Sylvia a leader for Girlguiding Greater Manchester West for 44 years, was really surprised to receive a letter from Buckingham Palace to say she had been selected to receive Maundy money from the Queen today.

Each year the Queen visits a different cathedral to hand out Maundy Money.  During the service, a red purse is given containing money in lieu of food and clothing, and a white purse is given containing the ceremonial Maundy coins - it consists of the same number of pence as the years of the sovereign’s age. The Queen distributes gifts according to the number of years she has lived: this year she turns 95 she has distributed 95 pence worth of Maundy money to 95 women and 95 men in recognition for their contribution to the community and to the church.

Sylvia said, "I'm proud and very honoured to be selected to receive the Maundy money. It was a great surprise." 

The service dates back to 600AD and these special coins have kept much the same form since 1670. They still bear the portrait of Her Majesty designed for her coronation in 1953, even though the image on ordinary circulating coinage has since been changed four times, sadly, due to Covid, this year's service was cancelled.

A massive congratulations to you Sylvia, it's lovely your service to the community and church has been recognised.