A Kirkby Stephen man has been personally thanked by Prince Charles for his seven decades of service to the town’s parish church.
Clifford Simpson, aged 79, accompanied by his wife, Nan, received two leather purses – one of which contained 96 silver Maundy coins, the same number of pence as Her Majesty the Queen’s age.
It was first time the Prince of Wales had stepped in to represent the monarch at the ancient ritual.
“I was taken aback when the letter arrived. It was totally out of the blue,” said Mr Simpson, who has been associated with Kirkby Stephen Parish Church for over 70 years.
Mr Simpson, who has seen nine vicars come and go to the Upper Eden community, said: “The day was brilliant. We travelled down on the Wednesday and all had a meal together that night.
He added: “It was lovely to meet Prince Charles. He shook all our hands and said, ‘On behalf of the Queen, thank you very much’.”
Having originally attended Sunday school, he then served as a choir boy and bellringer and sat on the parochial church council for more than 40 years, including service as a churchwarden.
For the past 25 years he has actively overseen the upkeep of the church building and grounds and supported local sports clubs — playing cricket, hockey and badminton. He also previously helped put up the town’s Christmas lights.
Mr Simpson was among 96 men and 96 women to receive Maundy money at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Maundy Thursday, in recognition of their many years’ Christian service to their local church and communities.
Also from Cumbria was 86-year-old Doreen Hocking, who has given life-long commitment to St Leonard’s Church in Cleator, which she first attended as a toddler.
She previously served as a PCC member, and continues as Mothers’ Union leader, Gift Aid co-ordinator and welcomer. During the COVID pandemic she kept up a live link with all her MU members to keep spirits up and also led midweek services for 16 years. She was accompanied to the Maundy service by her friend, Joan Johnston.
Doreen said: “There was nobody more shocked than me when the invitation was posted through the letter box but after the initial shock I was delighted and saw this as a wonderful opportunity.
“It was a fantastic day and everything went so smoothly. The chapel was full and the service was glorious with wonderful processions and organ music.”
The tradition of the sovereign giving money dates from the thirteenth century. Each recipient is given two leather purses – one containing coinage worth £5.50 in lieu of food and clothing and the second contains silver Maundy coins.
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, said: “It is wonderful to know that Doreen and Clifford had such a memorable day.
“It is an honour to receive the Maundy money but it is one which they both richly deserved for the selfless dedication they have shown through decades of service to their respective churches and communities. We are blessed to have people such as this in our diocese.”
