Tradition, accumulated over many hundreds of years, was much in evidence at the magnificent service in the Abbey on 21 November 2004, at which the institutions of the administration of justice, especially in the County, are reflected upon and prayed for. This was an occasion of special significance for the village in that the present High Sheriff, Lady Nichols, is very much known and loved in our community, and has done so much in her shrieval year to raise the profile of her office.
Even the hardest heart could not fail to be moved by the wonderfully choreographed ceremonial and pageantry, but the service also included some beautiful music, many moving prayers and a sparkling sermon from the Dean of Guildford, a long-standing friend of Shelagh and Richard. Many judicial and civic figures were present in their robes, and a most notable departure from the ordinary was the presence of a company of pikemen and musketeers from the Honourable Artillery Company, complete with armour, pikes, muskets and drums, under the direction of the City’s Pageant Master. Through Richard’s generosity, Glyn Rees’s bus took a full load of villagers to travel in style to and from the Abbey, so saving some significant parking problems and ensuring a journey of much fun and hilarity.
The very wonderful service gave all present in the packed Abbey the chance to take part in a strong reaffirmation of faith in our traditions of even-handed justice, the supervision of which within the County is the prime responsibility of the High Sheriff’s year of office.
G&SW