A traditional service marking the beginning of the new law year of the Isle of Wight Courts was held at Newport Minister this morning (Monday) following a short procession of local dignitaries through the town.
Organised by the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, the annual event sees court officials, magistrates, judges and representatives of His Majesty come together, alongside other dignitaries, to highlight the importance of upholding the law for the well-being of the community, and to dedicate the work of the courts to God.
The service was conducted by Rev Allie Kerr, Acting Archdeacon for the Isle of Wight. A sermon was given by the Rt Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth.
Amongst those attending the service were High Sheriff Kay Marriott JP, Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, His Honour Judge Timothy Mousley KC, The Honourable Mr Justice Garnham, Under Sheriff April Newton, His Majesty’s District Judges and Circuit Judges plus High Sheriffs from Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, City of Bristol, Cornwall and Devon. The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Lora Peacey-Wilcox was present alongside the Chair of the Council, Claire Critchison.
With an almost full church seated, the procession made its way from the Combined Court on Quay Street to the Minster in St Thomas’ Square, led by Julie Ford and Acting Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Ben Snuggs.
A welcome was given by Revd Emma Cooksey, the Vicar of Newport and Carisbrooke with Gatcombe. Members from IW Cantata Choir and Ryde School Choir then performed a number of hymns, with the organ played by Douglas Potts.
Following several prayers and addresses, the service was brought to a close with the National Anthem.
A retiring collection was held in aid of The High Sheriff’s Trust.
Nice to see a tradition not being hijacked by the lefties….yet!
No even lefties have to go to work on a Monday. Glad you enjoyed it!
What a farce. The law and courts are a joke and these people get paid for doing not a lot and making nothing better. Slapped wrist’s and suspended sentences dont work.
Hardly representative of our diverse community are they. Bunch of middle aged, middle class buffoons with no actual grasp of what life is like for the real people on this island.
A parade of those who believe in Wokism, perhaps teachers should join them also.
Father Christmas is out early this year
Looks like a fancy dress party.
All courts in the UK are corrupt to the core, a common law court is what we need, run by the people for the people!!