DEDICATED Christian community workers have spoken of their shock and gratitude at receiving Maundy Money from the Queen in recognition of their service to the church.

Ceremonial coins were presented to 75 men and 75 women from around the country, including 39 people from the Diocese of Worcester area during Queen Camilla’s visit to Worcester Cathedral on Thursday March 28.

The coins were presented to recipients in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.

The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday dates back to at least the 4th century and in this country the first record of the Monarch doing it was in 1213.

In recent times it has been tradition for the service to take place at different cathedrals and it was last held in Worcester in 1980.

On this occasion, with King Charles receiving treatment for cancer, Queen Camilla stepped in to donate the Maundy alms – which represent the age of the Monarch.

Among the delighted recipients from the Worcestershire area were Stanley Rose - a member of Kidderminster United Reformed Church; and Mike Elden, who lives in Kidderminster, who said: “I was absolutely bowled over and just couldn’t believe it!

"It was a really exciting thing to be involved with.”

Two recipients from the Stourbridge area have also told of their delight at being invited to the historic event.

Kath Davies, aged 73, who worships at St Andrew’s Church in Wollescote, Stourbridge, was nominated for her work with licensed lay ministers in the diocese. She has been a lay minister herself for 22 years and has served as Archdeaconry and Diocesan Warden of Readers.

She said: “I was absolutely stunned when I received the letter, I never expected it and feel grateful and humbled.”

John Nicholson, aged 74, a member of St James’ Church in Wollaston, Stourbridge, has served as lay chair of the Deanery for 18 years and was a member of Bishop’s Council for many years.

He is a member of the PCC, an ALM Children’s Worker, Eucharistic Assistant and a member of the Open the Book and ‘Gather’ teams, as well as a governor of St James’ CE Primary School.

He said he felt “proud and surprised” to have been chosen but admitted: “I thought the letter was a joke to start with, but I was absolutely delighted.”