People set to be recognised for 'long' and 'distinguished' service to the Diocese of Hereford

The Order of St Ethelbert was first awarded in 2015 and aims to recognise those who give up their time and contribute across the diocese

27 people are to be awarded the Order of St Ethelbert this year
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 28th Sep 2025

A number of people are to be honoured for their long-standing service to the Diocese of Hereford by being given the Order of Ethelbert.

This year's recipients are to be awarded the 'prestigious medal' at a 'unique service of dedication' to be held today (Sunday 28 September) at 3.30pm during Evensong at Hereford Cathedral.

It was originally founded in 2015 by the diocese, which is the Church of England in Herefordshire, south Shropshire, parts of Monmouthshire, Powys, and Worcestershire.

Bishop of Hereford Richard Jackson says 27 people are to set collect it this time around and it's great to see all the different ways people play a part in where they live.

He said: "A lot of the people who've received the Order of St Ethelbert, they're not just people who've been serving their churches, although they have been doing that, they've also been involved in school governorship, scouts, guides, the wider community.

"Someone like Thelma Davies who's 92-years-old, she's been shaping parish life and the life of her community for over 70 years in one place and is much loved by the whole community for all that she does.

"It's just a way of recognising these people where we can bring them to the cathedral and give them something to recognise their amazing service."

The full list of recipients is below with information on their contributions on the Diocese of Hereford's website.

Rosemary Allworth

Gail Bonella-Foster

Wendy Brogden

Carolyn Brunt

Andrew Coleman

Thelma Davies

Elizabeth Donnison

Calan Edwards

Keith Hatfield

Maggie Henderson

Patricia Hockett

Steven Hockett

Beverly Jones

Brenda Jones

Anne Jordan

Christine Lifely

Brenda Lind

Simon Lind

Verity Look

Ray Morris

Robin Peers

John Stone

Robin Symonds

Robert Taylor

Jessica Tidball

Kenneth Tinsley

Mary Wall

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