The Cross of St Aldhelm is given to people whose contribution to the life of the Church and the Diocese goes far beyond the normal call of duty. It was established as a diocesan award in 2005, on the 1300th Anniversary of the consecration of St Aldhelm as the first Bishop in Wessex and is presented to a small number of Church members who have made an especially significant contribution.
Neil’s citations reads:-
“Neil’s service to the Diocese began in 1980 serving the Sarum Archidiaconal sub-committee until 1984. From 1981 until 1997 he served on the Diocesan Advisory Committee as advisor on bells. This was followed in 1983 by his co-option to the Redundant Churches Uses Committee (which became the Re-Use of Closed Churches Group) becoming Chairman until its recent disbandment.
Until moving to Wilton in 2002 Neil was closely involved with St Thomas’, Salisbury; serving as churchwarden between 1981 and 1983. He has also served the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers in a number of offices, including that of Master. Since 1980 he has been a Trustee of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust. In professional life, Neil was a staff member of the Churches Conservation Trust, serving from 1980 until his retirement in 2008. Since retirement he has led a team of volunteers promoting and raising funds for the Church of St Giles on Salisbury Plain”.
After the Service we were all invited to Bishop Stephen’s official residence for refreshments where I was able to have a chat with Neil and congratulate him on receiving has award. He did confide in me that up until the actual day he had only told his sister, who accompanied him to the event. However, at church that morning he did mention it to the curate whom, I believe, announced it to the congregation!
Janet Ranger-Dennis
