Prince of Wales Award for round tower church supporter

A supporter of round tower churches has won a second certificate from the Prince of Wales.

Mary Truman was presented with her award by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher in mid-October. She was also given £1,000 to boost the funds for St Margaret’s Church, Herringfleet.

The Norfolk Churches Trust, which organises the annual Bike Ride, presented signed certificates on behalf of its patron, the Prince of Wales, to supporters raising the most funds in 2019.

She received her first certificate in 2016 and then her latest for the church with “the most improved” fund-raising effort.

West Norfolk supporter William O’Brien also received a certificate for his efforts over many years for helping his church, St Martin, Fincham, near Downham Market.

Proceeds from the Bike Ride, which has already raised more than £100,000 this autumn, are divided between the Norfolk Churches Trust and supporters’ churches. In the past 36 years, it has raised almost £3m to safeguard the county’s heritage of churches and chapels.

She is pictured with Peter Sheppard, NCT chairman, and the Bishop of Norwich. Photograph, Charles Inglis.