THERE was a large turnout for a multi-faith service hosted by Warwickshire’s High Sheriff Sophie Hilleary.
The event, at St Mary’s Church in Warwick, was attended by an estimated 300 people, including representatives from Warwickshire’s judiciary, magistrates and the legal profession, as well as fellow high sheriffs from neighbouring counties.
Also in attendance were Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, mayors from across Warwickshire and representatives of a wide variety of blue light services, charities, youth organisations and delegations from some of the many religions represented across the county.
The Legal Procession was led by Andy Walker playing “Highland Cathedral” on the bagpipes as it made its way from The Shire Hall through Northgate Street into St Mary’s.
A fanfare from Warwick School’s Fanfare team heralded their arrival. The service also featured performances by Warwick Preparatory School Senior choir who sang Let Love Shine and The Warwick and Coventry Gospel Choir who sang Will you be there.
The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry, gave the address as one of his last visits to St Mary’s before he moves to Windsor.
The high sheriff is the King’s representative in the county for all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. Much of the High Sheriff’s year is spent supporting and encouraging the voluntary and statutory organisations who work in Warwickshire.
One traditional role of High Sheriff is the annual legal service, which has always taken place in October around the start of Michaelmas legal term, the beginning of the legal year, which dates back to the days when the judges travelled out from London to hold trials at the assizes.
St Mary’s Church in Warwick has hosted the service for hundreds of years, but now with a modern take as an inclusive multi-faith service.
Sophie said: “This has been a celebration of law, unity and understanding and as such I was really delighted and very honoured to be joined by representatives of such a wide range of faiths from Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism, all here together taking part in our service, bringing their prayers, thoughts, support and music to this event.”
“My sincere thanks to everyone who took part and contributed to making this event such a success.”
Find out more about the High Sheriff of Warwickshire here
