Derrick May

In these transient days where employment is far from secure it was a delight to be able to celebrate 25 years of loyal service. Derrick May came to the Cathedral as a Verger on 14th April, 1992. He has seen many changes in our building many different Deans and Canons but has carried on his own inimical style taking a philosophical view of life and just doing his job. Derrick was appointed Senior Verger some six years ago and has been of significant help to the Head Verger in managing the building and ensuring that our services have been properly organised. Derrick was presented with a watch suitably inscribed to mark the occasion. We join with Lynn, his children and all of us here in the Cathedral in saying a deserved well done as we look forward to the next 25 years in the life of our Cathedral.

Roger Clegg

Roger has been serving at Manchester Cathedral for 60 years on the 11 September 2007. He joined the Voluntary Choir aged 11 in 1947 under the Choir Master Mr Norman Cocker. After his voice broke he began serving and became an assistant Sidesman for some time. He has carried the Cross for many services over the years, but particularly for Sunday Evensong since the age of 15. He has rarely missed Sunday evening except when away on business. Carrying the Cross is a privilege to him, it means much more that the actual act of carrying it. Roger also serves at his local church, St John the Divine in Brooklands, Sale, for over 35 years and is their representative for the Childrens Society. His wife Barbara has also attended the Cathedral for over 50 years, they were married by Dean Jones and Canon Woolnough in 1963, their twins were christened here and Richard married in the Cathedral in 2005. Richard joined in the Whit Walks when aged 4 eventually joining the Voluntary Choir at 7 years old. He is now a lawyer, living and working in Bulgaria.