The Procession entering Canterbury Cathedral
The ninth Civic Service was held in Canterbury Cathedral and was attended by Civic Leaders of Kent, Chairmen of Parish Councils, The Clergy, Magistrates, Armed Forces representatives, Police, Emergency Services and a multitude of individuals from a cross-section of voluntary organisations, working for the public good.
From left to right: The Dean, The Very Reverend Dr Robert Willis DL; The Viscountess De L’Isle; The Lord-Lieutenant and Cadet SSgt Ben Williams
The Lord-Lieutenant said “On behalf of Her Majesty I thank you all for what you are doing for Kent’s communities. You are doing Kent proud”.
The congregation of about 840 demonstrated the event’s continuing popularity and enduring support that there is for the county of Kent.
The Service in progress
The Lord-Lieutenant gave an address in which he outlined the Lieutenancy’s plans to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War. The events which are being specifically promoted are:
Monday 4th August.
- The Opening of the New Step Short Association Arch on the Lees in Folkestone, which will be a national commemoration starting about 12 noon and will be televised following the Service of Thanksgiving in Glasgow, attended by The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
- The vigil in Canterbury and Rochester Cathedrals with the extinguishing of candles in the hours running up to 11pm when the ultimatum to Germany expired.
The Lord-Lieutenant delivering his address.
Monday 22nd September
- The opening of the re-modelled Garden of Remembrance in Tonbridge.
- The Commemoration of the sinking of 3 Cruisers in the North Sea by a single German submarine U9 with a loss of 1459 lives, which will take place at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
The Lord-Lieutenant is aware there are many other events being planned and hopes if appropriate, a member of the Lieutenancy will be asked to attend. The Civic Service was sponsored by The Allan Willett Foundation.
