By Isle of Wight Observer
The annual Law Service, marking the start of the legal year brought ceremony and solemnity to Newport on Monday, as the traditional procession made its way from the courts to the church – a ritual rooted in the Middle Ages, when judges walked to worship to show they carried the Crown’s authority and dedicate their work to God. This year’s service was led by The Reverend Canon Chris Bradish, Team Rector of Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe and Area Dean of the Isle of Wight.
During the service The Ven Barry Dugmore, Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, delivered a sermon on the weight of responsibility borne by those who administer justice.
Readings were from The Honourable Mrs Justice Judd and His Honour Judge Daniel Sawyer, offering moments of stillness. Music also filled the church with the Cantata Choir’s performance of Upon Your Heart by Eleanor Daley, and the Mountbatten Hospice Choir’s rendition of The Rose.
High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley MBE, brought a personal note to the service with Mary Oliver’s poem When Death Comes, with its themes of mortality and a life lived without regret. He then spoke about his campaign, My Life, My Death, My Plan. He urged the congregation to think practically about their own end of life planning – not only wills and powers of attorney, but the everyday details too: pets, passwords, and the small responsibilities that can cause chaos if left unsorted.
Prayers prepared and led by pupils from Newport and Carisbrooke Church of England Primary Schools added a youthful voice to the occasion.
The congregation stood as the judicial procession entered and departed, a line including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, the High Sheriffs of the Island, Somerset and Hampshire, Vice-Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Tony Barry, and senior judges.
Among the congregation was past Lord-Lieutenant, Major-General Sir Martin White, former High Sheriffs and invited guests.
After the service, cakes and drinks were served in the Minster.
Mal Butler