Maundy Money honour

Two Fylde church stalwarts - George Moore from Lytham and Margaret Mason from Freckleton '“ will be among 180 from around the country presented with Maundy Money by The Queen at St George's Chapel, Windsor today.
Canon George MooreCanon George Moore
Canon George Moore

Every year, on Maundy Thursday, Her Majesty distributes the special coins to men and women aged 70 and over to mark their Christian service.

In 2014, The Royal Maundy service came to Blackburn Cathedral and all recipients that year came from the Diocese of Blackburn – the Church of England in Lancashire – including a number from the Fylde area.

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However when The Royal Maundy service returns to London or Windsor every few years, each Diocese around the country nominates a small selection of recipients and the four nominated by the Blackburn Diocese this year include George and Margaret.

Organist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist ChurchOrganist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist Church
Organist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist Church

George is organist and choirmaster at St John’s Church, Lytham, and is the Diocesan Clergy Widows/Widowers Officer and was the Diocesan Property Manager for many years.

He said: “I attended the service at Blackburn Cathedral as a guest when Her Majesty presented Maundy Money there in 2014, but I never imagined I would be receiving the honour myself just two years later.”

Margaret is the Diocese’s ecumenical nomination for The Royal Maundy.

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She attends Freckleton Methodist Church, where she has worshipped all her life and has played the organ since she was 14.

Organist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist ChurchOrganist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist Church
Organist Margaret Mason in Freckleton Methodist Church

Margaret has long run an eponymous florists in Preston city centre and said: “I didn’t believe it when I first opened the letter from the Palace. It took a while to sink in.

“I have played the organ all my life – and was delighted to take over as organist at the church where I grew up when I was 14.”

Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Julian Henderson said: “I am sure that the visit to Windsor for this special occasion will be a deeply personal and moving experience for all the nominees from our Diocese .

“I hope and pray they have a memorable day.”