Andrew Mitchell MP has one again joined local dignitaries and residents at Sutton Coldfield’s Annual Civic Service to celebrate the life of Sutton Coldfield, with the service led by Reverend John Routh at Holy Trinity Parish Church.
The Service was particularly well-timed this year in light of the announcement earlier this month of the reassertion of the town’s Royal status following a debate in the House of Commons. While residents have long been aware of their town’s Royal heritage, the confirmation of it has been fantastically well received throughout the Royal Town.
The Service was attended by representatives of a large number of Sutton Coldfield’s voluntary and charitable organisations, along with a number of local dignitaries including Paul Sabapathy, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, who gave the first reading. Andrew Mitchell, Sutton’s MP, gave the second reading and Councillor Margaret Waddington JP led the Prayers of Intercession.
The Civic Service was reinstated by Andrew Mitchell and Hon Alderman David Roy OBE in 2005 after an absence of more than thirty years.
Andrew Mitchell said after the service “The Civic Service provides an excellent opportunity for us to join together to celebrate our town and all of the people who contribute to making the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield such a fantastic place to live”.
Photo shows:
Top row L to R: Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands Paul Sabapathy CBE, Rev John Routh of Holy Trinity, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, Chief Superintendant of West Midlands Police Rachel Jones and Mr Chris Ives.(Deputy Chairman of Sutton Coldfield Conservatives)
Bottom row L to R: Councillor Ewan Mackey (Chairman of Sutton Coldfield Conservatives), Cllr Margaret Waddington JP (President of Sutton Coldfield Conservatives), Mrs Sharon Mitchell, Mrs Charlotte Hodivala (Deputy Chairman of Sutton Coldfield Conservatives) and the Chief Executive of St. Giles Hospice Group Peter Holliday.