Celebrating Wimborne

Civic dignitaries from across Dorset, together with representatives from Hampshire and Somerset, attended the Annual Civic Service in Wimborne Minster on the afternoon of Sunday 7 May. The Service marked the culmination of a successful mayoral year for Cllr Sue Cook and her escort, Cllr Robin Cook. The Lord Lieutenant was represented at the Service by Deputy Lieutenant Peter Harvey and the new High Sheriff. Mr John Young, were also among the almost 200 present.

Clergy from across the denominational spectrum took part in the annual celebration of civil life. The Service was conducted by the Rector of Wimborne Minster, the Revd Canon Vanessa Herrick, with the Address was given by Major Katrina Greetham of the Salvation Army. Community prayers were led by the Canon Kenneth Noakes, Roman Catholic priest, Revd Robert Jones, Baptist minister, the Revd Peter Breckwoldt, Vicar of St John's, Wimborne , and Revd Elise Harding, Associate Priest at the Minster. 

Youth was represented by three students at Queen Elizabeth's School, Samuel Josephs, Eilisa Love and Jonathan Scouse, who performed Salut D'amour by Elgar. Samuel also performed a piano solo Nocturne in C# Minor by Chopin. 

The Minster Choir under Director of Music David Gostick led the singing and also sang the anthem Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem with Sean Tucker, the Minster Organist. 

Colours and standards were presented at the start of the Service and returned at the end. 

As the congregation arrived, the Dorset Youth Marching Band, one of the mayor's charities, gave a display on the Minster Green and after the service, the Wimborne Militia performed on the Minster Green with the Mayor concluding the occasion with the firing of the 'big gun'. A collection was taken at the service for the mayor's charities: the Dorset Youth Marching Band; the Priest House Museum and Garden; the Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community; and Minster Funds.

The Mayor expressed her thanks to all for attending the service and to everyone for the support she has received throughout her year. She has enjoyed representing the Town Council at numerous events both within the Town and beyond.