King Charles honours six Lancastrians at Maundy ceremony

The group travelled to Durham Cathedral on Maundy Thursday to be recognised for their years of service to the community.

The tradition, which dates back to 1662, sees the monarch distribute special coins to a number of men and women aged 70 or over.

King Charles and Queen Camilla (Image: Supplied) The number of people chosen matches the age of the monarch, so this year there were 76 men and 76 women.

The recipients are proposed for the ceremonial honour by people from their local diocese, in this case, the Blackburn Diocese, the Church of England in Lancashire.

Four are from East Lancashire - John East from the United Reformed Church in Darwen, Captain Elizabeth Smith of the Salvation Army in Clitheroe, Barbara Wilkinson from St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Foulridge, and Keith Thompson of St Peter’s Salesbury. The other two hail from elsewhere in Lancashire - Marjorie Odor from St John’s Church in Ellel, and Tom Pilkington from Christ Church, Thornton.

The ceremony took place at Durham Cathedral (Image: Supplied) The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Philip North, said: "I am absolutely delighted that these six outstanding people from Lancashire have been honoured by His Majesty the King for their service of the church and the community.

"John, Elizabeth, Barbara, Marjorie, Keith, and Tom thoroughly deserve to receive Maundy Money in recognition of the generosity with which they have offered their time and talents to benefit others.

"Their citations demonstrate they have done this in varied ways, but the common thread is their dedication and selflessness over many decades.

"I am deeply grateful and give thanks to God for each one of them."

Maundy coins (Image: Supplied)The ceremony, which dates back centuries, saw King Charles give each recipient two purses: one red and one white.

The red purse contained ordinary money that, in olden times, was given in place of food and clothing.

The white purse contained the actual Maundy coins, which are silver and worth the same number of pence as the monarch's age.

Produced by the Royal Mint, the coins are legal tender but are usually kept as keepsakes.

The Maundy Money recipients from Lancashire for 2025 are as follows:

Marjorie Odor (Image: Supplied) Marjorie Odor, a volunteer at St John's church in Ellel.

Ms Odor said: "This honour is overwhelming and very humbling.

"I'm a total 'back-room' person.

"My paid working life may be over but I hope I may still be useful to my local church."

Tom Pilkington (Image: Supplied) Tom Pilkington, who was lay reader at Christ Church, Thornton, for more than 30 years.

He said: "My first reaction was one of complete surprise.

"I saw by the postmark on the envelope – ‘Buckingham Palace’ and the royal crest … and reading it three times before I opened it … that it was no hoax."

Elizabeth Smith (Image: Supplied) Elizabeth Smith, who came into officership in her fifties, starting in July 1996.

She moved to Clitheroe in 2003 in her sixties and, although retired, led the move of The Salvation Army into the newly refurbished premises that they now occupy near the town centre.

The new establishment is located at the old Court House.

John East (Image: Supplied) John East, a member of the United Reformed Church in Darwen.

Mr East, a former serving elder and former secretary at Darwen Central URC, served as a local councillor for many years, and has also been chair of Darwen Asylum Seeker and Refugee Enterprise (DARE).

He said: "I’m delighted to be nominated to receive Maundy Money.

"Having the privilege to serve the Christian Church in many roles, it’s important to reflect each day on developing that relationship with Jesus … to be able to learn and sustain a living faith."

Barbara Wilkinson (Image: Supplied) Barbara Wilkinson, who has been the "beating heart" of St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Foulridge for more than 60 years, was also honoured.

Ms Wilkinson took on the role of Sunday School teacher in 1973, and in short succession began hosting it from her own home until the mid-1980s.

Serving as churchwarden, Ms Wilkinson rarely missed a service, and ensured that everything ran smoothly.

Keith Thompson (Image: Supplied) Keith Thompson, who has worked at Bishop’s House in Salesbury looking after the gardens and the grounds for 19 years.

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He said: "When I opened the letter saying I'd been selected to receive the Maundy Money, I was thrilled and surprised in equal measure.

"Having returned to faith in my early 60s - thanks to the guidance of the Rev Martin Duerden at St Peter's in Salesbury - I find that my approach to life has changed considerably.

"All that I do is defined by what I consider to be ‘right’. My faith also brings me a huge sense of contentment."