Two Norfolk Christians honoured by King Charles 

Two Christians from Norfolk and Waveney will today be recognised for their dedicated service to their church and community by King Charles III in the Royal Maundy Money tradition.

Peggy Barnes was a dedicated churchwarden at Melton Constable for nearly 40 years. She assists with fundraising and lovingly cleans and cares for her ancient church building and prepares it for services.

David Knighton is a Trustee of Norfolk and Waveney Quakers. He also holds other important roles in Area and Local Meetings, volunteers at Norwich Credit Union and manages the Quaker Homelessness Fund.

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said: “I am delighted that the contributions that Peggy has made to a rural Norfolk church, and David to the prophetic voice of the Quakers in Norfolk and Waveney, have been recognised by HM The King.

“This is a day when we thank God for the way in which each recipient has reflected the model of Jesus in serving others, set within the commitment of the whole Church to love our neighbours. Taking place in Holy Week, this year at Worcester Cathedral, the Maundy service symbolises humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others.”

Speaking about her nomination, Peggy said: “I am very pleased and feel honoured to be receiving the Maundy Money.”

David said: "I am pleased to represent Quakers at this traditional service and look forward to taking part in what will be a memorable occasion."

The giving of Royal Maundy Money by the sovereign is a centuries-old tradition. The name “Maundy” and the ceremony itself derive from an instruction, or mandatum, of Jesus at the Last Supper that his followers should love one another. This symbolic act of giving a gift of money in small purses is a ceremonial living out of that Christian care.

There are as many recipients as there are years in the sovereign’s age. At the ceremony, the monarch hands each recipient two small leather string purses. A red purse contains ordinary coins, while a white one contains silver Maundy coins, amounting to the same number of pence as the years of the sovereign’s age.

The annual Royal Maundy Service happen will happen on Thursday March 28 when Her Majesty The Queen will distribute the Royal Maundy gifts on behalf of His Majesty The King at Worcester Cathedral. 

Pictures from the Diocese of Norwich.