Congratulations to Ian Robinson on receiving the papal honour ‘Bene Merenti’ for his long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

For many years, Ian has been the honorary Grounds Maintenance Manager at Our Lady and All Saints Church in Parbold, West Lancashire and would be the first to say that the honour should be shared with his team of nine volunteers, but for many years, Ian has been the guide, leader and inspiration for all the extensive and varied work that needs to be carried out.

He has organised tree maintenance and felling, civil engineering work to repair and rebuild the flood damaged river retaining walls, Japanese Knotweed eradication, as well as the day to day upkeep of the church grounds and cemetery.

The grounds provide a wonderful and peaceful place for quiet prayer and reflection and are highly valued not only by the parishioners of Our Lady and All saints, but also by the wider community of Parbold and beyond.

Ian’s devoted and diligent work over twenty years has been outstanding, and his Papal Award from Pope Francis is richly deserved.

The medal was awarded to Ian by Bishop Tom Neylon, who was conducting his visitation to the parish, and was joined by Parish priest, Father Leo Daley, and Ian’s family and close friends who were in the congregation for Mass.

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