The Order of St Ethelbert - The 2025 recipients
The Order was founded in 2015 as a means of recognising and honouring women and men from the parishes of the diocese and beyond who have supported and nurtured the Christian ministry of the diocese in many and devoted ways. The Order will be presented to the recipients by the Bishop of Hereford in Hereford Cathedral at a special service of dedication. Each recipient receives a signed certificate from Bishop Richard, a St Ethelbert medal and ribbon and a copy of the book St Ethelbert, King and Martyr.
This year's recipients will be awarded this prestigious medal at a unique service of dedication to be held on Sunday, 28th September at 3.30pm during Evensong at Hereford Cathedral.
The short citations listed below, for each recipient, highlight just some aspects of their dedicated service.
Order of St Ethelbert – Citations for Order of Service 2025
Rosemary Allworth
Rosemary Allworth has faithfully served St Andrew’s, Hope Bowdler, for over sixty years as sacristan, PCC member, and choir member. She has led flower arranging, cleaned brasses, and supported fundraising. Her dedication, reliability, and caring spirit embody Christian service.
Gail Bonella-Foster
Gail Bonnella-Foster has served St Luke’s, Ironbridge for three decades as PCC Secretary and Churchwarden. Her safeguarding expertise has shaped diocesan policy and created a safe, welcoming church. Tireless in service, community engagement, and pastoral care, Gail exemplifies Christian dedication through steadfast commitment, creativity, and compassionate leadership.
Wendy Brogden
For thirty years, Wendy Brogden served faithfully as Churchwarden of St James', Shipton, overseeing its fabric, churchyard, and parish life. A Worship Leader and PCC member, she continues to share her knowledge and care. Her dedication extends further as Foundation Governor and secretary in both team and deanery service.
Carolyn Brunt
For over forty years, Carolyn Brunt has faithfully served St Michael & All Angels church, Smethcott as PCC member, Treasurer, Churchwarden, and now Lay Worship Leader. She pioneered outdoor worship during the pandemic and continues to nurture parish life with devotion, resilience, and pastoral care, ensuring the vitality of her rural church community.
Andrew Coleman
As Churchwarden of St John the Baptist, Hughley, Andrew Coleman has combined practical skills, fundraising, and pastoral care to safeguard his church’s future. From restoring medieval glass to supporting clergy well-being, Andrew’s leadership and faithfulness embody servant ministry, sustaining community life and ensuring the church thrives in challenging times.
Thelma Davies
At 92, Thelma Davies has given a lifetime of service to St Mary’s, Bettws-y-Crwyn. From maintaining the churchyard to leading fundraising, welcoming newcomers, and fostering community spirit, her tireless devotion has shaped parish life for over seventy years. Loved and respected, Thelma’s faith and service inspire all who know her.
Elizabeth Donnison
For nearly five decades, Elizabeth Donnison has served St Peter's, Rushbury with diligence and creativity. From PCC Secretary to Foundation Governor, event organiser, and pastoral visitor, her steadfast service has nurtured faith and fellowship. Even after retiring from the PCC, Elizabeth continues to support church and community with grace and dedication.
Calan Edwards
For over thirty years, Calan Edwards has been central to the life of St Michael & All Angels, Mansel Lacy. As PCC Secretary, fundraiser, and project leader, he safeguarded the church’s future, strengthening ties with the community. His “can do” spirit and dedication exemplify faithful Christian service.
Keith Hatfield
As lifelong member and Churchwarden of St Andrew’s, Presteigne, Keith Hatfield has overseen major restoration projects, supported worship, and enriched the arts community. Despites some very difficult personal circumstances in recent years, he remains steadfast in service, embodying resilience, faith, and compassion. His dedication to church and town marks him as truly deserving.
Maggie Henderson
For over forty years, Maggie Henderson has tirelessly served St Peter’s, Lugwardine, as Churchwarden, PCC member, Sacristan, Gift Aid Officer, and Parish Magazine Editor. Her faithful presence, pastoral care, and generosity have sustained church and community life. Maggie’s devotion, hospitality, and faith make her an outstanding example of Christian service.
Patricia Hockett
For nearly seventy years, Trish has enriched church music, and for the last forty years she has served St James', Colwall, through music, worship, and community service. As Organist, Foodbank Coordinator, and pastoral volunteer, her dedication has shaped worship and outreach alike. Her faith, creativity, and hospitality continue to bless both church and village life.
Steven Hockett
For over forty years, Steve has given tireless service to St James', Colwall, as Churchwarden, Lay Worship Leader, Verger, and organiser of arts and outreach. With his wife, Trish, he co-founded the local satellite Foodbank and “Warm Space,” embodying Christian witness through creativity, compassion, and steadfast dedication.
Beverly Jones
As Sole Churchwarden of St John's, Eastnor, Beverly Jones has shown extraordinary devotion in service and care for over thirty years. From creating detailed altar frontals to welcoming newcomers, she embodies faith in action. Tireless in preparation, outreach, and hospitality, Bev’s warmth and dedication have nurtured parish life and strengthened community bonds.
Brenda Jones
For more than forty years, Brenda Jones has faithfully served as Organist across Wentnor, Myndtown, and surrounding parishes. Her joyful faith, commitment to worship, and dedication in all seasons have inspired many. She continues to light up congregations with music, hospitality, and unwavering Christian service.
Anne Jordan
For over thirty years, Anne Jordan has been at the heart of parish life in Much Marcle and Yatton. A faithful worshipper and PCC member since 1996, she has organised events, welcomed generations with tea, cake, and care, and offered quiet, prayerful support that has blessed church and community.
Christine Lifely
Tina Lifely has served St Peter & St Paul, Stoke Lacy, and Moreton Jeffries with devotion as PCC member, Treasurer, and Deputy Churchwarden. Dedicated to worship, fundraising, and pastoral care, she offers hospitality and plans new outreach such as a bereavement café. Tina’s generosity and commitment exemplify faithful service.
Brenda Lind
For the last fifty years, Brenda Lind has nurtured faith and fellowship through children’s ministry, PCC service, hospitality, and tireless practical support at St Peter’s and St James, Hereford. A model of quiet devotion, she has sustained worship, encouraged discipleship, and served with humility, creativity, and unwavering commitment.
Simon Lind
For over fifty years, Simon Lind has faithfully served St Peter’s and St James, Hereford, as youth leader, PCC member, and Lay Chairman. He has nurtured hundreds of young people in faith, guided parish life through challenge and change, and supported clergy. Alongside, his 30 years in the NHS exemplify servant-hearted dedication to church and community.
Verity Look
For over thirty years, Verity Look has been the steadfast heart of St Andrew’s with St Mary’s, How Caple. As Parish Secretary and Churchwarden, she has faithfully sustained worship and parish life, keeping the congregation connected week by week. Her warmth, cheer, and tireless dedication exemplify devoted Christian service.
Ray Morris
For twenty-five years, Ray Morris has served faithfully as Churchwarden of St Mary's, Burford. A constant presence at worship and pastoral offices, he cares devotedly for the churchyard, manages burials, and shares local history with warmth and humour. His dedication and generosity have strengthened both church and community life.
Robin Peers
For nearly five decades, Robin Peers has given tireless service through leadership, craftsmanship, and stewardship at St Bartholomew's, Westhide. As Churchwarden, Treasurer, fundraiser, and craftsman, he restored and enriched churches across Herefordshire. A chorister, host, and generous supporter of mission, Robin’s life of devotion and creativity has blessed parish, benefice, and diocese.
John Stone
For almost forty years, John Stone has been Churchwarden of St Michael’s, Brimfield, overseeing major restoration of the medieval tower, guiding the parish through COVID, and welcoming all with warmth. Also a school governor and councillor, John’s faith, pastoral care, and dedication have blessed church and community alike.
Robin Symonds
For twenty years, Robin Symonds served as a Churchwarden and Treasurer of Hentland with Hoarwithy. He oversaw major restorations, secured grants, and sustained worship through long vacancies. A passionate musician, fundraiser, and generous host, he has kept parish life vibrant and faithful, embodying wise and devoted Christian service.
Robert Taylor
For fifteen years, Robert Taylor has served as Churchwarden of St Mary's, Llanfair Waterdine, overseeing major repairs, leading services, and safeguarding parish life. A tireless fundraiser and lay leader, he has supported both church and village events. His faithfulness, commitment, and pastoral care make him an exemplary servant of the church.
Jessica Tidball
For over thirty years, Jess Tidball has served St Mary’s, Marden, as Churchwarden, youth leader, and pastoral presence. She has led campaigns to restore church fabric, sustained parish life through floods, and championed community events. Jess’s energy, compassion, and missional vision inspire all who know her.
Kenneth Tinsley
For over twenty-five years, Ken Tinsley has served as Treasurer of Hampton Bishop PCC, ensuring financial stability with wisdom and diligence. A gifted musician, he played faithfully in worship into his nineties. His hospitality, generosity, and lifelong commitment to church and community embody faithful Christian service
Mary Wall
For almost eighty years, Mary has been a faithful worshipper at Christ Church, Llangrove, serving as Churchwarden, PCC member, and Deanery Synod representative. Tireless in fundraising, choir, Mothers’ Union, and pastoral care, she continues to inspire with warmth, creativity, and steadfast devotion to God and community.
ENDS