A TIRELESS campaigner for Bournemouth's homeless community has been awarded a papal medal for his charity work.

John Coulston, set up the Sacred Heart Drop Inn centre and soup kitchen on Richmond Hill after retiring from his insurance job in 1991.

For a decade he ran St Michael's night shelter, providing the homeless with a roof over their heads and much-needed food and support.

When the shelter closed, the father-of-four opened Michael's House in Boscombe, providing accommodation, education and rehabilitation for the needy.

Mr Coulston was stunned to discover he had been awarded the 'Bene Merenti' (well deserved) medal for his unstinting years of service to the local community.

Presenting the award after Sunday's morning Mass at the Sacred Heart church, Father Tony Pennicott said: "John has the energy of a 20 year old and I am glad to say that he shows absolutely no sign of retiring or even slowing down.

"He is a fearless thorn in the side of the local council, campaigning courageously on behalf of justice for the poor and dispossessed."

A direct descendant of Lord Nelson, Mr Coulston served in the Merchant Navy until 1950 and was a Bath City councillor before moving to the South Coast.

Following the surprise presentation, he said: "This was totally unexpected. I've been conned... I thought I was just being asked to speak about the work of the Drop Inn centre."


Julie Magee
Bournemouth Echo
30.03.06

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