A well-known Eden organist and choirmaster has been invested with his MBE earlier than originally planned after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
David Jones, of Newby, near Morland, was invested with his MBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle earlier this month.
His wife, Jenny, told the Herald the investiture was originally scheduled for December, but the date was brought forward following David’s diagnosis.
“It was a somewhat poignant occasion — only made possible by the sympathetic help of the Investitures Office, the support of staff at the castle and the magnificent effort by David’s stepson, Christopher Wright,” said Jenny. Christopher booked David, Jenny and himself into a hotel near Windsor, drove them there on the Tuesday, got them to the castle on the Wednesday, then drove them back to Newby.
“The staff at the castle supported David to walk across the room and stand in front of Prince William to receive his award.
“It was a memorable trip,” said Jenny, who added that it had given the family a treasured memory.
David should have also gone to Windsor in 2020 to receive the Royal Maundy from the late Queen, however, that ceremony had to be cancelled because of Covid, which was a huge disappointment.
“His investiture was therefore all the more significant and everyone was determined that he should make it,” added Jenny.
David was awarded an MBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for services to the community in Morland, having served as organist and choirmaster of Morland Church since 1977.
He has also been involved in the annual Morland choristers’ camp for over 40 years, latterly serving as chair of staff.
An annual residential summer camp — for young singers aged nine-17 — involves outdoor activities and choral singing mentorship for young people, and culminates in singing performances at Carlisle Cathedral and a concert in Penrith.
