Bishop John has presented Alan Millichip from the parish of St James in Wollaston, Stourbridge with the Cross of St. Wulfstan. This award pays tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of the Church in the Diocese of Worcester – Alan was the Chair of Governors of St James’ CE Primary School in Wollaston for almost 40 years.
Alan became Chair of Governors for St James’ CE Primary in September 1984 when the school was formed following the merger of the local infant and junior schools, serving in that role until December 2021. During that time Alan oversaw many changes in school organisation, building projects (including significant fundraising), the curriculum, inspection, the changing demands of different governments and the role of the school in its community. He also had a huge pastoral involvement in the school, showing compassion and care for children, staff, parents, carers and those who have served alongside him on the governing body.
Alan said: “I was incredibly touched and humbled to receive the Wulfstan Cross. I would never have expected it but am thankful that someone thought to nominate me. I thoroughly enjoyed my years of being a Governor of St James’ School, helping to build strong links between the church and the school. It has definitely deepened my own faith and I hope that I have had a positive influence on the pupils over the years.”
Bishop John said: “Alan’s service is remarkable for its length and equally for its quality: he has served with generosity and commitment, offering the gifts and skills from his working life in the service of the church and community. All of this is inspired through his deep Christian faith and I was delighted to be able to award him the Wulfstan Cross as a symbolic acknowledgement of all that he has done for the church, school and community over so many years.”
The award was presented to Alan during a special evensong in the Cathedral for St. Wulfstan’s Day on Thursday 19 January.
St. Wulfstan/ Wulstan lived c. 1008 - 1095. He served as Bishop of Worcester under the last two Saxon kings and the first two Norman kings. After the Norman Conquest he was responsible for the dismantling of the old Saxon cathedral and the building of a new one, of which the crypt is the main part still surviving today. He was at once venerated as a saint by the people of Worcester, though he was not formally canonized until 1203. Alongside the tomb of St. Oswald, his shrine was a place of pilgrimage until the Reformation. Wulfstan found a special place in local people's affections. He took his pastoral duties very seriously, caring for the poor and preaching widely. He was famed for his healing and prophetic abilities. He even preached against the slave trade in Bristol, then part of his Diocese, and thankfully managed to end this practise for a long while.
