Four remarkable volunteers from the Diocese of Durham are being recognised for their outstanding community service by being invited to the Royal Maundy Service to receive Maundy Money from Her Majesty The Queen at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Thursday 24th March 2016.
Picture by: Kipper Matthews
The Queen at York Minster for the Maundy Service in 2012
Those receiving the Maundy Money are:
- Kenneth Jolly from St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth where he has been organist for 50 years
- Allen Armstrong from St John the Evangelist, Lynesack. Allen a churchwarden for many years, now warden emeritus still does a great deal practically. He is held in wide respect in the local farming community as well as the church.
- Hylda Hopper from St Cuthbert’s, Darlington. Hylda is Sub-warden of Readers, serves as Deanery Lay Chair, and on Diocesan Synod and Bishop’s Council.
- Lilian Groves from Durham Cathedral. Lilian has been a dedicated volunteer guide at Durham Cathedral for 25 years. Countless comments of praise in the cathedral visitors’ book; her tours are described as an ‘experience to remember’. Lilian was recently announced as the 2016 VisitEngland Tourism Superstar in recognition of her work as senior guide at Durham Cathedral.
The Maundy Thursday service is an annual ceremony, which dates back to the 1200s, when it was customary at Easter time for the reigning monarch to give out Maundy Money to those in need. In modern times the presentation takes place in recognition of the service of elderly people to their community and their church. The service takes place at a different venue each year. Beneficiaries are usually chosen from the local area and are made up of those who have made outstanding contributions. As in 2012 when the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee a break in tradition will occur this Maundy Thursday when the 90 recipients (90 men & 90 women) are drawn from across the whole of the realm to recognise the Queen’s 90 birthday.
Commenting on the announcement The Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen in her 90th Birthday year has chosen to recognise these outstanding individuals. The amazing work that Kenneth, Allen, Hylda and Lilian do and the way that they do it in our communities in blessing them for the transformation of us all is simply outstanding.
“Each recipient has made a significant and lasting difference to their communities through their voluntary service and I am thrilled that the Queen’s award of Maundy Money recognises this vital contribution.”