Church servants rewarded with special Maundy money

Church and community servants from across the region have been recognised for their exemplary Christian service with a special award.

Marjorie Harding from Perton was one of 10 people across the region to receive the Maundy money

Every year, on Maundy Thursday, the Queen distributes special Maundy money to pensioners in a service which commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.

Recipients of Maundy money are nominated by their local dioceses for contributions to their local church and community.

As with last year, the Royal Maundy Service 2021 could not go ahead at St George's Chapel, Windsor, as planned, so the Maundy money was blessed at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, before being posted to recipients alongside a letter from The Queen.

This meant recipients could still receive their Maundy money and purses, and instead mark the special occasion from their homes.

Joyce Garbett said she felt honoured to be part of such a prestigious event

Ten people from across the Diocese of Lichfield, Worcester and Hereford were nominated by the diocesan bishops to receive the Maundy money.

This is the traditional sum of £5.50 in special commemorative coins and the Maundy coins of silver pennies, twopences, threepences and fourpences, totalling 95 pence, corresponding to the Sovereign’s age, all newly minted this year.

In the Diocese of Hereford, John Haycox from Bridgnorth and Brenda Allan from Bromyard were nominated to receive the Maundy money by the Bishop of Hereford, Right Reverend Richard Jackson.

Mr Haycox said: "I was very humbled when I received the letter, I never expected to receive anything like this. I am honoured to be one of this year’s recipients."

Dr Michael Davie said that while his involvement may have been minimal, the rewards had been considerable and had helped in service to the community

Ms Allan said: "When I first heard about this, to say that I was amazed is something of an understatement. Receiving Maundy Money is something, which happens to other people and I am very honoured that the Bishop thinks me worthy of nomination."

The Diocese of Lichfield is represented by six people, all nominated by the Bishop of Lichfield, Right Reverend Dr Michael Ipgrave.

Joyce Garbett from Wellington, Dr Michael Davie from Oswestry, Lynne Lloyd from Melverley, Marjorie Harding from Perton, Brian Barber from Burslem and David Cliffe from Lichfield all received the two purses.

Ms Garbett said: "I feel very honoured to receive this award and to be part of this prestigious event."

Lynne Lloyd said her 32 years as church warden serving the ancient, timber framed Church of St Peter in Melverley had been a wonderful journey of faith, an education and a joy

Dr Davie said: "‘What have I done to deserve this?’ was my reaction when I received the letter from the Lord High Almoner as I counted the years served on the PCC, synods and advisory committees.

"Then, thinking more deeply, I realised that I had been enormously privileged to have witnessed clergy devoted to the welfare of their parishioners, and to encounter people with enormous ability, great wisdom, and faith deeper than that to which I could ever aspire.

"In fact, they had given to me far more than I had ever given back; and yet they had opened my eyes to the generosity of the church, to its commitment to the well being of mankind and the many facets of life that the church affects."

Ms Lloyd said: "I am thrilled and so honoured to receive such an accolade and I’m sure there are far more deserving people who should be recognised for their work in the community.

"My 32 years as churchwarden serving the ancient, timber framed Church of St Peter in Melverley, in Shropshire, has been a wonderful journey of faith, an education and a joy. To be singled out and acknowledged with a Royal Maundy gift is such an honour."

Overwhelmed

Ms Harding said: "I am totally overwhelmed and humbled. I have just done what anyone else would do."

In the Diocese of Worcester, Reverend Ruth Wintle from Crown East and Kevin Down from Worcester were nominated by the Bishop of Worcester, Right Reverend Dr John Inge to receive the Maundy money.

Ms Wintle said: "I was excited and humbled to receive the Maundy Money. It was a great joy to receive the letter from Buckingham Palace and although I am disappointed not to be able to collect the money in person, I feel privileged to be honoured in this way."

Mr Down said: "I felt very honoured and surprised. We moved to Worcester in 1980 and I have been involved with St George’s Church and our ecumenism work ever since and it’s vital that Christians seek to work in unity.

"I don’t mind that we don’t get to receive the money in person, it is the award that is important and I would like to say thank you to whoever nominated me."