Ted Willet, a retired Vauxhall engineer is preparing for a very special church service at York Minster.
He is one a small group of senior citizens who will receive Maundy gifts from the Queen in a ceremony that is centuries old.
Ted, who describes himself as a ’Johnny come lately’ to religion is being honoured for his commitment to Christchurch, Bushmead.
The recipients of the Maundy gifts include one man and one woman for every year that the monarch has lived. The people who are chosen are from different denominations of Christian churches but they have all served their community in some way.
Ted said: “Of course I’m honoured. But I haven’t done anything special or spectacular. It started with a phone call from the Rev Martin Burrell who couldn’t tell me what it was about but asked if he could put my name forward to the Diocese of St Albans. Then I received two letters from the Bishop of Manchester, who’s running the affair, saying I’d been ‘warmly recommended.’”
Ted first became involved with the church after he lost his wife Betty in 2003. She had been an active campaigner for cancer research and raised over a million pounds through her fundraising.
He said: “We never really advanced our faith but after her death I joined an Alpha course and it really opened my eyes.”
Ted now helps at cancer research whilst also running a worship study group and saying intercessory prayers.
Ted’s father was a chauffeur and mother was a laundry maid. He grew up on Luton Hoo estate and met his wife Betty at ballroom dancing classes at the George. He has one daughter, Jane, who is a customer care manager. She will be attending the special service with her father.
Ted said: “We’re going up the night before and have been invited to lunch afterwards. I’m a bit nervous because I’m not used to speaking ‘on the hoof’ and I’ve been told the Queen may ask me about Luton Hoo. But all being well I should be smartly suited.”
The Maundy gifts are minted Maundy coins in special white and red purses. They celebrate elderly people who have made a difference to their church and community.