CAPTION: Sid Adams said he was honoured to receive Maundy money and a letter signed by the Queen
Queen Gifts Maundy Money to “Astonishing” Devon Churchwarden
Sidney Adams, 87, said he was “honoured and overwhelmed” to receive the gift, which her Majesty traditionally distributes to people over 70 on Maundy Thursday.
Sidney has been churchwarden of St Mary and St Gregory’s church in Frithelstock, near Great Torrington, for 37 years.
Sidney was in the Royal Military Police
He is a retired military policeman, played in the Torrington Silver Band as a Drum Major for 32 years and has been chair of the local Royal British Legion for 12 years.
The vicar, Father Peter Bevan, said “He is astonishing for his age and a lovely gentleman.
“The award couldn’t go to a nicer person.”
Sidney said “I never expected anything like this”.
Sidney promised his father he would keep Frithelstock church open
He added that the letter he received from the Queen had “already been framed.”
The church at Frithelstock is close to Sidney’s heart, he and his wife were baptised and married there and his father was also Churchwarden: “I made my father a promise that, as long as I could, I would keep Frithelstock church open.
“So far I have managed it!”
Sidney said he was looking forward to a service being held in the church on Easter Sunday.
