On Saturday 26th February the Bishop announced to his Diocesan Council of Advice that the recipient of his 2022 Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Lay Service to the Church, was to be Mr Michael Smales. Mr Smales, who was at the meeting, was taken by surprise, but graciously accepted. The Award will be presented formally at the XXX Diocesan Synod on 30th April.
Mr Smales is a member of the ACC Mission of the Good Shepherd and St Tudwal, Gwydir Uchaf Chapel, Llanrwst, N. Wales.
He is also the Seneschal of the Templar Knights Albion. A philanthropic, non-masonic, fraternity centred on traditional Christian chivalric principles, supporting the Anglican Catholic Church and its charities, of which Bishop Damien is the spiritual protector.
As Bishop Damien has said. I was both taken aback and honoured to receive the award. Which I humbly accept on behalf of myself and the Brothers and Sisters of Templar Knights Albion. Thank you My Lord Bishop.