Village Voice No 209 April 2010
Melbourne & District
MAUNDY TREAT FOR MARGARET WHEN Margaret Loydall received a letter from the Queen inviting her to the annual Maundy Money ceremony she thought it was an April Fool joke. "I got the letter from Buckingham Palace at the end of January," she said. "At first it was a joke as the ceremony was to be on April 1. "I was totally surprised, couldn't believe it - but I soon realised that it was a great privilege, and I was very proud to be asked." Margaret was selected to be one of the recipients of the traditional Maundy Money, the first such recipient from Melbourne, as far as is known. The ceremony at Derby Cathedral was also the 800th anniversary of the first such charitable ceremony, when King John went to Knaresborough, on April 15, 1210, to distribute his Maundy alms to the poor of that town. Margaret does not know who recommended her for this honour, but the Palace guidelines are that the recipients should be generally over the age of 70 and have done good service for the church and the community. Margaret said she thought she was "one of the youngest there". It is clear that Margaret was being honoured for her long service to the Melbourne United Reformed Church, where she has been church secretary for 46 years, and started as church organist 50 years ago. The United Reformed Church is renowned for being very active socially, and has a long record of charitable giving. The fortnightly lunches have been a regular event in the town for many years. Margaret was summoned, with all the
other recipients, to a briefing session in March when the background and history of the ceremony was described, and the participants were told what would happen on the great day. On April 1, the weather was glorious. Margaret, with her friend Janet Crawford, had an early start. They were in the Pride Park stadium by 8.30am. The Maundy Money recipients were taken from Pride Park by buses, with a police escort, and were seated in the cathedral by 10am. "It was like a dream, the colour of uniforms of the 'beefeaters', the lovely choir of boys from the Chapel Royal - it was wonderful to see how well organised the whole morning was. I suppose that is one thing the ceremony and the tradition - that we do so well." The actual service was interdenominational with Roman Catholics as well as non-conformists having a part to play, as well as Church of England clergy. Melbourne's vicar, Rev. Dr John Davies, an honorary canon of the cathedral, was also present. As for the Queen, Margaret said "she had a beautiful smile, and was remarkable for her age". Margaret was impressed that she walked not only down the centre aisle, but also visited the side chapels, and walked the side aisle. After lunch, the Queen went to the Derby Royal Hospital for an official opening ceremony. A good day's work for an 84-year-old. Margaret was honoured for her long service to the community in Melbourne and to her church. She said: "It's quite humbling to know so many people were so pleased for me." After the service, 400 people sat down to lunch at Pride Park.
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CASH IN HAND: Margaret Loydall shows her Maundy Money, presented to her by The Queen. It was in two leather purses, and was minted coinage to the value of 84 pence. She has a 50p piece in her left hand, and the Order of Service in her right hand.
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ALAN Dennis, a soldier in the Mercian Regiment who lives in Melbourne, has been awarded a top medal for his brave actions in Afghanistan. Alan is a family man who now lives in The Woodlands with his wife, Teresa, and two sons, Martin and Liam. His father, Patrick Dennis, is gamekeeper at Melbourne Hall Estate. Alan is a Colour Sergeant in the Mercian Regiment and won glory for himself and brought honour to his family by being gazetted on March 19 with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, for an act of outstanding bravery in an action in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is second only to the Victoria Cross. A full interview with Alan Sgt Dennis will appear in next month’s edition.
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