Tywyn husband and wife among recipients of Maundy Money

A husband and wife from Tywyn are among those from the Diocese of Bangor who will be recognised by The King at this year’s Royal Maundy Service.

Susan and Roger Whitehouse will receive Maundy Money at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday 2 April, the first time the occasion has been held in North Wales, and only the second time ever in Wales, in its 800-year history.

Susan has served for many years as a Reader in Bro Ystumanner, leading worship and taking funerals across the community, as well as supporting the church through her role as safeguarding officer. Her ministry has brought her alongside people at significant moments in their lives, often in times of loss.

Roger, while not a licensed minister, has played a key role in sustaining church life, particularly during a prolonged period of clergy illness. He helped ensure that worship and ministry continued, supporting the life of the church and enabling others to serve.

Susan and Roger said they were “very surprised” to be recognised together, having never sought recognition for their service over nearly 50 years of marriage.

Their shared Christian faith has been central to their life together, shaping both their involvement in the church and their wider outlook. 

“We’ve simply tried to serve where needed,” they said. “Our faith informs what we do and why we do it, and it has drawn us deeper into the life of the church while also helping us look outward to the wider community.”

Susan has developed a particular ministry in leading funerals and supporting families at times of loss. She said the role has given her the opportunity to “reach the parts that vicars can’t always reach”.

“What keeps me committed is the opportunity to share the joy of knowing the love of God and the relevance of Jesus,” she said.

Roger described his contribution as a response to a sense of calling, particularly during a period of prolonged clergy illness, when he helped support the life and organisation of the church.

“Sometimes God calls you in a direction you’d rather not go,” he said, “but you come to realise that God can see further than we can.”

“What we’d say to our community is thank you,” they said. “We couldn’t have grown in faith and confidence without the affirmation and support of a large number of people who have become a family of church friends over the past few decades.”

Also among those to be recognised is local historian Christopher Medley of Holyhead. As Treasurer and Trustee of St Cybi’s Church, he has been involved in the restoration work at the church and continues to oversee projects, events and community outreach, helping to keep the building open and active at the heart of the community.

During the service, The King will present the Royal Maundy gifts to approximately 77 men and 77 women mainly from Wales but also from dioceses across the UK. The Maundy Money is a symbolic gift given in recognition of recipients’ outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities. His Majesty will present recipients with two purses containing the unique Maundy Money. In the white purse will be a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pennies, to match The King’s age, and in the Red Purse will be a £5 coin commemorating 100 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, and a 50p coin that celebrates the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust.

• Mrs Susan Whitehouse, Bro Ystumanner.
• Mr Roger Whitehouse, Bro Ystumanner.
• Mrs Mary Hughes, Bro Moelwyn
• Mr Edwin Evans, Bryncroes
• Mrs Norah Davies, Bro Peblig, Caernarfon
• Mr John Jones, Penmaenmawr
• Mrs Michele Bathers
• Mr James Boughton, Bro Gwydyr, Betws y Coed
• Mrs Elinus Rogers, St Llonio’s Church.
• Ms Nia Heledd Hall, Bro Dwynwen
• Ms Carys Lloyd‑Griffith, Bro Cybi
• Mrs Sally Thomas, Bro Padrig, Llanfechell
• Mr Trevor Jones
• Mr Alan Roberts, Bro Deiniol, Eglwys y Groes, Maesgeirchen.
• Mr Paul Handby, St Cybi’s and St Garmon’s.
• Mr J Richard Williams, Bro Cyngar, Llangefni
• Mr Christopher Medley, Bro Cybi
• Mrs Angela Swann