A COMMUNITY-spirited man from Whitnash has spoken of his shock after received a Maundy gift from the Queen.
Alistair Macfarlane, who has lived in the town since 1969, was given the gift in recognition of his service to the local community.
He is a regular volunteer of the local foodbank and the seniors’ lunch, an active member of St Margaret’s Church and chair of the Whitnash Twinning Association.
He is well-known in the community, and acts as an informal taxi service for several older people who might otherwise be housebound or unable to get out and about.
And it is not his first royal recognition – Alistair received a Campaign Service Medal for his service in the Royal Air Force in South Arabia during the 1960s.
The Royal Maundy Service sees the Queen recognise the work done by people for the wellbeing of their neighbours.
The service usually takes place in Westminster Abbey but due to Covid restrictions it was unable to go ahead.
Alistair instead received the Maundy gift – a collection of specially minted silver coins – along with a letter from the Queen.
He said: “You could have knocked me over with a feather when I was told I had been nominated to receive a Maundy gift from Her Majesty The Queen.
“Receiving the Maundy Gift is a great honour, and my family and I are absolutely delighted. I love helping people, and I can’t believe that I’ve received this great honour for doing something that I enjoy so much”
