The High Sheriff is The Queen’s personal representative for all matters relating to Justice and the maintenance of Law and Order in the County. It is an ancient office which stretches back more than 1,000 years, with a new High Sheriff taking office in April each year.
Over 850 invited guests will fill Ely Cathedral on Sunday for the Justice Service which coincides with the beginning of the Legal Year. The service is also open to anyone who wishes to attend.
The High Sheriff said: “This service is an important fixture in any High Sheriff’s calendar and I am privileged that this year it coincides with the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen. This is our opportunity formally to recognise and thank all those who are involved with the maintenance of law and order in our county and the administration of Justice, including the very many local, community groups who do so much to make society work at a local level.”
The service will begin with ten formal processions, including the Civic Leaders and Mayors, The University of Cambridge, Former and Visiting Current High Sheriffs and the largest Legal procession ever assembled for a Justice Service in Cambridgeshire. This will include three Lord Justices of Appeal and three High Court Judges, all in their ceremonial robes and wigs, as well as ten Circuit Judges, six District Judges and seven Recorders, also in their formal robes and wigs.
The processions will set off from the Old Bishop’s Palace, entering the West Door of the Cathedral where they will be announced by a Fanfare of trumpets.
Concluding, Penelope Walkinshaw said: “This will be a wonderful service of celebration, with lots of ceremony and tradition, in the majestic surroundings of Ely Cathedral which is as old as the office of High Sheriff. I am delighted that so many organisations and groups from around the county will be represented as we renew our commitment to supporting all those who work so hard to make our County safe and inclusive.”
Image: Penelope Walkinshaw at her Installation, with her High Sheriff’s Cadet, Cadet Sergeant George Metcalfe of No.104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron of the Air Cadets