Derek Glover, who recently retired after 15 years as a Lay Reader, (Minister) from St Mary’s, Ross, was thrilled to be one of two nominees made by the Bishop of Hereford, to be a recipient of the Maundy Money from the Queen at a special service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Mr Glover who is a stauch supporter of St Mary’s Church in Ross told the Gazette that the Queen was accompanied by Princess Eugenie and a considerable number of Yeomen of the Guard. He said that there were also four children from local schools, carrying wonderfully made posies – originally these fragrant ‘nosegays’ were used to shelter the Sovereign from the smell of the feet.

The Bishop of Worcester, as Lord High Almoner, was the Queen’s escort during the distribution of the Maundy Money. There were 186 recipients this year, a man and a woman for each year of the Sovereign’s life. Derek was accompanied by Celia, his wife, as his ‘carer/companion’ and they were both thrilled with the quality of the music, the spirituality of the readings and the quiet determination of the Queen who, he said: “Handed the purses to each recipient with a wonderful smile and the ability to make you feel as if you really mattered.”

The Maundy Money was given in two purses. In the red purse is a nominal allowance of £5.50, originally for clothing and provisions, and in the white purse 93 silver pennies. These are all legal tender but Mr Glover added: “too precious to use as such”.

Following the service the recipients and the Yeomen and Military Knights of Windsor moved to the State Apartments for refreshments and a chance to meet up with other recipients for all of whom it had been a memorable experience.

The word Maundy comes from the Latin ‘mandatum’ which means commandment. On the day before Good Friday, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and commanded them to ‘Love one another’. By the 13th century the Royal Family was taking part in similar ceremonies. The act of washing the feet of the poor, and giving money and gifts, showed humility and compassion.

When Henry IV became king, he introduced a new tradition – giving the same number of gifts as his age and the event became known as the Royal Maundy.

Recipients are selected from across the United Kingdom for the Christian service they have rendered to the Church and the community.