A TAVISTOCK couple have been granted a top honour for their commitment to the community in which they live. Town crier Bob Rose and his wife Shirley were given the titles, part of an ancient historic order, at a special ceremony at Buckfast Abbey. Prince Don Francesco Paterno Ayerbe Aragona bestowed on Bob the title Knight of Grace and Devotion of the Military Order of the Collar (MOC) and Shirley was made a Dame of Grace and Devotion of the same order during the ceremony last month. Just four knights from the UK were created during the event. Bob said: ?It?s a very great honour to receive the title. The ceremony was the full thing, we were dubbed on the shoulder with a sword by the prince ? it was a full investiture ceremony. ?There was a choir there and everything and we had a full gala dinner ? it was a wonderful, wonderful day. ?The prince actually lives in Sicily ? we and the other new knights have been invited across at some point in the future, which will be wonderful.? Shirley said the investiture ceremony was a ?marvellous? occasion: ?It was absolutely astonishing really ? I feel so privileged to receive the award. It was totally unexpected and I am delighted ? it was fantastic. ?We heard about it two or three months ago ? it?s primarily for the work we have done in the community, and, for me, it includes the Thorington photographic collection.? Bob and Shirley were nominated for the awards by Bere Alston resident Trevor Paddon-Hall. Trevor said: ? The Military Order of the Collar of Saint Agatha of Paterno is a dynastic monarchical order with roots in the 13th century. The order was reconstituted in 1961 ? since his accession as grand master of the order, Don Francesco has laid great stress on the works of charity which he regards as the principal activity of the royal house. Modern members of the order work to help those less fortunate sectors of society and raise money for charitable causes.
