This notice is sent on behalf of the High Sheriff of Merseyside, His Honour John Roberts DL, to inform you of the date for the 2020 Service to mark the beginning of the Legal Year.
A SERVICE TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE LEGAL YEAR
“HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AT HER CORONATION PROMISED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE AND TO ENSURE JUSTICE WAS DELIVERED IN THE KINGDOM. FOLLOWING HER EXAMPLE ONCE A YEAR FOR ONE HOUR IT IS THE CUSTOM OF HER MAJESTY’S JUDGES AND OTHERS TO ATTEND THE CATHEDRAL AND BY DOING SO ACKNOWLEDGE A HIGHER AUTHORITY THAN THEMSELVES, ONE RECOGNISED BY ALL FAITHS AND A MERCIFUL JUDGE”
Although the Cathedral Service is a specifically Christian one, those of other faiths and none are very warmly welcomed.
Normally Her Majesty the Queen is represented by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and in attendance and processing are the judiciary from the High Court, Crown and County Courts, Tribunals and Magistrates Courts together with the Lord Mayor and the Mayors of the Boroughs, High Sheriffs of adjacent counties, the Chief Constable and Senior Academics and Administrative members from the legal profession.
It is the tradition for Police Cadets, Army, Navy and Air Force Cadets together with Scouts, members of the Boys Brigade, Guides and others to line the processional route.
This year, however, by reason of the problems besetting the country, the Service will not be live at the Cathedral but will be a virtual one which will be accessible remotely from 10.00 a.m. on Sunday 18th October 2020. It will be sponsored by the High Sheriff of Merseyside and hosted by the Dean of the Cathedral. Precise details as to how to access the service will be published in due course.
The Service is open to all but most especially those associated with the law. Those receiving this notice are cordially invited to pass on details of this Service to their own organisations, to their friends and to any other interested parties.