Service for the Judiciary – 4th October 2024

Every year one of the highlights in the High Sheriff’s calendar is the ‘Service for the Judiciary’ – a traditional feature to mark the opening of the legal year. The service started with processions from the Guildhall on Guildford High street up to Holy Trinity church. Crowds lining the High Street watched the county’s Judges and Magistrates, Surrey Police representatives, Civic leaders from the Boroughs and Districts, Councillors and a visiting High Sheriff from West Sussex. The processions were  greeted by trumpeters from the London Banqueting Ensemble. 

During the service in the impressive 18th Century church led by the new Rector, Canon Simon Butler, The High Sheriff affirmed his Shrieval Promise, stating that he will well and truly serve His King’s Majesty’s interests along with upholding other aspects of his role and Tim de Meyer – Chief Constable of Surrey, on behalf of Surrey Police, confirmed their continuing commitment to upholding law and order in the County. 

Other declarations were read by Claire Hopkins – Operations Director of ‘Surplus to Supper’, and prayers were read by HH Christopher Critchlow DL,  High Sheriff’s Volunteer Police Cadet – Ruby Hoath, Rhona Ness from the Charity, ‘LinkAble’ and Michael Kelly JP. 

After a very informative Q&A session with the High Sheriff’s Volunteer Police Cadet Kieran Schmitt, Canon Simon Butler gave the Sermon.

The congregation then joined in affirming the following Faith and Community Declaration  for Surrey:

Let us declare together our vision for the flourishing of our common life, and our commitment to working towards its fulfilment.

We pledge our determination as people of Surrey to ensure that this great county shall continue to be a place of welcome, generosity and equality, with respect for all.

We condemn and oppose prejudice and distrust and will work unceasingly for tolerance and the common good. 

We abhor all examples of exclusion based on ethnic identity that mar relationships between neighbours of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.

We stand in solidarity with those in Surrey who are mistreated or held in contempt because of who they are or where they have come from.

We affirm that our diversity is a source of strength and that we are committed to learning from one another.

We commit to living out this declaration in our own lives, in our teaching, in our relationships and in our community engagement.

The Service also included readings by the High Sheriff Mr Shahid Azeem DL, Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees, Reverend Clare Marren – Assistant Curate, Holy Trinity & St Mary’s Guildford and singing from The RGS Schola Cantorum. 

There then followed a procession back to the iconic Guildhall where the High Sheriff was accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey – Mr Michael More- Molyneux the civic leaders Judges and magistrates from across the county, with the High Street lined by students from ‘The Royal Grammar School, Guildford’ and ‘Holy Trinity Pewley Down School.

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