Mrs. Janet Woodroffe and Mr. Andrew Marson are the recipients of this year’s Maundy Money from the Diocese of Hereford. The Queen gives purses containing special money to deserving individuals in a traditional Ceremony of the Royal Maundy.
Each year on Thursday before Easter Sunday, The Queen gives out gifts related to her age. This year, as she is 96, she gives out 96 pence worth of Maundy money to 96 men and 96 women in recognition for their contribution to the community and the Church. There is also another small monetary gift originally intended for clothes and food.
Mr Marson explains: “I was surprised and wondered how my name had been put forward. I am looking forward to sitting in St George’s Chapel again and being amongst such worthy people as part of this tradition, which reflects the monarch’s leadership of the Anglican church.”
The Royal Maundy Service has not gone ahead for the past two years. Instead, the Maundy money was blessed at the Chapel Royal, before being posted to recipients alongside a letter from The Queen. This year the service will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor and The recipients will receive their Maundy money and purses from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
Mrs Woodroffe said, “I was amazed and humbled to receive the letter but feel very honoured that I am thought worthy to receive it. I have always enjoyed meeting and talking to many interesting and charming people over the years and am always pleased to help where I can. I am looking forward to the service at Windsor and meeting The Prince of Wales.”
This year 96 men and 96 women have been chosen from across England and Scotland – the precise number of recipients is equal to the monarch’s age.
The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, made the nominations and said: “The Maundy Money ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the long-standing contribution of two individuals, who have made an incredible difference to people’s lives and the ministry of the Church in our Diocese. I am delighted that the service will take place in person this year. It is a joyous celebration, and I am deeply thankful for Janet and Andrew’s ministry in this Diocese.”