Dorchester churchwarden to receive Maundy Money from King Charles

Val Potter has been nominated by the Bishop of Salisbury

Published 6th Apr 2023

King Charles will give out his first Maundy money today (Thursday 6th April) to 74 men and 74 women, including a Dorchester churchwarden.

Val Potter has been put forward for the tradition by the Bishop of Salisbury.

Two people from across the Diocese of Salisbury have been nominated, for their 'significant contributions to the lives of their communities and their churches'.

John Walsh from Salisbury will also be part of the ceremony in York later.

It will be the first time King Charles has carried out the ancient ritual of handing out the specially minted coins as monarch.

The Maundy Service happens each year, the day before Good Friday, which marks the Last Supper, at which Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another and demonstrated by washing his disciples feet.

Val Potter has lived and worked in Dorchester for over 30 years, attending St Peter’s church.

She has worked as the county’s ecumenical officer and heads up the Dorchester Area Churches Ecology group.

She was nominated for her extensive efforts to ensure the removal of a controversial monument to a slave owner from the walls of St Peter’s - the memorial is being moved to a neighbouring museum.

Val said: “I am deeply moved by this honour and I am really looking forward to the service, especially as it is being held in York Minster as I was born and grew up in York.”

All the recipients of the Maundy money will be gifted two purses each: one red and one white.

The white purse will contain the silver Maundy coins, while inside the red, there will be two commemorative coins that symbolize the sovereign's historic gift of food and clothing.

This year, the coins will celebrate the King's forthcoming 75th birthday as well as the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

The Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Rev Stephen Lake, said:

“It is always wonderful to nominate people for this honour. This year, King Charles’ first year as monarch, is particularly significant. Val and John have served their communities with such dedication – they are an inspiration.”

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