Today, Durham Cathedral plays host to a historic event —the Royal Maundy Service, a centuries-old tradition that brings national recognition to those who dedicate their lives to service, compassion, and community.
Held each year on the Thursday before Easter Day, the Royal Maundy Service is rooted in tradition and goes back to medieval times. It echoes the powerful image of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in the Upper Room the night before his death.
In this special service, His Majesty The King honours individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to Christian service and community support. This year, 152 recipients—76 men and 76 women, symbolising the Monarch’s age—will be presented with specially minted Maundy money as a token of gratitude from the Sovereign.
Among those honoured today are four individuals from the Diocese of Manchester and two from our ecumenical partners, whose tireless service and faithful dedication have left a lasting impact on their communities:
- Mr Philip Dunne – A longstanding member of St Philip’s, Stubbins, Mr Dunne is known for his pastoral wisdom, encouragement, and deep commitment to lay ministry.
- Mrs Christine Sharpe – Serving as President of the Mothers' Union in Manchester Diocese, Mrs Sharpe has been a committed and dedicated member of our diocese for many years.
- Canon Sister Dorothy Needham – Recognised for her devoted work in the Church Army both locally and nationally, Sister Dorothy’s life has been marked by compassion and faithful service to others.
- Mrs Avril Scott – A dedicated Reader in the Diocese of Manchester, Mrs Scott has served her parish and beyond through her work as a Reader Selector and Archdeaconry Reader Chaplain.
Photos from the day
From left - Mrs Christine Sharp, Canon Sister Dorothy Needham.
From our ecumenical partners:
- Mr Peter Conroy – A devoted volunteer whose tireless efforts through the food bank, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), and Churches Together in Walkden and Little Hulton have supported and uplifted many lives.
- Mr Volodmyr Lepkij – A pillar of the Ukrainian Roman Catholic Church in Manchester, Mr Lepkij has served as Church Warden for over 60 years, faithfully supporting his congregation and heritage.
Each recipient will receive two symbolic purses from the King: a red purse, containing ordinary coinage to represent the Sovereign’s traditional gift for food and clothing; and a white purse, containing Maundy coins to the value of the King's age—76 pence this year. Though legal tender, the coins are cherished as meaningful mementoes of an unforgettable occasion.
This year’s service continues the legacy set by Queen Elizabeth II, who chose to take the Royal Maundy beyond London to cathedrals and abbeys around the UK. The last time Durham Cathedral hosted the service was in 1967, making today a moment of both tradition and renewal.
Bishop David and all of our diocesan family extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients, and thanks for the incredible ways in which they have served their communities.
To learn more about the Royal Maundy tradition, visit The Royal Family website.