We are delighted to confirm that Mrs Susan Lewis and Mr Tristram Jenkins from Hereford Diocese are this year’s recipients of Maundy Money. This year King Charles will hand out maundy money for the first time as a monarch. The service will take place on Thursday, 6 April, at York Minster.
Each year on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, The Monarch presents older members of the Church of England with special 'Maundy' coins. For 69 years, The Queen gave purses containing special money to deserving individuals in a traditional Ceremony of the Royal Maundy.
The number of men and women always matches the Monarch's age – in 2023, the King will present 74 men and 74 women with specially-minted silver coins to the value of 74p - signifying Charles's age - to thank the pensioners for their service in local communities.
These specially minted pieces are almost always handed out to worshippers over 70, nominated by local dioceses for their contributions to the church and the community.
Susan Lewis, one of this year’s recipients, served on various diocesan committees, including the Board of Education and the Board of Finance. She also serves as Treasurer on her local parish and benefice parish church council (PCC) in Weston-under-Penyard. She has undertaken this service for over 20 years alongside supporting her local Church of England Primary School as a Governor.
She explains: “I was surprised when I received the letter, and I wondered how my name had been put forward for this honour. I am looking forward to the special Maundy Service at York Minster.
I enjoy helping people in my local community, especially those within the church so it doesn’t feel like a job. I just see what task I can do and I enjoy getting on with it.”
Tristam served as the Director of Education for the Diocese of Hereford until his retirement in 2002. He continues to serve as a volunteer in the parish and wider community. This includes helping to achieve a new Education Centre at St. Michaels's Hospice and championing school links with the diocese’s partner in Nuremberg and upholding the cause of Religious Education. in the Counties' curriculum. He remains an active member of his church in Tupsley, where he regularly takes part in activities supporting the community, including performing "Open the Book" drama for children at a local Primary School. He is the parish link with Tanzania.
He adds: “I am deeply touched by this honour and grateful to serve in a Diocese which has pioneered inclusive teamwork in Ministry and has a strong sense of mission to the social and farming needs of the Marches, and to the children and youth of its schools and Colleges.”
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. It is a joyous celebration, and I am deeply thankful for Susan and Tristram’s ministry in this Diocese.”