A CHURCH warden at St Peter’s Church in Clearwell was honoured in a ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral.

Daphne Baulcombe has given service to the church for 50 years and was honoured by Bishop Rachel Treweek. She was made a member of the Company of St Kyneburga in the ceremony and was accompanied by seven of her supporters from St Peter’s church.

Daphne held the post of church warden at St Peter’s for 36 years, was a school governor at Clearwell Primary school for over 30 years and is a past governor of Ellwood Community Primary School. Daphne sat on the parochial church council for 48 years.

A spokesperson for Mid-Wyedean Churches said: “Daphne currently holds the post of verger but has long served St Peter’s church in many capacities.

“Rev Sarah Bick and Rev Alan Wearmouth re?ected the feelings of the whole parish when they nominated Daphne for the award, which goes to a small group of people in the Gloucestershire Diocese each year.

“Membership of the Company of St Kyneburga recognises and honours service to the diocese and to parishes, chaplaincies and church schools within it, usually over a very long period of time, by readers, churchwardens, church architects, musicians, head teachers, clergy and others.

“The company takes its name from Kyneburga, co-founder and abbess in the eighth century of the ?rst religious community at what is now Gloucester Cathedral. Members receive a badge of membership and are invited to an annual service and reception in the cathedral.”