OUR picture shows Mrs Ethel Vincent, of Woodford Green, Essex receiving the Papal Bene Merenti medal from Canon James Hemming, who returned from retirement for the celebration mass in which he was joined by Fr Brian McGrath, guardian of St Thomas of Canterbury, Woodford Green, and Fr James Dyar C M of St Cedds, Goodmayes.
The mass was the highlight of the Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Women's League of Brentwood Diocese.
Mrs Ethel Vincent has given 34 years of devoted service to the Catholic Women's League having held various offices; including president, secretary and treasurer.
The papal honour was conferred on her retirement. She is well known for her organisation of children's summer camps, and was a pioneer of the Catechetical Camps for children on the Brentwood Diocese.