Royal Maundy Service: Senior Bolton councillor meets King Charles

The King, accompanied by the Queen Consort distributed commemorative coins to those who have made a difference to their communities.

Among those at the service held at York Minister was Cllr John Walsh. 

He was presented with specially-minted silver coins to the value of 74p – signifying the King's age – to thank people for their service in local communities.

Cllr Walsh – who represents Astley Bridge – has served as a member of the council for over 40 years and was first elected as a councillor 48 years ago.

He has been involved in church work ever since he was a young boy when he his parents would take him to Sunday School at St George’s Church in the town centre, from around 1958.

It was there that he became ‘probably the youngest’ church warden at the time, before it closed in 1975, and he was one of the last remaining wardens in Manchester.

He was installed as an Honorary Lay Canon in 2019.

Cllr John Walsh after the service (Image: Public)

Cllr Walsh says it was a huge honour to receive the recognition and Maundy money during a ceremony in York today.

He said: “It's been a very memorable day.

"To have the chance to meet the King and have a few words with him was a wonderful experience and one I'm sure will never be repeated.

"To be recognised for something you do gives me great pride and reinforces the feeling that you’re doing good work for the community.

“And helping people is something that is so significant, and I am immensely honoured to be nominated and selected.”

He says when he first received the news, he was “very surprised”, but “humbled” that his efforts were recognised.

Cllr Walsh added: “It’s not something you really expect and it’s very humbling that your efforts are so well recognised.

“It’s 48 years since I was first elected as a councillor and I have worked in the church not just for Bolton Parish Church but Manchester too, and worked within the community, putting in practice, my faith and belief, so to be recognised in such a way gives me immense pride and honour.”

Cllr Walsh and his wife have since worshipped regularly at Bolton Parish Church since around 2000 when he became first a sidesman and then church warden which is a post he still holds.

This year is the first Maundy service since the death of Elizabeth II in September and the start of the Carolean age.

Recipients, who were thanked for their outstanding Christian service, each received two purses: one red and one white, with the white one containing the silver Maundy coins.

The red purse contained two commemorative coins, symbolising the sovereign’s historic gift of food and clothing.

This year the coins celebrate the King’s forthcoming 75th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, before Good Friday.