THE recipients of Maundy Money have today expressed their gratitude and delight after sharing a brief exchange with the Queen.

Dave Gooderham

THE recipients of Maundy Money have today expressed their gratitude and delight after sharing a brief exchange with the Queen.

A total of 83 men and 83 women were given the money purse from Her Majesty at the special service in St Edmundsbury Cathedral this morning.

Each “unsung hero” was chosen to honour their work in their local community and sat patiently as the Queen walked up and down the historic aisles to give them their monetary gifts.

Speaking after the ceremony, the recipients, who also enjoyed an honorary lunch, said they felt very privileged to be part of such a traditional event.

Among them was retired school matron Kathleen Grimwood who at 107 years old was thought to be the oldest recipient of Maundy Money.

Miss Grimwood, who had received four congratulatory telegrams from the Queen but had not met her before, joked: “I was thrilled to bits with the Maundy Money as I am stone broke. It was lovely meeting Her Majesty - it was the best day of my life.”

June Peacock, 78, from Sutton, near Woodbridge, was among the recipients largely for her work with her local church and as a former district councillor, said: “I am absolutely over the moon and I can't believe that I was a part of this grand event.

“I just got this envelope marked from Buckingham Palace and I couldn't believe it - it was just so out of the blue. Ever since I found out, I have been looking forward to this day and the excitement has been building.”

78-year-old Phillip Quantrill was rewarded for his dedication to King Edwards IV School in Bury St Edmunds where he is the caretaker.

He said: “The ceremony was very nice and quite a thrill. The Queen just handed the money over but it was a pleasure to meet her. “The whole service was very ceremonial.”

David Brand, 73, from Elmswell, near Bury St Edmunds, was also among the recipients for his work as a steward and organ scholar at the Cathedral.

He said: “It was a wonderful service and it is just amazing that I was part of it. The Cathedral is such a perfect venue for this service. “It was a great honour for me, I have been involved in the Cathedral for 50 years and followed in my father's footsteps. Between us, we have done 100 years here.”

Michael Earey, 75, who was rewarded for his work at All Saints Church in Sproughton, near Ipswich, said: “It was a lovely service and a great experience. I was very privileged.”