Servants of the community rewarded for their efforts

VICKY Gilbert, of St Catherine’s Church, Burbage, was recommended for her work helping her church in its efforts to become more environmentally friendly.

St Catherine’s became the first church in the UK to win the Eco Church Gold award last year.

Vicky has attended the church for 40 years and helps run a Fairtrade stall and chairs an environment group.

She worked to install a wildlife garden, recycled plastic bench and bicycle racks in the church grounds.

Vicky said: “It was a lovely day out, and the lunch afterwards was really good. I’d recommend anyone!”

Next year Vicky is travelling to Tanzania to form a link between St Catherine’s and a parish in the Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro. it to

Charles Broadhurst, from St Mary’s Church, Hinckley, was nominated for his work on the Leicester Diocesan Board of Education.

He’s been on the board for 20 years.

He said: “I first joined the board when my grandchildren were looking at schools and I never expected that this would happen.

“It was a great privilege to be there and the organisation was fantastic. I’ve seen royalty on different occasions, but to actually meet the Queen was indescribable. I’ll never forget it.”

Bob Davies, also from St Mary’s, helped set up and run a book shop in the church.

The shop sells about 800 books a month and Bob spends most mornings in the week booking in, pricing and sorting the shelves.

John Whittaker, Vicar of St Mary’s, said: “Bob’s service comes from his Christian convictions of the good- ness of God to us and our call to serve God, the life of God’s church and the community.”

Helping co-ordinate the event at the cathedral was The Very Reverend David Monteith, Dean of Leicester.

He said: “Many of the people receiving the alms have been doing unseen acts of faithful service to their community for many years.

“It’s a unique event as its symbolises the monarch going to the people, whereas usually it’s the other way round.

“It re-defines the monarch as servant.”