A WEST Dorset sheep farmer has been nominated to receive the Maundy Money from the Queen at Windsor this Easter.

Peter Yeates of Swyre has been nominated by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, to be a recipient of this traditional Easter gift for his commitment to Holy Trinity Church in the village.

He said: “Peter Yeates has served for many years as church warden at Swyre until his retirement. He has been and continues to be a stalwart of the church.

“He is a farmer and gives the same dedication to the church as he did to his land.

“He is a loyal servant of his parish and his commitment and loyalty is to be commended.”

Every year, a number of men and women equal to the monarch’s age receive Maundy Money from the Queen at a service at Windsor Castle. They receive specially-minted coins.

Mr Yeates was born into a farming family on the Jurassic Coast and still works daily on the farm he passed on to his eldest child.

He said: “It is my pleasure and privilege to be a 2019 Maundy recipient and it was a really nice surprise to hear that I had been nominated by the bishop.

“Holy Trinity Church has been part of the Yeates family life since my grandparents moved to the village to run Manor Farm in the 1930s. Two of my four grandchildren live in the village which means they are the fourth generation of our family to grow up in Swyre.

“As a small parish, which forms part of the benefice of Bride Valley churches, there is always much to do for those who are able. I have served in a variety of roles from church warden to representative on the deanery synod.

“As well as farming, church and village life, I was the local National Trust warden for 25 years, I am a judge for the National Vegetable Society, National Hedgelaying Association, a flower judge as well as being actively involved in the running of the Melplash Agricultural Show.

“I am looking forward to going to Windsor, I have previously only been in the grounds of the Great Park for a National Trust course, so it will be really interesting to see inside the castle and to see the chapel.”