Service for the Judiciary
One of the highlights of the Shrieval calendar – the county Service for the Judiciary – was held at Guildford Cathedral for the first time this year.
The historic occasion was an opportunity to recognise the efforts of those in Surrey who worked tirelessly to uphold the Queen’s Peace throughout an extraordinarily difficult year. It also recognised the voluntary and community organisations who work with families who become involved in the criminal justice system and the emergency services who supported those in need.
A video of the full Service for the Judiciary is available on the Guildford Cathedral YouTube channel.
Among the highlights of the service were the Procession of Voluntary Organisations and the Civic and High Sheriff’s Processions.
Then the Conversation between the High Sheriff’s Cadet, Fin Wells, and His Honour Judge Robert Fraser MVO DL, Resident Judge and Hon. Recorder of Guildford and the Chief Constable, revealed the reasons behind offending by young people.
His Honour said the root causes and contributors included “things like school exclusion – that’s an area the High Sheriff is firmly focused on – homelessness, unemployment, mental health problems and domestic abuse”.
Afterwards, the Chief Constable asked Dr Llewelyn to reaffirm the Shrieval promise she made at the start of her year of office. She then invited the judges and magistrates to continue their faithful service to uphold the law for the good of all.
Towards the end, there were prayers for the Queen and Royal Family, the police and emergency services, prison and probation staff, voluntary organisations and community services, and the judiciary and magistrates.
After the blessing and the national anthem, the processions left the cathedral, and the High Sheriff invited everyone for afternoon tea in a marquee on the West Lawn.
Dr Llewelyn said: “If anyone deserves a thank you from Surrey, it’s all of you. I hope you’re extremely proud of what you achieved.”
