On Sunday 26 March there will be a special service here at the Cathedral, for His Majesty’s Courts of Justice which marks the end of the year in office of Suffolk’s High Sheriff. For this year that position has been held by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.

The service is attended by representatives of the legal and criminal justice system, to pray for and give thanks for all involved in the legal system in the county. The event takes place within the traditional Cathedral service of Choral Evensong at 3.30 pm. The speaker at this year’s service is Major General James Cowan CBE DSO, the CEO of The HALO Trust which, for more than 30 years, has been clearing landmines & other hazards of war, in order to help countries recover after conflict.

The office of High Sheriff stretches back more than a thousand years, as the figurehead of the county’s legal system. It has traditionally provided support for the administration of justice in the county, but the modern role extends into a close relationship with the fast-growing voluntary sector in Suffolk.

During his year in office, the High Sheriff is supported by a Chaplain. This year, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton has been supported by the Rev’d Canon Philip Banks who is St Edmundsbury Cathedral’s Precentor. During the past year, the High Sheriff and his Chaplain have visited prisons, emergency services, military, refugees and numerous voluntary organisations across the county, as well as those committed to justice through the courts and probation service. Many of the staff and volunteers involved have been invited to the service, affirming their work which contributes the life and well-being of the county in so many varied ways.

The High Sheriff of Suffolk said: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the judiciary, the police, the probation and prison services and all others in our county who are committed to the upholding of law and order, the foundation stone of society. I would also like to pay tribute to thousands upon thousands of ordinary people across Suffolk who spend the greater part of their waking lives helping others – whether as part of formed charities, in wider public service, as volunteers, or as lone actors who take it upon themselves to care and look out for others. It is this self-effacing majority that glues our society together and whose goodness percolates throughout our great county and defines us as Suffolk people.”

The Rev’d Canon Philip Banks said: “One of the hallmarks of our British way of life is that the rule of law, to ensure justice for all, is maintained by a judiciary independent of government. We live in challenging times, and this principle is more important than ever. At the annual service for HM Courts of Justice we pray for and affirm all involved in the criminal justice system and give thanks for their expertise and commitment to fairness and protection for all citizens.”

All members of the public are welcome to attend the service. Tickets are not required.