Shirley Crutchley receives her Maundy money
Warmest congratulations to Mrs Shirley Crutchley from Kilhorne Parish, Annalong, who is one of this year’s recipients of the Queen’s Maundy money.
Sadly, the Maundy Service planned for today in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, is not going ahead because of the restrictions around Covid–19. Shirley did, however, receive her Maundy coins by Special Delivery.
Shirley said: “I first of all wish to express my sincere gratitude to Bishop Harold Miller for his kind thought to send my name forward to be one of the Maundy recipients. It was truly a completely unexpected but a lovely surprise, and I thank him for that honour. Of course, I am disappointed that because of current circumstances the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, has been cancelled. Nevertheless, I feel honoured to have received a letter from our Queen and also the special Maundy Purses, and these will always be greatly treasured.”
A worthy recipient
Each year The Queen distributes special Maundy money to a number of pensioners in recognition of their contribution to community and to the church and Shirley is a worthy recipient.
As the principal teacher of a local primary school outside Annalong, Shirley was much more than a teacher, she was a family support worker, she was a bereavement counsellor, she was a career guidance officer and she was a listening ear for all.
In retirement Shirley spends her days and often her nights visiting vulnerable and lonely elderly people, she befriends widows and others who are struggling with loss and grief. Young adults and teenagers still seek her wisdom, her advice and her encouragement.
Shirley has set up a variety of community–based support groups for people of every class and all denominations in her local area. In addition to this she finds time to volunteer in her local church and has served as a Diocesan Lay Reader and ‘unpaid curate’ for over 28 years.
Now aged 80 plus she is tireless in her helping of others and always makes herself available for family and friends.
The Maundy money
Each recipient of Maundy money is given two small leather purses by The Queen, one red and one white.
The first contains a small amount of ordinary coinage which symbolises the Sovereign’s gift for food and clothing. The second purse contains Maundy coins up to the value of the Sovereign’s age. The coins are legal tender, but recipients normally prefer to retain them as a keepsake.
Shirley is self–isolating but her daughter managed to take this photo in the garden. Thank you Ann!