The 2018 award given in recognition of a special contribution to village life has been presented.

Norman Critchley who received the Kingswear Award, has donated more than four decades of devoted voluntary service to the village church-ranging from raising the roof to sanding the floor.

The silver plate, annually awarded by the parish council recognises the special contribution made by Norman. For 44-years, he has helped many families to mark rites of passages such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, as well as assisting at Remembrance services and other important community occasions.

Norman was presented with the award and a framed certificate at the end of the Morning Prayer service on Sunday, May 6, by the chair of Kingswear parish council, Jan Henshall.

Cllr Henshall said: “When Norman was nominated for this award, I thought ‘why haven’t we done this before?’

“It is one of the few things that the council has agreed on. It is a pleasure and a privilege to present this award to him."

The former teacher who lives at Hillhead with his wife, Gwenyth, has been the church warden four times, serving for a total of 25 years. It is a voluntary role which carries official duties on the Parochial Church Council(PCC) and in the church.

Norman also served as treasurer for the PCC and for 20 years as a verger, which is someone who assists the vicar and welcomes the congregation at church services.

The local team rector, Rev’d Ian Blyde, said: “Over the years, Norman has been a great strength to me and to the village.

“He has been a true stalwart and his dedication has helped the church to share joy and bring comfort to hundreds of people at key points in their lives, as well as reverence and respect at important times in village life.

“But Norman has been much more than that. He has also played a pivotal role in keeping Kingswear alive with the sound of music.

“Since the death of our organist, the late Jack Farmer, Norman has faithfully organised music for our Sunday services.”

Passion for music also encouraged Norman to put in several years of volunteering as part of the Roof Raisers team, which organised concerts for the village to raise money to re-roof the church.

As a Yorkshireman, Norman delighted audiences with recitals from Stanley Holloway monologues such as Albert and the Lion. The roof work was completed in 1990, but the concerts were so fun that Norman and the team carried on the tradition.

The Rev’d Blyde added: “Norman also quite literally took to his knees to serve his church to ensure this beautiful building is maintained as a place of worship and blessing for our community.

“He sanded the floor and helped re-position the pews when the Lady chapel was renovated in memory of Hine-Haycock family members in 1994.

“Another of Norman’s volunteering efforts played a vital role in keeping the church magazine going. By organising the advertising for the magazine he helped to bring in vital funds to pay for the paper, printing and replacement photocopier machines to ensure we are kept up to date with church events and news of friends in our neighbouring fellowships.”

On receiving the award, Norman said: “I have always enjoyed doing what I have done here. Another name should be mentioned here, that of my wife, Gwenyth. There is always somebody behind me, reminding me, pushing me-it’s all been a great joy.”