Maundy money for churchgoers - The Worcester Observer

Maundy money for churchgoers

Worcester Editorial 19th Apr, 2020   0

A PAIR of Worcester churchgoers received ‘Maundy Money’ from The Queen in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.

Owing to the Coronavirus epidemic, the service planned for St George’s Chapel in Windsor was cancelled, with recipients receiving their money through the post.

The money is distributed by HM the Queen every Maundy Thursday and she is normally assisted by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge his role as Lord High Almoner. It is traditionally given to the same number of men and women as the monarch’s age.

Mike Bunclark, 74, a member of St Martin’s Church on London Road was one of those given the money in recognition of his dedication to the church and local community for many years.




He has been churchwarden in his parish church and lay chair of the deanery synod, as well as serving the diocese significantly in its councils. Around retirement, he was delighted to be accepted to train for Reader ministry and has relished his ministerial role in the team ministry.

Mike said: “I was incredibly surprised and very humbled when I received the letter, you never expect it to happen to you! I haven’t told many people about it. I was planning to take my wife with me to the service in Windsor and we are both sad not be going, but I’m still honoured to be one of this year’s recipients.”


Dorothy Johnson, 86, a member of Ombersley Road Methodist Church was honoured for her work in meeting new people and offering practical help to those with difficulties to get them back on their feet.

Dorothy is passionate about peace and justice. She attends events all over the city and makes jam to sell to raise funds. For a number of years, she has been a leading light in the local Christian Aid group, continues to lobby her MP and attended their recent rally in London.

“I felt very honoured and humbled to be considered for such an award. We are a very close family in our church and a team. Although I’ve been given this, I want to share it with everyone – we all work together and everyone deserves it,” she said.

“I was going to take my daughter with me to the service. She has recently recovered from cancer and we were both very excited. We’ve got an invite to a reception with the Mayor in September though, so we’ll be getting dressed up for that instead.”

Bishop John said: “The service for the giving of Maundy money by HM the Queen is always such a moving occasion and it’s really disappointing for all concerned that it wasn’t able to take place this year.

“That doesn’t lessen the significance of the money given to this year’s recipients, though. The coins are a token of appreciation from someone who herself has given such extraordinary Christian service over a long lifetime.”

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