The Queen at York Minster for the Maundy Service in 2012
Maundy Royal Honour for Durham People 2021
Two remarkable volunteers from the Diocese of Durham are being recognised for their outstanding community service by being honoured as recipients of Maundy Gifts from Her Majesty The Queen on Thursday 1st April 2021.
Those receiving the Maundy Money are:
- Mrs Ruth Hicks, who has been involved in social care and social outreach through her professional life and by involvement with charities including Mind, Relate and Hope North East. As a committed member of St Peter’s Stockton-on-Tees, she has also made a notable contribution to the work of the Church at Deanery and Diocesan levels.
- Mr Robert (Bob) Jones, an Elder and member of the congregation at Northgate URC Darlington, who has done a lot of work establishing the Work Club at Northgate URC for job seekers, setting up a purpose-built IT suite and providing mentoring.
Recipients of Maundy money are nominated by their local dioceses for contributions to their local church and community. Given the COVID-19 circumstances, the Royal Maundy Service 2021 could not go ahead. Instead, recipients have received gifts by post.
The Maundy Thursday service is an annual ceremony, which dates back to the 1200s when it was customary at Easter time for the reigning monarch to give out Maundy Money to those in need. In modern times the presentation takes place in recognition of the service of elderly people to their community and their church. The service takes place at a different venue each year. Beneficiaries are usually chosen from the local area and are made up of those who have made outstanding contributions.
Commenting on the announcement The Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise these outstanding individuals. The amazing work that Ruth & Bob do and the way that they do it in our communities in blessing them for the transformation of us all is simply outstanding.
“Each recipient has made a significant and lasting difference to their communities through their voluntary service and I am thrilled that the Queen’s award of Maundy Gifts recognises this vital contribution.”