A WOMAN from Hereford will receive Maundy money from the Queen on Thursday – but what is it and why is it being sent to her?

Every Maundy Thursday, the Queen gives money to a number of nominated people from across England and Scotland.

Usually, the Queen would be part of a service in St George's Chapel in Windsor, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will not take place as normal for the second year in a row.

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.

It is part of Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday, and not only symbolises the end of Lent but it also marks the lead up to the celebrations of Easter.

It includes Maundy Thursday and ends on Holy Saturday and is described as "the most solemn week of the Christian year".

What is Maundy money?

As part of the traditional Ceremony of the Royal Maundy, the Queen takes part in a service, and during the event she will gift the purses containing the money to a number of deserving senior citizens.

Hereford Times: Queen Elizabeth II distributing the Maundy money during the Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor in 2019. Picture: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire Queen Elizabeth II distributing the Maundy money during the Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor in 2019. Picture: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, that is not happening this year. Instead, recipients, who are usually people who have made a difference in their local community, will be posted the purses.

The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th Century and in this country, the first record of the monarch doing it is in 1213.

The number of recipients changes ever year, and this year there will be 95 men and 95 women to receive a purse. This is because the number of recipients is equal to the monarch’s age, and the Queen will turn 95 on April 21.

Hereford Times: Maundy money pursesMaundy money purses

A red purse contains a small gift of ordinary coins totalling £5.50, and a white purse contains 95p in silver Maundy coins.

Maundy coins are specially minted and are legal tender.

Who is being sent Maundy Money in Herefordshire?

Brenda Allan from Bromyard will get her purse through the post.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Jackson, nominated Mrs Allan for her long-standing service to the people of Herefordshire.

Hereford Times: Bishop of Hereford Richard JacksonBishop of Hereford Richard Jackson

Also nominating John Haycox of Tuck Hill, near Bridgnorth, the Bishop said: “I was delighted to be able to nominate John and Brenda to be recognised by the Queen for their long-standing service to the people of Herefordshire and South Shropshire.

"They have each made enormous personal contribution to the ministry of the Church and their local communities.

"It is disappointing that there is not a service again this year.

"However it does not lessen the significance of the money for each recipient and I am deeply thankful for their ministry in this Diocese.”

Mrs Allan has been described as a hard-working servant of the local church, and has always served in the interests of the wider community and not just her local parish.

Hereford Times: Brenda Allan is being sent Maundy Money from the Queen Brenda Allan is being sent Maundy Money from the Queen

She said: “When I first heard about this, to say that I was amazed is something of an understatement.

"Receiving Maundy Money is something, which happens to other people.

"I am very honoured that the Bishop thinks me worthy of nomination.

"I have enjoyed everything that I have done for the church, especially working with Tanzanians, over the last twenty-five years.

"One meets such nice people and I hope to carry on for a few more years yet.”