A Morning of Pageantry and Tradition - The Annual Service for the Judiciary.

A principal task and highlight for the High Sheriff each year is to hold a service to mark the formal opening of the legal year at the start of October. The Annual Service for the Judiciary brings together all those who ‘Uphold the King’s Peace’ in Surrey – maintaining law and order thereby creating a better community.

Traditionally, this Service is held at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford and commences with two processions leading from the Guildhall to the church up Guildford High Street. The Civic Procession,which this year was led by Sergeant Claire Greenwood and the Town Crier of Guildford, includes the Mayors and Chairs of Surrey Boroughs and Districts. This procession is followed by the High Sheriff’s Procession which was led by the Chief Constable of Surrey, Tim de Meyer. I was joined by the Under Sheriff, Dr Mike Kelly JP, my two police cadets, Dylan and Husam, the Resident Judge of Guildford Crown Court, HHJ Lees, together with other members of the Judiciary, namely coroners, circuit and district judges and the Surrey Magistrates. It was quite a spectacle, since everyone was fully robed, and were serenaded by trumpeters from the London Banqueting Ensemble.

This is a rather poignant year given that it is the last year of Surrey County Council and the eleven District Councils being in place. From May 2027, the two new unitary authorities of East and West Surrey will govern the County. Will this mean that there is only one procession winding its way up the High Street at next year’s Service?

The Service itself was beautiful. Revered Clare Marren, Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Surrey, delivered a thought-provoking sermon, which together with the readings and testimonials captured the theme for my Shrieval Year of “Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse” very aptly. These wereinterspersed with wonderful music from the superb choir of the Royal Grammar School and hearty singing of the hymns by the congregation.

During the service, I reaffirmed my Shrieval Promise stating that I will well and truly serve His King’s Majesty’s interests and promising to serve and honour all people of Surrey, whilst all those who uphold law and order, both judicial and civic, vowed to continue their faithful service to uphold the law for the good of all. Together the congregation then said a Faith and Community Declaration for Surrey, committing to ensure that the County of Surrey remains a place of welcome, generosity and equality, with respect for all.

As the fanfares sounded once more, we processed back to the Guildhall, loudly cheered on by the Year 6 pupils from Holy Trinity Pewley Down School, whom I had met a few weeks’ ago and who had attended the Service.

The Service for the Judiciary is a beautiful highlight of the Shrieval Year and my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made the morning so special. It is a privilege to stand alongside all those who uphold law and order in the County as the new judicial year begins.