Local man awarded Royal Maundy by the Queen for his service to Preston Minster

David Harrison, 73, was one of just three men from Lancashire to receive Maundy money this year (2020), an award given to elderly men and women for their Christian service.

He received the award in recognition of his work to maintain and develop the Grade II listed Minster over the past 25 years.

The coins were set to be given to David by the Queen at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, but the annual ceremony was cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, David received a received a personal letter from the Queen along with two leather pouches containing the coins.

Rev Sam Haigh, Vicar of Preston, said: "Dave kept this incredibly quiet, but as a city we can celebrate the qualities of faithful, energetic service that he has brought to Preston Minster and to our city.

"Thousands of people visit the Minster every year, and maintaining a Grade II listed building in good and safe order takes a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work.

"Dave has been at the heart of this work for over 25 years, right through to the re-opening of the Minster last September. We are delighted that the Queen has honoured him in this way."

What is Maundy money?

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony inspired by The Bible, according to The Royal Mint.

Today’s recipients of Royal Maundy are elderly men and women, chosen because of the Christian service they have given to the Church and the community.

During the service, The Queen distributes gifts according to the number of years she has lived.

This year, for example, she distributed 94p worth of uniquely minted Maundy money to 94 men and 94 women, the age of the Queen at her upcoming birthday.

The ceremony takes place every Maundy Thursday.

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.