Warrington resident given Maundy money by Prince Charles

Frances Ireland received Maundy money for her services to the community and church.

Frances, of Lower Walton, is a retired teacher who taught at Latchford St James CE Primary School and is still a governor there as well as holding worship sessions for the pupils.

The 73-year-old has also been responsible for a lot of community fundraising and has taken on various volunteering responsibilities at the new community hub in Latchford, St Werburgh's Community Hub.

Frances was handed the Maundy money by The Prince of Wales (Picture: HM The Queen and British Ceremonial Arts (BCAFILM.CO.UK)

This includes giving up her time to help at coffee mornings, lunch clubs as well as setting up groups such as mums and tots and an exercise class.

Not only this, but Frances completed a degree for the church and went on to become a lay minister at Latchford St James Church.

So it is no surprise that Frances was nominated for the recognition by the Bishop of Chester Diocese.

Frances attended the Maundy service on Thursday, April 14, along with other community stalwarts from across the country.

The Prince of Wales continued the tradition of presenting Maundy coins during the service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The 73-year-old at Windsor Castle

The heir to the throne handed the coins to 96 men and women – as the Queen turned 96 this year – before walking along the lines of recipients saying a few words of thanks to each one.

Speaking about the event, Frances said: “It was very ceremonial.

“I was handed the money by Prince Charles himself. I had to hold my hands out and he looked me straight in the face.

“He said ‘it gives me great pleasure to present you with this on behalf of Her Majesty, The Queen,’ and then he squeezed my hands!

“I was just in awe. I felt very special and humble that I’d been able to do that – especially in this jubilee year.”

Frances and her son Richard

After the service, the recipients went into state rooms for a reception which Frances described as ‘absolutely wonderful’.

Frances, who was accompanied by her son Richard, was allowed to walk around the state apartments.

“The staff were absolutely wonderful, they told us all about the paintings and tapestries and told us what happened to each room affected by the fire at Windsor Castle,” Frances said.

“It was interesting to hear first hand how things were protected and how they managed to save the paintings and then how they’ve managed to restore it back to all of its glory.

“Everything was just so fascinating, it was really lovely.”

“As long as my feet still go one foot in front of the other, I’ll keep doing what I do now.”

Frances and her son Richard stayed in London for two days to celebrate her achievement and she was joined by her grandson the day after for a Good Friday service at St George’s Chapel.

The Maundy recipient has plans to carry on with her contributions to the church and community and is currently in the midst of organising trips to the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn and Llandudno.

Frances said: “As long as my feet still go one foot in front of the other, I’ll keep doing what I do now.”