APRIL 3, 1969, was a huge day for the people of Selby. It was Maundy Thursday of the year that marked Selby Abbey’s 900th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, and to kick off a year of celebrations, the Queen herself had agreed to come to the abbey to hand out the Maundy money.

It was a huge honour for the town. In previous years The Queen had chosen Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Durham Cathe-dral and St George’ Chapel in Windsor among others for the Maundy tradition.

Massive crowds were expected for the day, and police had even made arrangements for visitors to park at Riccall aerodrome and be shuttled into the town for the service. In the event, according to photographer Eric Foster, who was there that day, the crowds were smaller than anticipated – only about 10,000, he believes.

Nevertheless, it was a real occasion, Eric recalls. “There was a real air of excitement. People had camped out overnight so they could get a good view.” The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Selby Station on the Royal Train in the morning, to be greeted by assembled dignitaries.

From there, they went by car to the abbey, in time for the televised service.

Entry to the abbey for the service was by invitation only, Eric recalls. The service was conducted by the then vicar of Selby Abbey, the Rev John Kent, and the sermon was preached by the then Archbishop of York, Dr Donald Coggan.

The Queen handed out the Maundy money, then went on to Selby High School for lunch, according to Eric.

“It was a really big event for the town,” he says.