Ex-Ripley chair of governors among six Lancashire men and women to receive Royal Maundy Money from Queen

Every year, on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) the Queen usually distributes the special Maundy coins to men and women aged 70 and over in an ancient ceremony to mark their Christian service.

They are nominated by their local Church of England dioceses and can include nominees from other Christian denominations.

Due to the coronavirus lockdown, the Queen’s usual practice of handing out Maundy Money was cancelled this year.

The number of nominees nationally were 94 men and 94 women (the number of each gender always equals the Queen's current age).

Six of the nominations were from the Blackburn diocese and they have now received their Maundy Money in a special parcel, along with a letter signed personally by the Queen.

Among them was John Crewdson, representing the Priory of St Mary, Lancaster.

Since retiring as a professor of economics, Prof Crewdson has held directorships in a number of educational and charitable institutions.

Until this summer John was the chair of the Board of Governors at Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy, the largest CofE school in the diocese, and he is now director of the Bay Learning Trust.

Prof Crewdson also supports a number of charitable organisations and has served his church through singing in the choir for as long as anyone can remember.

The Maundy parcel contained the Queen’s letter (sharing her regret not to be able to distribute the money personally), a letter from the Lord High Almoner, a history of Royal Maundy service, a white pouch which contained the Maundy money – 94p in newly minted coins, a number which also corresponds to the Sovereign’s age, and a red pouch which had two coins in it - a £5 coin commemorating the birth of Wordsworth and a commemorative 50p coin.

In the letter the Queen says: “This ancient Christian ceremony, which reflects Jesus's instruction to his disciples to love one another, is a call to the service of others; something that has been at the centre of my life. I believe it is a call to service for all of us.

“It is one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar.

“I know that you, as a recipient of this year's Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances.

"However, this should not mean your invaluable contribution within the community goes unnoticed and I am sending this Maundy Gift to thank you for your Christian service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.”

Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, said: "I congratulate all the recipients of Maundy Money this year who were nominated from our Diocese.

“While it is, of course, sad they were unable to be presented with their Maundy Money in person by the Queen, I am delighted Her Majesty was able to send this wonderful Maundy package including her letter.

“The Queen has always conducted her Maundy responsibilities with great devotion and this is a bit of good news during these difficult times as the coronavirus lockdown continues. I warmly congratulate all the recipients and thank them for their service.”