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Two people from Clogher Diocese to receive Maundy Money
Ronnie Robertson.
Two people from Clogher Diocese are to receive Maundy money, after they were nominated for their contributions to their church and community.
The historic Royal Maundy Service is being held today, Maundy Thursday in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Her Majesty, The Queen is unable to attend and instead she will be represented by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Ronnie Robertson, from Fivemiletown was nominated for his work at St. John’s Parish Church, Fivemiletown, where he has followed the tradition of the Robertson family over the last 120 years as a gravedigger. Ronnie has carried the responsibility as Sexton and gravedigger for more than 40 years and is still actively involved. He also provides gravedigging for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Aughentaine as well as Cavanaleck Presbyterian Church.
Ronnie is widely regarded across the Fivemiletown district.
Unfortunately Ronnie is unable to travel to Windsor for the presentation of Maundy Money and will instead receive it from the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis on Easter Sunday.
The second recipient from within Clogher Diocese is Betty Abercrombie, an active member of Darling Street Methodist Church in Enniskillen.
Betty has served the Methodist church and other churches for over 60 years. She regularly plays the organ in Enniskillen Methodist Church.
After growing up in the Springfield area, Betty worked for many years in Ballymena where she played the organ and trained the choir for over 20 years. On her return to Fermanagh she has retained her interest in church music by continuing to play at services.
Betty has been involved in numerous organisations within the Methodist church and has also been a member of the Fermanagh Churches Forum. She is regarded as someone who is always available to help and who gives without seeking recognition.
Betty Abercrombie.
Betty has travelled to Windsor this week with some family members to attend the service and reception at Windsor Castle.
This year, there will be 96 men and 96 women, to represent the age of the Monarch, receiving Maundy Money which commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.
Each recipient of Maundy Money is presented with two small leather purses, one red and one white, with one containing a small amount of ordinary coinage which symbolises the Sovereign's gift for food and clothing and the second purse containing Maundy coins up to the value of the Sovereign's age.
The service dates back to 600AD and the coins have kept in the same form since the 1600’s.