HM The Queen awards Maundy monies to Abbey recipients
Thursday, 1st April 2021
Four member of the Abbey community have received Maundy monies from Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of their long service to the church.
Royal Maundy is one of the most ancient ceremonies retained in the Church of England. At a service held annually on Maundy Thursday, the Sovereign presents gifts of monies as an act of humility and charity in Holy Week. The tradition dates back to 600AD.
This year the Royal Maundy Service was due to take place at the Abbey but the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has made it impossible to assemble a congregation and recipients (one man and one woman for every year of the Her Majesty’s age). So, in 2021, the Maundy has been marked instead by The Queen sending the beneficiaries two leather purses: one red and one white, containing specially minted monies. The coins were blessed at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, before being posted to recipients.
The Abbey recipients are:
Pamela Carrington
Pamela worked for the Abbey for 37 years, retiring in 2020. She was the PA for successive Rectors of St Margaret’s Church, and in this role supported clergy, employees, volunteers and the St Margaret’s congregation with ability, humour and style.
Maureen Jupp
Maureen was the Abbey’s first female verger, and since 1982, has been Co-ordinator of the Guild of St Faith - a group of seamstresses and embroiderers who make and maintain many of the Abbey’s vestments and hangings. She continues this work now in a voluntary capacity, and, as an Oblate of the Abbey, has made a vow to continue supporting the Abbey with her prayers.
David Mott
David retired this year after 20 years as an Abbey verger, latterly as Canons’ Verger. His loyalty and faithfulness to the Abbey and its liturgy enhanced any service, and made him both an example and an encouragement to his colleagues. He too is an Oblate of the Abbey.
Harold Hall
Harold has had an association with the Abbey for over 40 years and continues to offer his self-effacing dedication as its senior Queen’s Almsman, playing a part in its regular worship and in many special services, both ceremonially, and in overseeing collections.
