Maundy purses  Maundy service group shot

Maundy Money awarded in recognition of outstanding Christian service

28 March 2024

Her Majesty The Queen presented Maundy Money to three recipients from Chelmsford Diocese at this year’s annual Royal Maundy Service. 

Maundy service group shot

The Venerable David Lowman, Canon Vevet Deer and the Revd Canon Philip Need received their Maundy Money purses from Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of His Majesty The King at Worcester Cathedral today.

The Royal Maundy Service dates back to 600AD and commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. 

During the service coins were presented to 75 men and 75 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) from around the country in recognition of their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities over many years.

Each recipient was presented with two purses: one red and one white. The white purse contained a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the Monarch. The red purse contained two commemorative coins, symbolising the Sovereign's historic gift of food and clothing.

Recipients were selected from the Church of England dioceses across the country and Anglican and Ecumenical partners across the UK.

The Right Revd Dr Guli Francis Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford commented:

“The gifting of Maundy Money is a long-standing tradition that recognises exemplary Christian service and those who have made a significant difference to community over many years.

“I am delighted that David, Vevet and Philip have been chosen to receive Maundy Money. I thank them for their ministry and the contribution they have made in their local communities and life of the Church in Chelmsford Diocese.”

The three recipients from Chelmsford Diocese are:

Archdeacon David Lowman

The Venerable David Lowman

Having served in Chelmsford Diocese since 1986, David has made an outstanding contribution to the life of our diocese as an incumbent, Diocesan Director of Ordinands and as an Archdeacon - first of Southend, then Chelmsford.  Since his retirement in 2016 he has been the Bishop’s Adviser for Retired Clergy as well as taking services across the diocese and a Retreat Conductor. He has worked as a Trustee and Treasurer of the Clergy Support Trust, Governor of Brentwood School and served on various Diocesan and national groups.

Archdeacon David said:

“I am delighted to receive this honour and very much enjoyed the ceremony in Worcester Cathedral today”.

Vevet at the Maundy Service

Canon Vevet Deer

Vevet is an active lay member of the Barking Episcopal Area and is an Evangelism Enabler at Holy Trinity Harrow Green Leytonstone. Vevet has also been the Lay Chair of Waltham Forest deanery since 2011 and was until recently a member of the College of Canons at the Cathedral.

Vevet commented:

“It’s an honour to have been chosen as a Maundy Money recipient. The service at Worcester Cathedral was such a joyous occasion, it was a great privilege to receive the coins from Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of The King.”

Philip Need

The Revd Canon Philip Need

Philip has been a priest for 46 years, many of them in the Diocese of Chelmsford. His dedicated service includes ministry as an incumbent, as Chaplain to the Bishop of Chelmsford, as Dean of Bocking and the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. He served two terms as Rural Dean of Braintree and for many years was Chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee. He was a nominated Bishops’ Adviser for Ministry Division for 23 years. Philip holds PTO and continues to serve in retirement.

Philip said:

“It was so exciting to receive the letter from Buckingham Palace and to learn that I had been chosen as a recipient of the Royal Maundy Money this year. I am grateful to those who put my name forward for this and to all who have supported me throughout my ministry”.