On Thursday, 14th April, 2022, the Royal Maundy Service will be held in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle during which the Maundy gifts of specially minted coins are distributed to the Maundy Recipients. Six people from across the diocese are amongst those being honoured.
This year the Maundy Recipients have been chosen from across the United Kingdom. The precise number of Recipients is equal to The Queen's age and on this occasion, 96 men and 96 women were chosen to attend the Royal Maundy Service.
The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th century, and in this country the first record of the monarch doing so is in 1213. Early in her reign, the Queen decided Maundy money should not just be distributed to the people of London, and so she travelled to various cathedrals or abbeys to give gifts to local people. For the first time Prince Charles will carry out the traditional coin-giving ceremony this year.
As ever, the short stories of those recieving Maundy Money this year demonstrate the impact of quiet, dedicated Christian service on our communities. We thank God for each of them on this special day.
Stella Ayiku, Datchet
Mrs Ayiku has been a constant and dedicated member of her local parish church for many years. She was, until very recently, head sacristan, and, while stuck in Ghana during the first lockdown, was present at every online service. She is an active leader within the pastoral care group, which looks after the parishioners. Her faith is visible in all that she does. She shows kindness and compassion to all, with good humour and understanding. She is a stalwart of the church and a friend to many.
Margaret Lindley, Tackley
Ms Lindley prepared the altar at her parish church until very recently, washing all the linen and making sure candles were ready. She still drives and collects groceries and bits and pieces for those who can't do it for themselves. She writes to people who have moved away in order to keep them involved, and visits the sick and housebound, reminding everyone else how they are - and keeping the congregation up to date with their prayer needs. She has had a tremendous impact on the local community: "She simply has an enormous heart - and yet is genuinely humble and would be very embarrassed to read this".
Margaret Culley, Buckingham
Mrs Culley is a Licensed Lay Minister who has devoted many years of her life to God’s work in the parish of North Buckingham and beyond. She lives in the rural village of Lillingstone Lovell and having been a farmer’s wife she is respected by the farming community. She has a special heart for work with the very young and their parents. She has been the driving force behind a toddler group for over thirty years and which is still popular with many families. She has been responsible for many baptisms over the years and the families appreciate her loving attitude and follow up calls. Local families find Margaret a great comforter in times of bereavement. She has also been involved in Project Street Life, a group in Buckingham who reach out to teenagers.
John Marshall, Chipping Norton
Mr Marshall has lived in Chipping Norton for over 40 years. During that time he has given care and support to disaffected and disillusioned teenagers. He befriends them in a non-judgemental way and takes them on hikes and offers support and friendship. This has gone on quietly for many decades. Quietly and without any fuss.
Michael Walker, Oxford
Mr Walker is an alumnus of Christ Church. After retiring from teaching to Oxford he has been a volunteer at the Cathedral for many years acting as a steward and guide. He is a faithful member of the congregation, often attending the Prayer Book Eucharist on Sundays. His knowledge of our buildings and history is exceptional. He is a biologist and recently contributed to the creation of an ecological walk through the Meadows.
Robert Peters, Charvil
Mr Peters has served for over 20 years as a Licensed Lay Minister, also helping with Reader training in the diocese during that time. For the last 10 years, using his experience as a journalist, he has transformed a parish magazine which was on its last legs. In his time it has been awarded 5 national prizes, twice for being the best in Britain. The magazine is delivered free to 2,000 houses each month, paid for by the advertising. It has proved a tremendously effective tool in uniting the 3 villages of this Sonning parish and is now the oldest, continuously published parish magazine in Britain... over 152 years.
The Maundy Service will come a week before the Queen's 96th birthday. You can learn more about the traditions surrounding Maundy Money by visiting www.royal.uk
Photos from the Royal Maundy Service was held in St. George's Chapel will be available later today.