Church organist Gordon Foster was honoured by King Charles III for his 50 years’ service at St Simon and St Jude’s, Rainworth.

Gordon and his wife, Joan, received Royal Maundy Coins from the king at a service in York Minster on Maundy Thursday.

The director of music at St Simon and St Jude’s, Gordon will also marked his 50th anniversary with a special thanksgiving service in his home village on Sunday 16th.

Reflecting on the royal honour, Gordon said: “It was a wonderful day, from start to finish. To be spoken to and thanked for my service by the King was a wonderful occasion.

“We also owe so much to two truly lovely ladies in the Royal Almonry Office at Buckingham Palace, who went the extra mile for us.”

He also thanked people in the community and on social media for their heart-warming messages of congratulations.
Gordon was nominated for the accolade by the Rt Rev Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

Each year, the sovereign visits a different cathedral to award the coins to people who have served their church and community, the number of recipients being the same as the age of the sovereign.

So 74 men and 74 women from across Britain received the award, which symbolises the Bible story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples in an act of service.