Jean McElroy.
Jean McElroy, a member of Lisbellaw Parish Church and Trevor Smith, a member of Boho Parish Church, received their Maundy money by Royal Mail Special Delivery as the special service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, could not be held because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Both were nominated by the Bishop of Clogher for their Christian service.
The Queen has each year distributed special Maundy money to pensioners across the United Kingdom in a service to commemorate Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper following a tradition that dates back to 600 A.D.
This year, the Queen sent Maundy money to 94 men and 94 women, the number of each reflecting her age.
Both Jean and Trevor and all the other recipients were given two small leather purses, one red and one white. One of them contained a small amount of ordinary coins symbolising the Sovereign’s gift for food and clothing and the second purse containing Maundy coins to the value of the Sovereign’s age.
Jean McElroy had been looking forward to visiting St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, with her husband Jimmy, since her nomination some months ago as she is an avid follower of the Royal family. And while disappointed at not being able to receive the money in person, she was overwhelmed to be nominated.
Married for 50 years,a mother of three and a grandmother of six, Jean is a retired school cook but is now actively involved in Lisbellaw Parish Church, working mostly behind the scenes.
She is a valued member of the parish catering team, acting as its treasurer. She is former treasurer of Lisbellaw Mothers’ Union and is at present, Secretary of Lisbellaw Womens’ Institute and Secretary of their senior citizens’ club.
But her work does not end there.
Jean is a prolific baker and flower arranger and also actively supports the elderly in the community. On Maundy Thursday, Jean was busy making several cakes and scones which were being distributed by Rector, Revd. Stephanie Woods, to older members of the parish isolated in their homes.
Jean and her husband, Jimmy and their family; son, Ian (Lisbellaw) and daughters Linda (Armagh) and Adele (Kesh) however will not be able to have a family get together to mark her achievement until restrictions from the Coronavirus are relaxed.
Trevor Smith.
Trevor explained how he had been involved in many aspects of extra-curricular activity at the school including sport as well as his leadership in the technology department. He had also been involved in aspects of the school’s provision of the boarding department in the earlier years of his career.
He had said that his best highlight from his time at the school was seeing pupils reach their potential.
At Boho Parish Church, Trevor Smith is a member of the Vestry and regularly helps out with practical tasks around the church to ensure it is ready for worship each Sunday.
Regarding his nomination to receive Maundy money, Trevor said; “It’s a great honour to be nominated. There are lots of other people doing a lot of work but one of the qualifications must be that you are over 70.”
Trevor and his wife, Jean live in Enniskillen, close to Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.