Shropshire's Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner reflects on a poignant year - and looks towards the festive season

This latter part of the year always brings moments of reflection. National Police Memorial Day was at the end of September. I was pleased to have been invited with two of my cadets to a memorial service in Shrewsbury to remember police officers that have been killed in the line of duty and we were deeply moved when laying a wreath.

I am reminded of the armed forces and emergency services staff. The commitment needed for these jobs weeds out the half-hearted, we have a huge number of men and women who genuinely care for the wellbeing of their fellow beings which makes me realise how lucky we are to have their protection and dedication.

Reflection and memories

A beautiful new Garden of Memories in the grounds of Severn Hospice  was opened in October – a space dedicated to moments of reflection and memories. Maesbury Metals from Oswestry have created a sculpture that will hold engraved metal hearts with personal tributes from family and friends, it is a lovely thought provoking area.

In November, the whole of the County (indeed the country) reflected and remembered the sacrifice paid by so many in conflicts around the world. My Vice Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Jenny Wynn, Deputy Lieutenants and myself, represented the Crown and laid wreaths at many of the Remembrance Day services that were held across Shropshire.

A Royal visit 

Recently we have had two more royal visits to the County. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal returned to Telford to open a new town centre learning facility in the heart of the town.

The Quad, a new digital skills and enterprise hub, which forms part of the ambitious Station Quarter project was admired by Her Royal Highness, she spoke to an invited audience of students, business people, politicians and other stakeholders.

The Princess later went to The Shropshire Golf Centre  to visit Youth Support Services (YSS) of whom she is a patron and heard about the work they do helping young people and adults overcome adversity and enabling them to achieve independence.

A few weeks later, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester visited Market Drayton. He was shown how the region’s famous gingerbread is made at Image on Food Ltd,  after changing into a protective white coat and hat, he cut gingerbread and decorated biscuits and presented long service awards. He then visited The Drayton Festival Centre and joined the throng of Friday classes before having lunch in their café.

His Royal Highness then visited Joules Brewery where he was taught how to pull the perfect pint of beer.

Then finally he visited and admired a John Soane house being renovated in Shropshire before catching the train to return to London. 

In total we have had four royal visits this year. Much behind the scenes planning goes into arranging these visits to ensure that all involved benefit in terms of recognition and raising awareness and I have received several letters from our royal visitors saying how much they have enjoyed visiting our gem, Shropshire. 

King's Award for Voluntary Service

In November I was delighted to be able to share that eight voluntary organisations from the county had been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

This award celebrates and promotes the tireless work of those who help others in their communities. This is the highest-level accolade for volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE.

The award honours work that is recognised as bringing clear benefits to the community across a range of areas, such as culture, heritage, wellbeing, and social support. Organisations presented with the award will receive a certificate and trophy to proudly display.

In previous years, I have been thrilled to see so many organisations from Shropshire being rewarded for their selfless dedication and was pleased to see that 2024 is no different.

Recipients of the KAVS 2024 are:

• Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew

• The Albrighton Trust

• Shrewsbury Up & Comers FC

• Cruckton & District Ploughing and Hedging Society

• Oswestry Borderland Tourism Ltd (Visit Oswestry)

• Shropshire Beekeepers Association

• Sustainable Newport

• Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council

Many congratulations to you all for being recognised with this top-level award.

The search for Shropshire's unsung heroes

My Deputy Lieutenants will continue to search the County for those unsung heroes that generously work to make life better for others who deserve recognition for outstanding achievement.

As I write this, plans are afoot for the Lieutenancy’s Together at Christmas - A Carol Service inspired by The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales

Three years ago, I was asked by the Princess of Wales and the Royal Foundation to hold a carol service following the lines of the service in Westminster Abbey, London. The purpose of the service is not just to celebrate coming together at Christmas, but to invite many hundreds of people from the locality who volunteer free time to help promote good community spirit and provide help to those in need. Her Royal Highness will speak this year at Westminster Abbey about love even in the darkest of times and it is the greatest gift we can receive. 

In 2024 we have chosen St Andrew’s Church in Shifnal as the place to host our own carol service, and I am very much looking forward to welcoming the incredible invitees to this special, festive service. 

As Christmas draws near, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.