Lord-Lieutenant’s Service of Thanksgiving for Voluntary Organisations
Monday, 20 May 2019
Over 400 people from across Bedfordshire came together at St Mary’s Church, Woburn on Sunday 19 May 2019 to celebrate the work of the Voluntary Organisations in Bedfordshire
Lord-Lieutenant’s Service of Thanksgiving for Voluntary Organisations
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, accompanied by her husband Professor Joe Nellis, and supported by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE and her seven Lord-Lieutenant Cadets, welcomed Their Graces The Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Meryl Dolling, the Mayor of Bedford, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Town Mayors from across the county along with representatives of countywide organisations and armed forces personnel.
Guests were welcomed on arrival with a Guard of Honour from various Cadet Units in the county. Deputy Lieutenants were on hand to usher guests to their seats on arrival.
The service was led by the Revd Linda Washington and the address and blessing was given by the Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE. The Royal British Legion County Standard and the Union Flag was presented during the first hymn and two of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets presented the Lieutenancy Flag and the Bedfordshire Flag.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets led the prayers during the Service which featured music from Bedford Rock Choir and readings by Colette McKeaveny DL from Age Concern Luton and Margaret Duggan from The Tibbs Dementia Foundation.
Trumpeter Huw Sheppard, accompanied by organist Tim Gage, played Festive Trumpet Tune by David German as the Lord-Lieutenant’s procession left the church.
Speaking after the service the Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said: "It is always my favourite time of the year when we can bring together some of the thousands of people in Bedfordshire who volunteer. Their tremendous contribution to our communities in so many ways should never be taken for granted. It was a pleasure in particular this year to recognise how much we owe to the older people in our county from whom we receive wisdom, support and compassion."
Photo courtesy of June Essex Photography.