Sheila and Stephen, from churches in the diocese, were honoured at the annual Maundy Money service.
This year, taking place at Worcester Cathedral, Maundy Money is a tradition that has been around for centuries. Each year, during Holy Week, the reigning monarch presents specially minted coins to a woman and man from each Anglican Diocese in recognition of years of service to their church and local communities.
From the Diocese of Guildford, we wanted to honour the service of Sheila and Stephen for everything they have done in their communities over the years.
Having been born and raised in Kenya, Sheila moved to the UK when she was 17 and has had a life embedded in music. Alongside working as a piano and organ teacher at a local school, Sheila and her family joined All Saints, Ockham in 1963. Ever since then, she has been serving in some shape or form among the three churches within Ockham, Horsley and Downside.
As well as being a committed organist, Sheila has been part of a team that ran a church holiday fun week for 120 local children for many years.
“To our joy,” says Sheila, “many of the children, now grown up, come back to get married at Ockham and sing the hymns we taught them.”
In more recent years Sheila has been serving at the ‘Aristocats’, a coffee morning club for the elderly in the parish and helping the more elderly members of the church get to church.
Stephen, a retired Chartered Electrical Engineer, has been involved in a few churches over the years as a member of the PCC (Parochial Church Council), singing in the church choir and using his engineering skills.
His professional background has led him to support and advise on practical matters involving health and safety. Over his years of service, Stephen has carried out audits, specified and commissioned audio-visual systems, and installed handrails, laid and maintains paths and steps to aid safe access.
Stephen says, “I tend to work in the background to enable church services and other activities to run safely and smoothly. I enjoy using my practical skills and knowledge.”
Her Majesty Queen Camilla presented the Maundy Money coins in the absence of His Majesty King Charles at Worcester Cathedral.
On receiving her Maundy Money from the Queen, Sheila said, “I was quite overcome seeing the Queen’s kind face and whimsical smile. I was able to thank her for all she is doing for us in the UK.”
Stephen commented saying, “Being nominated was a totally unexpected honour. My wife and I were immensely impressed by the welcome and ceremony of the service. The Queen spoke to each of us personally which made one feel special on the day.”
Many congratulations to both Sheila and Stephen and a massive thank you for all you have poured into your communities over the years.
Photo credit: Worcester Cathedral/James Atkinson