Simon Morris Awarded Order of St Richard for Services to the Community

We were very proud as a community that Simon Morris, Lingfield's longest-serving member of staff, has been awarded the Order of St Richard to recognise his exceptional service to the parish, community and diocese. Nominated by their parish clergy, recipients are honoured for embodying the spirit of St. Richard of Chichester at a special service in Chichester Cathedral, presided over by the Bishop. 

Simon has been associated with Holy Trinity Church in Forest Row since 1979. He is the Parish Director of Music for two churches, overseeing music throughout the parish, as well as helping to coordinate the new arts foundation, SD Arts, which brings music to local villages and the wider community. 

Alongside this, since 2015, Simon has been one of two Churchwardens in the Parish who are the Bishop’s representatives. During the recent interregnum, when the parish had no clergy, he was responsible for running the parish and ensuring that all services and various parish events took place. 

In addition to his community work, Simon has been an enthusiastic member of the Lingfield music department for nearly 45 years, teaching and accompanying students at both the Prep and Senior Schools.