Thanksgiving service for legal profession held at Beverley Minster as shrieval year draws to a close

SOLEMN OCCASION: Members of the judiciary make their way into Beverley Minster

By Simon Bristow

The annual service of thanksgiving for the legal profession and those who administer law and justice in Hull and the East Riding was held at Beverley Minster on Sunday.

The East Riding of Yorkshire County Legal Service, which was led by the Bishop of Hull, the Right Reverend Dr Eleanor Sanderson, took place after the traditional High Sheriff’s Procession through the town, led by the Humberside Police Concert Band.

The East Riding is one of the few Shrieval Counties which still holds a dedicated legal service specifically for the judiciary, local practitioners, and those associated with all aspects of law enforcement.

The service also marked the drawing to a close of the year of office of the current High Sheriff of the East Riding, Mrs Jacky Bowes, which will formally end on April 1 when a successor is appointed to the ancient role. Mrs Bowes said she was “thrilled” to have been able to continue upholding the tradition of the East Riding Legal Service.

LEADING THE WAY: The Humberside Police Concert Band begins the procession from Beverley Guildhall

Crowds lined the streets as the procession left the Guildhall on a cold March morning with the police band playing as it marched, led by Drum Major Daniel Fleming. The music merged with the pealing of the Minster bells as the procession neared its destination.

The congregation stood as the procession made its way into the Minster to a fanfare.

After a welcome by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker, Vicar of Beverley Minster, Bishop Eleanor then began the service.

She told the congregation, which filled the Minster: “We have gathered to commend to God’s grace all who serve and administer law and justice in this land and especially our county; that they might be given courage, compassion, wisdom, skill and honour, knowing that they are servants above all, of God’s loving justice.

“We commend to God’s healing those who are victims of lawlessness, and to his reforming power, those convicted of their offences. We present ourselves, imperfect before the throne of grace, to ask God’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins, help in times of need and time to use for good, the life that is given to us here on earth.”

The was followed by a moment of silence, prayer, and another hymn.

The first lesson, taken from Exodus 20 v 1-10, was read by Mr Justice Poole, Family Division Liaison Judge for the North Eastern Circuit.

After a further hymn, the second lesson, from Romans 12:17 - 13:5, was read by the High Sheriff.

The service also saw the presentation of six White Ribbon Scouts Badges. The White Ribbon represents work on the campaign to end violence against women and girls, which Mrs Bowes had made one of her priorities upon taking office.

Prayers were then led by The Rev Canon Jonathan Baker, who said: “As another shrieval year draws to a close, we give thanks to God for all those who share the common goal of maintaining the King’s peace, through the administration of justice, in our county and throughout the United Kingdom.

“We bring all those concerned before God in our prayers and as we give thanks for the vital work which they undertake.”

Other prayers were said by His Honour Judge John Thackray KC, The Honorary Recorder of Hull and East Riding; Sergeant Sophie Kemp, of Humberside Police’s Beverley Neighbourhood Policing Team; Marcella Goligher OBE, Governor of HMP Humber; and Anthea Sully, CEO of the charity White Ribbon UK.

After the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing by Bishop Eleanor, the service ended with the singing of the national anthem.

MOMENT OF REFLECTION: The High Sheriff of the East Riding, Jacky Bowes, centre left; and Mr Justice Poole, right, pause before entering the Minster

Guests of the High Sheriff later attended a private luncheon at Beverley Barn, where the secular part of the event took place, including speeches.

Mrs Bowes thanked all those who have supported her during her year in office, and said it had been “the most incredible year of my life”.

There were light-hearted moments too, with Judge Thackray KC joking that if Carlsberg made High Sheriffs, Mrs Bowes was “probably the best High Sheriff in the world”.

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the county for all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. The office of High Sheriff has existed for over a millennium and is the oldest secular office under the Crown.