Worcestershire's oldest teacher honoured with MBE

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

Eric Jones, 85, from Evesham, received an MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle for more than 50 years of teaching.

Eric Jones, 85, from Evesham, has been honoured with an MBE for more than 50 years of teaching. He received the award from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on 7 October.

Mr Jones spent 33 years teaching drama and religious studies in London before retiring to Evesham in 2006 with his wife Viv. He has continued to support young people through theatre projects, LAMDA tuition, anti-bullying work and school governance. During the pandemic, he returned to classrooms as a volunteer supply teacher to help schools facing staff shortages.

At the ceremony, Mr Jones said: 'To have the Prince of Wales greet you with, Eric, good morning, and then while away a few minutes talking about my career and voluntary work with young people was, again, surreal.' He made a light remark to Prince William, saying he had been teaching for 50-plus years and still enjoyed it so much that he would do it again tomorrow, before quipping: 'But it seems he did not need a tutor for George.'

Despite the honour, Mr Jones has no plans to step away from education. He was joined at Windsor Castle by his wife, son Kevin Oliver Jones and daughter Heather Geraghty.

How it is being reported

• Worcestershire's oldest teacher's quirky joke with Prince William at MBE ceremonyEric Jones, from Monks Walk in Evesham, received the award at Windsor Castle on October 7 from the Prince of Wales.Worcester News · 15 Oct, 09:32
• Worcestershire's oldest teacher's quirky joke with Prince William at MBE ceremonyEric Jones, from Monks Walk in Evesham, received the award at Windsor Castle on October 7 from the Prince of Wales.Malvern Gazette · 15 Oct, 09:32

In this story: Eric Jones · Prince William · Evesham · Windsor Castle · Worcestershire

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