On April 6, 2023, in York Minster, King Charles III handed out Maundy money to select men and women gathered in the cathedral. Among those honoured was John Siebert, the past president of the Oral Health Foundation.
John Siebert was president between 2012 and 2013, having been a trustee of the charity for many years (2002-2016). He has had a successful career in publishing, with one of his former roles including being chairman of George Warman Publications, the publisher of The Dentist and Dental Update.
For most of his life, he has been dedicated to supporting and volunteering for charities. In addition to his work with the Oral Health Foundation, John is a trustee with the Fernhurst Furnace Trust, United World Schools, The Lightbox Museum and Gallery, and Friends of Chichester Cathedral.
Maundy money has traditionally been given out at different cathedrals across the country every year. This ancient tradition is believed to have started as early as 600AD, but the first recorded ceremony was in 1210 at Knaresborough.
The monarch handed John Siebert a white and red purse during the service. The white purse contained Maundy coins equivalent in value to the king’s age. The red purse contained two commemorative coins, one to mark the King’s forthcoming 75th birthday, the other to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of West Indian workers on the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, in Essex, and their contribution to multi-racial Britain.
These purses were given with specially minted coins to 74 men and 74 women, the number referring to the king’s age. The Maundy service always takes place on Thursday ahead of Easter Sunday. During her 70-year reign, the late queen presented Maundy Money at every Anglican cathedral in England.
The Oral Health Foundation congratulates John on receiving this prestigious recognition for all his great work, in supporting the various charities he has been involved with.