The Lieutenancy of Kent - The Civic Service 2008
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MASSIVE and rapid infrastructure changes facing Kent make it more important than ever to foster our County identity, civic leaders and community workers have been told. The Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett CMG, was speaking at the Lieutenancy’s fourth annual Civic Service at Canterbury Cathedral on 4 March, 2008. More than 550 local authority mayors, chairmen, and representatives of their charities attended the service, together with council leaders, chief executives, representatives from town and parish councils throughout Kent, the Magistracy, the Emergency Services and the health sector. |
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The Lord Lieutenant told them that regardless of religion or political beliefs, the congregation shared two things in common: dedicated service to the community, and a belief in Kent and its future. He said that the unprecedented infrastructure changes that will result from the coming of the High Speed Rail Link and the Gateway developments would bring tremendous challenges – and opportunities. “This is all happening on our watch. Never has it been so important for all of us at this service today to be united in ensuring that the spirit – you might say the soul – of Kent, that has seen our forefathers through so many dramatic times, endures and emerges even stronger than ever. “Never has it been so important to foster our County identity, unity and pride, and retain a sense of stability – and encourage the younger generations to value their Kentishness.” He said the young often come in for criticism because of the anti-social behaviour of a small minority. “But the Lieutenancy’s celebration of youth achievement throughout last year demonstrated a wholly positive side of the vast majority of Kent’s young people. “We have every reason to be proud of our young people and we can rest assured that the future of our great County is safe in their hands.” Mr Willett said that this year the Lieutenancy’s main theme is to celebrate the centenary of the Territorial Army – TA 100 – and thank them and all the other Volunteer Reserves forces in the County. There will be linked events across the County, from Penshurst Place to Maidstone, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Dover, highlighted with a parade and service of thanksgiving at Canterbury Cathedral on 6 September. “We have every reason, to be proud of all the volunteers in our County, and all those, whether regulars or volunteer reservists, both from or stationed in our County, who are risking their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. “The Lieutenancy’s campaign to increase public awareness and support for our Armed Forces and their families has received a united, enthusiastic response from all the local authorities. “I emphasise that this campaign is not about politics, nor whether you agree with the military action or not. It is simply about demonstrating fellow-feeling for our Armed Forces personnel and their families who remain here in our care. “My sincere thanks to all our local government leaders for your magnificent response. It is exactly what we can expect from our Frontline County.” He told the congregation: “You do a magnificent job, and on behalf of Her Majesty it is my happy task today to thank you all for the dedicated, self-less and often undervalued work you do in protecting and looking after the welfare of those in our communities.”
The Spirit Of Kent Award CONSPICUOUS service to the County and its people was acknowledged on 4 March 2008 with the presentation of The Spirit of Kent Award to Lord Bruce-Lockhart of the Weald. The presentation took place at a luncheon at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge following the Lieutenancy of Kent’s fourth annual Civic Service. Presenting the award, the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett CMG, praised Lord Bruce-Lockhart’s self-less and unstinting service to Kent and the Nation over the past 20 years, adding: “The magnificent spirit of service that is alive and well in our great County is nowhere better exemplified than by Sandy Bruce-Lockhart.” The Lord Lieutenant said the award had been created to acknowledge conspicuous service to the County of Kent and its people by an individual over a long period. “It is a Lieutenancy initiative in line with our aim to celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture, serve its communities – and contribute positively to its future.” He said that when the independent panel came to consider who should receive the Lieutenancy’s Spirit of Kent Award this year, one name shone out. From 1997 to 2005 Lord Bruce-Lockhart had been an outstanding Kent County Council Leader. “Throughout that time, rising above party politics, he consistently pursued policies he considered best for the well-being of our County and its communities. “On the national stage, notably as Chairman of the Local Government Association that represents some 400 local authorities, he has championed the cause of local people – ever responsive to their needs, hopes and aspirations. “Typically, he also threw himself into the work of the independent Commission on the Future of Volunteering, stressing that without the dedicated commitment of volunteers many public services would struggle to survive. This is particularly apt to mention on a day when we have been celebrating public – and especially voluntary – service in our County. “His appointment as Chairman of English Heritage, too, was a measure of the man – willing to take the lead on modernising the way we look after the Nation’s precious built heritage, nowhere more valuable than in Kent. “I could regale you for hours about Sandy’s contribution to the public and voluntary sector in so many fields, from chairing the Weald of Kent Preservation Society, being Patron of the Kent Handicapped Care Association, President of the Kent Federation of Amenity Societies, President of the National Fruit Show, a Trustee of Leeds Castle and Chairman of Rochester Cathedral Council, to co-chairing the Thames Gateway Forum.”
He added: “Lord Bruce-Lockhart of the Weald really has made a meaningful and vast contribution to the life of our County, for which he is an unfailing protagonist, and in which he takes enormous pride. In all he does in and for the County – and our Nation – Sandy is the embodiment of The Spirit of Kent and this award is made to him for the wonderful contribution he has made.” Lord Bruce-Lockhart said he was delighted, deeply touched and honoured to receive the award. “I am a tremendous fan and passionate believer in Kent and I’m proud of our County and its heritage and history. I take great joy in our countryside, our traditional villages, our market towns and our coast – so many special places.” “But above all it is the work of so many dedicated and inspiring special people with whom I worked that has meant so much to me – people with shared ambitions for Kent and shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges, working together with the determination to succeed in a common and united cause.”
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The Lord Lieutenant referred to a Spitfire called The Spirit of Kent that is still flying and said: “Sandy, we know that recently you have been fighting your own battle with your health and all here today join me in wishing you well. Knowing you as we do, we are confident that – like that Spitfire – you will keep on flying.”