During the service, which is held annually at a cathedral or abbey in the UK, 74 men and 74 women – signifying the King’s age – are being given Royal Maundy money.
The giving of Royal Maundy Money by the monarch is a centuries-old tradition. The name “Maundy” and the ceremony itself derive from an instruction, or mandatum, of Jesus at the Last Supper that his followers should love one another. This symbolic act of giving a gift of money in small purses is a ceremonial living out of that Christian care. At the service, the Monarch hands each recipient two small leather string purses. A red purse contains ordinary coins, while a white one contains silver Maundy coins, amounting to the same number of pence as the years of the Sovereign’s age.
Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony where the monarch gives specially-minted coins to selected people, and dates back to AD 600. The recipients are traditionally local elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to community.
Martin Moore has been a devoted lifelong member of All Saints Filby, where he has served as Treasurer and Churchwarden for around fifty years and loves the building and its people. Martin said, “I felt immensely humbled to learn from Bishop Graham that he had nominated me to receive this prestigious award to be presented by King Charles and Queen Consort. It has been a privilege to serve and worship for over 48 years as Church Warden and Treasurer, alongside nine different rectors at All Saints Church Filby and within the community of the South Trinity Broads Benefice.”
Judy Howard is an accomplished bell ringer who has rung in 2,800 church towers since beginning in 1959 and who also plays the organ each week in Ashill church. Judy said, “It is an enormous privilege to represent the Ashill community, local ringers and organists in receiving the Royal Maundy. So many of us are hidden from view in bell towers and organ lofts, rarely seen by the congregations – just heard! I never dreamed of such an honour, and it will be a treasured memory for the rest of my life.”
The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said, “I am delighted that the contributions that Martin and Judy have made to the life of the Church in Norfolk and Waveney have been recognised by HM The King at this year’s distribution of the Royal Maundy.
“This is a day when we thank God for the way in which each recipient has reflected the model of Jesus in serving others, set within the commitment of the whole Church to love our neighbours. Taking place in Holy Week, this historic service symbolises humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others.”