THERE was a familiar face at a multi-faith service hosted by Warwickshire’s High Sheriff Karen Lynch.
Held at St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Warwick, the service is a significant annual tradition marking the start of the legal year and this year had a strong emphasis on young people.
It was attended by an estimated 300 guests, including prominent figures from Warwickshire’s judiciary, legal profession, and local government, alongside High Sheriffs from neighbouring counties.
The service featured contributions from 18-year-old Sophia Wilk, the county’s Young High Sheriff from Rugby, who read her winning entry from the Young High Sheriff programme. Five Warwickshire Police Cadets delivered scripture readings, and another cadet lit a candle in a new candle-lighting ceremony to honour those who serve to uphold law and order across Warwickshire – including the emergency services, judiciary, probation, and education sectors.
And to further connect the themes of peace and youth, Karen invited Diane Louise Jordan, former Blue Peter and Songs of Praise presenter, to offer a reflection.
Karen said: “In line with my theme for the year, Collaboration for Greater Impact, I wanted this service to be a truly collaborative and inclusive occasion. My aim was to involve young people at every opportunity and to connect all the faith leaders present through one shared theme – building the peace for our young people.”
Music once again played a central role in the service.Following a rousing Warwick School fanfare, the Rugby Ukrainian Ladies’ Choir opened the evening with A Prayer for Ukraine, sung by Shchedryk. Performances also came from the Warwick School Consort and Warwick Prep School Senior Choir.
