The Service for the Judiciary – 3rd October 2025

One of the main events in the calendar of the High Sheriff is to hold a service for the Judiciary and all who uphold the Kings Peace. Traditionally this has been held at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, and commences with two processions from the Guildhall to the church up Guildford High Street. The Civic Procession, including the Mayors and Chairs of Surrey Boroughs & Districts led by the Town Crier, and the High Sheriff’s Procession withthe Resident Judge of Guildford Crown Court and other members of the Judiciary including coroners, circuit and district judges and Surrey Magistrates joining me, the Under Sheriff and my two police cadets. I was also delighted this year to welcome Dr Tim Foutts, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, to join in the occasion. We were all suitably robed and brought some colour and pageantry to entertain the early morning shoppers who were also serenaded by trumpeters from the London Banqueting Ensemble as we processed. Thankfully, the rain abated just long enough to ensure that robes and wigs did not get sodden.

The Rector – Simon Butler led a wonderful service which included the amazing choir from the Royal Grammar School, whilst pupils from Holy Trinity Pewley Down School watched from the balcony. A Big thank you goes to Will Todd for not only allowing his anthem ‘Lighting the Way’ to be sung but also for attending himself and providing the music before the service. 

During the Service, I reaffirmed my Shrieval Promise and the upholders of law and order, both judicial and civic vowed to continue their faithful service. All present then made a faith and community declaration for Surrey declaring that we would work together to ensure our County should continue to be a place of welcome generosity and equality, with respect to all.

After the service as the fanfares once again sounded from the trumpeters, we processed back to the Guildhall, again avoiding the raindrops and with enthusiastic cheers from local schoolchildren lining the route, where we were treated to some light refreshments.

Tim, Suzanne and I were then delighted to join a few members of the Judiciary for lunch at The County Club opposite the Guildhall, to round off a wonderful occasion.

Photos by Andy Newbold