monks, it’s purpose to care for pilgrims who had become ill on their travels to the Holy Land. The men and women who worked there were members of a new religious order, officially recognised by the Church in 1113. Known as the Hospitallers, they cared for anyone, without distinction of race or faith. After the Crusaders captured Jerusalem, the Hospitallers also took on a military role. They became known as the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.
The symbol of the Order, a white eight-pointed cross on a black background is an international symbol of first aid and can be seen today emblazoned on the sides of ambulances and on the uniforms of its highly trained volunteers. It has remained unaltered through the centuries, as an enduring emblem of humanitarian care for almost 1000 years.
The modern Order of St John in England was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1888. King Charles III is currently the Sovereign head of the Order of St John.
In South Africa, St John is dedicated to improving the health, safety and quality of life of all people through the provision of first aid, community health training and various community projects. With a national footprint, 11 training centres and 12 eye care clinics are operated by passionate people who care for and serve their local communities.
The Order of St John is based at Glenshiel in Westcliff, one of Johannesburg’s great historic homes, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming and built in 1910 for mining magnate Sir William Dalrymple and his wife Lady Isabel. In 1943 Major Gordon Haggie acquired the property for the purpose of an auxiliary military hospital for convalescent orthopaedic patients during World War II. In 1950 under the auspices of the Haggie Trust, Glenshiel was lent in perpetuity to the Order of St John to be used as the National Headquarters of the Priory for South Africa. The Glenshiel estate was declared a national Monument in 1979.
In addition to weddings, birthday celebrations, chamber music recitals and similar functions, the Order of St John has, since 2009, been hosting an annual fair in October each year to raise funds for specific projects as well as the maintenance of the Glenshiel property. The fair has grown substantially over this period and now attracts 4,000 visitors over the 4½ days. Westcliff and the surrounding suburbs are home to affluent residents who support the aims of the Order of St John and donate generously through the purchase of entry tickets and raffle tickets. The fair hosts ± 85 vendors who sell items ranging from jewellery to designer clothes and cashmere, leather goods to fragrances, décor to children’s toys, traditional Christmas cakes, even pool accessories and plants. The food and bar services are very popular and encourage visitors to relax and linger and enjoy the beautiful property.
Contact details
www.stjohn.org.za
www.glenshiel.org.za
https://www.glenshiel.org.za/glenshiel-fair-24/fair-visitors/
https://www.instagram.com/glenshielfair/?hl=en Visit St John for more information about this wonderful organisation · The Hospitality Hustle
