IN recognition of the commitment shown to the church and his community, John Timbury of Holsworthy has received Maundy Money from the Queen.

One of four Cornish people to receive the money, John received his money on Maundy Thursday, March 24, from the Queen at St George’s Windsor.

Maundy Thursday is a day that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the command or mandatum by Christ at the Last Supper, ‘that ye love one another’.

John has spent many years dedicated to the church and the community he lives in. He and his wife, Helen, moved down to Holsworthy in 2005 and have become heavily involved with their community.

John was nominated to receive the Maundy Money by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Tim Thornton.He was then chosen to be one of the 90 men and 90 women who received the Maundy Money this year on the Queen’s 90th birth year.

Since the 15th century, the number of Maundy coins handed out, and the number of people receiving the coins, has been related to the Sovereign’s age.

John said: “I received 90 silver pence, which came in nine sets made up of four, three, two and one pence pieces.

“The official reason I received the money was because I have shown ‘exemplary commitment to the church and community’.

“I was the director of music at Croydon for 43 years, I have also been on the board of finance, have been sent our by arch-deacons to reach families, been an independent examiner and was part of the Well Care team, who help give support to families with a single parent, and many other roles, it’s a very long list of the things I’ve done in my time I’m afraid.”

John received three letters informing him he was to receive the money, where to go to collect it and other details about the day.

He then went to Windsor Castle where the ceremony took place in St Georges Chapel, a reception event was held afterwards in the restored section of the castle. Each year the service is held in a different location around the UK, and was held in Truro Cathedral in 1994.

John said: “It was tremendous meeting the Queen, she engaged with every single person, even if it is for a brief moment, and it was a great honour and privilige to receive the Maundy money from her. From beginning to end the day was amazing.”