Newport Cathedral Emergency Campaign

Two leading members of the Newport Cathedral Campaign have been honoured for their work. Neil Lewis is to receive an MBE from the Queen and Ms Jennifer Sollis is to be made a Member of the Order of St Woolos by the Bishop.

Former Torfaen councillor Neil Lewis said he was humbled by the news he was to receive an MBE. He is the organiser of the Campaign Lunch in April and previously arranged the schools contribution to the campaign.

Mr Lewis, 64, who was a county councillor for Blaenavon 15 years, was instrumental in the regeneration of the town, which followed after it gained World Heritage status in 2000. This included the revamp of the main shopping area in Broad Street, the development of the World Heritage Centre and the refurbishment of the Workingmen’s club and other buildings in need of repair. During his time as executive member for regeneration for Torfaen council in 2006, he was chairman of the World Heritage Forum for the United Kingdom.

Miss Sollis Secretary of the Campaign is the Cathedral’s Chief Steward. She is also a member of the Governing Body and Representative Body of the Church in Wales. She will be instituted in February at a ceremony in the Cathedral.