Congratulations to Jeremy Key-Pugh and Mary Masters who’ve received special thanks from the Queen in recognition of the contribution they have made to their community and their church. They were invited by Her Majesty the Queen to receive the Royal Maundy Money at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The Royal procession was led by Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall as he represented the Queen for the first time. During the service, Prince Charles walked to each individual to present the purse.
The distribution of alms by Kings and Queens of England on Maundy Thursday is an ancient ceremony that dates from at least the thirteenth century; recipients are chosen for their service to the community and are nominated from across the dioceses of England, together with nominations from Scotland.
Mary Masters, who recently stepped down as the Lay Chair of Diocesan Synod, and is a Spiritual Director in Bath and Wells, and a Planned Giving Promoter at St John’s in Glastonbury, said she was delighted and surprised to be honoured, but added, “It was an amazing day! It was such a privilege and honour to be present at this wonderful, and joyous occasion, where worship and ceremony was side by side with humility and service. The Prince of Wales made each recipient feel they were special.”
Jeremy Key-Pugh, who is a Reader at Bath Abbey, a member of the Zambia World Mission Group and also PPC Secretary at Englishcombe Parish was also honoured. He said of the day, “The whole experience was just wonderful. The whole experience was glorious - the beauty of the place, the dignity of the worship and the loveliness of the music, the pageantry ... it was all joy. And the organisation was superb - every detail had been considered and nothing was too much trouble to make us all - recipients and their companions - feel special. So many staff of the Chapel and of the Royal Household smiled, helped, and expressed the wish that would enjoy the day. And we did!
"It was truly one of the highlights of my life and something that will remain with me all the rest of my life.”
This year there were 96 coins each with the Maundy money in two leather purses. A white purse containing sliver 1p,2p,3p and 4p coins to the value of the sovereign's age. A red purse, which contained a silver £5 coin and a 50p coin, replaced the original gift for clothing and provisions.