FIVE people have been awarded the St Aldhelm’s Cross for 2024, an award which celebrates outstanding service by individual Christians in Dorset and Wiltshire.
The five recipients included an NHS nurse, a Scout leader, a school governor, a retired Army officer, and an environmentalist.
Bishop Stephen presented the awards in a service at the Cathedral on Sunday.
He said: “This award celebrates those who go above and beyond in the service of Jesus across the diocese. It is not just about the work done for the Church, to support its buildings and its services and its schools, but it is about celebrating the faithful work of Christians in their everyday lives, whatever their work and role. So much of this work goes unseen, so the award was set up to recognise those who give so much to their local community, in the name of Christ. Without their time, skills and faith, in the company of thousands of Christian volunteers, our society would be so much poorer.”
Alison Oakes from Corfe Castle is still working as a nurse in the NHS after 48 years. A member of the Mother’s Union, she supports it work offering holidays to families in need. Married to a vicar, she has been active in parish life.
David Morgan from Wimborne has been deeply involved in Christian environmental causes, helping the diocese of Salisbury become the first ‘eco diocese’ in the Church of England. He and wife Jean have recently raised funds for charity by undertaking a six day canoe marathon down the Thames from Witney to Westminster.
Bill Stacey has served in many roles in the Chalke Valley churches, including as churchwarden and treasurer. He has run a youth club and holiday weeks for children, and served as governor of Bishop Wordsworth School in Salisbury, overseeing its sports hall building project.
Melvin Stroud from Gillingham has been involved in the Scout Movement in many roles, including leading adult safeguarding training and developing the Scout’s programme for young people in the region. He has served on the governing body of Milton on Stour Church of England primary school and following retirement, is now churchwarden at the neighbouring St Simon and St Jude church.
Richard Chitty is a retired army officer who has lived in Salisbury for 30 years. An active member of St Paul's Church, he also serves on diocesan synod and Bishop’s Council and has been at the forefront of supporting modern and simpler ways of working in the Diocesan Board of Finance.
Four of the five candidates received their award on Sunday – Alison Oakes, David Morgan, Bill Stacey and Melvin Stroud. Richard Chitty will receive his in a service in his local church, St Paul’s Salisbury, on 1 December as he was unable to attend.