Above: Katherine Cannell with her husband in York Minster.
Congratulations to Katherine Cannell and Christopher Hyldon, who were two of 74 people to have receive a special thanks from His Majesty King Charles in recognition of their Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in her local community. They were invited by His Majesty to receive the Royal Maundy Money at York Minster on Maundy Thursday which was on 6 April 2023.
Katherine, pictured above with her husband in York Minster, is Lay Dean of Sedgemoor Deanery and a lay member of Diocesan Synod. She said of the occasion, “It was truly a amazing service. Very humbling and such a privilege.”
Christopher, pictured below, was until recently the Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, the body which makes the recommendation to the Diocesan Chancellor for approval for churches to make changes to consecrated buildings. He attended the service with his wife, Valerie and said, "I was hugely honoured and delighted to be nominated as a Maundy Money recipient and to attend such an inspiring service in a beautiful setting."
Christopher and Valerie Hyldon outside York Minster
The distribution of alms by Kings and Queens of England on Maundy Thursday is an ancient ceremony that dates back to 600AD; 74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) are chosen for their service to the church and community and are nominated from across the dioceses of England, and Anglican and Ecumenical partners across the UK.
His Majesty King Charles III presented each recipient with two purses: one red and one white. A white purse containing sliver 1p,2p,3p and 4p coins equivalent in value to his age, which this year is 74p. The red purse, which contained a silver £5 coin and a 50p coin, replaces the original gift of clothing and provisions. This year the £5 coin celebrates His Majesty’s 75th birthday (in November) and the 50 pence coin commemorates the anniversary of the Windrush Generations.
