Four people from Cornwall are among 180 from across the country who will receive Maundy Money from HRH The Queen in London today. Jane Sloan

Jane Sloan from Grampound, Muriel Nicholl from Bodmin, David Watters from Downderry and John Timbury from Holsworthy were all selected by the Diocese of Truro in recognition of their services to the community and their church.

Since the 15th century, the number of Maundy coins handed out, and the number of people receiving the coins, has been related to the Sovereign’s age. As the Queen marks her 90th birthday this year, 90 women and 90 men will receive 90 pence-worth of Maundy coins.

All will receive their money from the Queen at St George’s Windsor.

Jane, a loyal and busy member of her local church, local volunteer shop co-ordinator and chair of her village hall, was also nominated by the Diocese in recognition of her role as chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee.

Jane said: “When I first received the letter, my mouth dropped open. I just could not believe it! It’s such a huge honour to be representing Truro Diocese at such a special event. The first person I told was my daughter who is coming back from her work in Holland to come with me.

“I feel I was chosen to represent all those wonderful people we have in the diocese who are doing so much to promote Safeguarding in our churches and communities.”

David Watters was also surprised to be nominated. He said: “It came as a great surprise to receive the letter from Buckingham Palace telling that I had been nominated to receive Maundy Money from Her Majesty.
“It was equally humbling: like many others I do what I can to advance an understanding of God’s love and presence in our communities – but I never for one moment thought that I had done anything worthy of this honour.”

Each year the service is held in a different location around the United Kingdom, it was held at Truro Cathedral in 1994.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the day of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The word “Maundy” comes from the command or “mandatum” by Christ at the Last Supper, to love one another.