9 Sep 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022
It is with huge sorrow that we learned of the death of her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022. The Queen ruled for longer than any other sovereign in British history and has been the head of a worldwide family of more than 2½ billion people. She became a much-loved figure in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and across the globe.
Respected for her outstanding sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figure-head for us all.
Her Majesty visited Bedfordshire on numerous occasions, often supported by her loving husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to whom she was married for 73 years.
Flags are being flown at half-mast across Bedfordshire for the period of mourning and books of condolence will be available across Bedfordshire for people to write the messages.
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said: “On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, may I express our sincere condolences to his Royal Highness King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family for the loss of Her Majesty the Queen. Her contribution to the life of this nation and to the Commonwealth was enormous and she was a symbol of strength and stability through the decades in which this world has seen so many changes. May Her Majesty rest in peace.”
7 Sep 2022
New HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
Susan Lousada today succeeds Helen Nellis MA Barrister CVO CStJ as HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire* Susan is well known in Bedfordshire for her contribution to education, the voluntary sector and business across the County.
Susan Lousada said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed by Her Majesty The Queen to become the next Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and I look forward to representing Her Majesty across the county. It is important to me to support those who work to make this county prosper, ensuring opportunities are open to all. Bedfordshire is a truly beautiful and great place to live, and I look forward to serving the people who live and make their lives within it.”
Helen Nellis has held the position for almost eleven years, and she has always demonstrated dignity, integrity, energy and absolute commitment whilst carrying out this role. I wish to pay tribute to Helen’s outstanding service and wish her and Professor Joe Nellis good health and happiness on her retirement.”
5 Sep 2022
Service of Thanksgiving and Welcome
Over 400 people from across Bedfordshire came together at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Sunday 4 September 2022 to give thanks to HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis CVO CStJ and to welcome Lord-Lieutenant (designate) Susan Lousada DL to the role.
Helen Nellis was officially appointed as HM The Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire in November 2011 and took up office in February 2012. Throughout this time, Helen has worked extremely hard to tell the positive story of Bedfordshire by seeking out those who work in so many ways to build communities where all can feel valued, thrive and have a sense of belonging. Helen’s husband, Professor Joe Nellis, has been by her side during her time as Lord-Lieutenant and has supported her every step of the way.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE, Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE and St Paul’s Church The Rev Canon Kevin Goss welcomed guests from across the county and beyond to the service, including High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford and Sir Timothy Clifford, MPs from across Bedfordshire, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, Chief Executive of Central Bedfordshire Council Marcel Coiffait, Mayor of Bedford, Mayor of Luton, Vice Chair of Central Bedfordshire Council, Town Mayors and representatives of countywide organisations and armed forces personnel.
At the service, Mrs Susan Lousada was welcomed as the new Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire*. Susan swore to honour her allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and serve her as Lord-Lieutenant diligently and faithfully. She made a solemn promise to serve the people of Bedfordshire and strive to build a loving and inclusive community.
Susan Lousada will officially become HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire on Wednesday 7 September 2022.
Speaking after the service the Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said: “During these past wonderful years as HM Lord-Lieutenant, I have been blessed to have met so many exceptional people in our county who have lit a fire in me and in others to work towards building stronger and kinder communities, where everyone can feel valued and have a sense of belonging. Thank you all for your warmth and compassion and for believing that each one of us can act to make a difference. My heart will be with you and with Sue Lousada always as she leads us in this joint endeavour.”
Susan Lousada said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed by Her Majesty The Queen to become the next Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and I look forward to representing Her Majesty across the county. It is important to me to support those who work to make this county prosper, ensuring opportunities are open to all. Bedfordshire is a truly beautiful and great place to live and I look forward to serving the people who live and make their lives within it.”
10 Jun 2022
Appointment of Mrs Susan Lousada DL
HM The Queen has been pleased to appoint Mrs Susan Lousada DL as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Bedfordshire on the retirement of Mrs Helen Nellis on Tuesday 6 September 2022.
Mrs Susan Lousada DL was appointed as High Sheriff during the first week of the Covid-19 lockdown, but nevertheless managed to reach out to all parts of the county. In particular, she spearheaded an initiative to tackle digital poverty, resulting in the supply of a significant number of devices to under-privileged children.
An experienced professional director in the family’s property and investment company, Susan also has a huge focus on the voluntary service, with a particular emphasis on helping children and young people. Currently as Vice-President of Bedfordshire NSPCC; as advisor to the senior management team overseeing the Schoolreaders charity; as a Trustee of the Level Trust, which helps children from poorer families in Luton meet the costs of education; and as a Trustee of the HEART multi-academies trust in Bedford, along with many more.
Mrs Lousada lives at Oakley, near Bedford, with her husband Simon. They have two adult children.
Commenting on her appointment as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant* of the County of Bedfordshire, Susan said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed by HM The Queen to the historic role of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
“I look forward to representing our monarchy and serving all people that live and make their lives in Bedfordshire. I am passionate about Bedfordshire and will continue to help and promote all the organisations and individuals that work tirelessly to help others within our community. I am proud to recognise the huge progress that we have made as a county towards the building of a fairer, kinder, respectful community where all can flourish and feel welcome. It has been a wonderful experience to be part of the team led by the current Lord-Lieutenant who has worked so hard to support this progress.
“I would especially like to pay tribute to the outstanding service that Helen Nellis has given during the eleven years she has been Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. She has fulfilled the role with dignity, integrity, energy and absolute commitment.”
* Lord-Lieutenants are appointed as HM The Queen’s representatives in each ceremonial County. There are 98 Lord-Lieutenants who cover all areas of the United Kingdom.
5 Jun 2022
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Bedfordshire Winners 2022
- Buckingham Palace has today announced The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recipients for 2022 and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire*, Helen Nellis, is delighted that four voluntary organisations in Bedfordshire have been recognised.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients of the award are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.
Nationally, 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups have received the prestigious award this year and since its inception in 2002, 44 awards have been made in Bedfordshire. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
Representatives from each of the four winning groups will be presented with the award crystal and certificate by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis later in the summer. In addition, two volunteers from each group will attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
The following Bedfordshire organisations were successful this year:
Bedfordshire Open Door is committed to offering an accessible, confidential and free professional counselling service to young people living in Bedfordshire. Their aim is to enable young people to manage their own lives with confidence and safety.
Biggleswade Good Neighbours is a group run by local residents who volunteer time to help other residents of Biggleswade to provide practical support and friendship to isolated, older and disabled people, enabling them to maintain their independence and well-being.
The John Bunyan Community Boat offers a range of scenic river cruises along the River Great Ouse in Bedford, enabling both local people and visitors to Bedford access to the wonderful river environment. The boat is run entirely by volunteers and is open to everyone.
The Safer Luton Partnership is a multi-award-winning organisation with international recognition. The Partnership continues to work on several projects with specific target groups towards the ongoing goal of developing safer neighbourhoods, improving the quality of life and reducing the level of crime for those who live, work or visit Luton.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said "We are exceptionally fortunate in Bedfordshire to have so many wonderful people giving their time freely and generously for the benefit of others. It is a great joy that these voluntary groups have been awarded such a prestigious honour during this very special Platinum Jubilee year. I am very much looking forward to visiting the groups later this year to present them with their awards and meeting all the wonderful volunteers. I offer them all my sincere congratulations, thanks and best wishes to all the successful groups”.
About the Award
The award is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award that can be made to a voluntary group. The award is managed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
With the majority of volunteers, groups of two or more people for volunteer work can be nominated, and more than half of the volunteers must have rights living in the UK. Their works must be on service, meets a need, supported, recognised and respected for and by the local community. The groups of volunteers must be running their service for three years or more
Each nomination is first appraised in the county where the group works. This appraisal is led by the Lord Lieutenant, Her Majesty's representative in the county, helped by a County Assessment Panel of leading representatives from diverse sectors of the community. The Lord-Lieutenant or their representatives, or both, may meet with the nominated group.
A Specialist Assessment Panel of independent volunteering experts from across the UK judge nominated groups against the Award criteria, taking into account the first appraisal. The panel passes its recommendations to the Main Award Committee.
The Main Award Committee advise the Cabinet Office and the Minister for Civil Society.
The award is decided after the Queen has given her formal approval.
Notes
*Lord Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties.
How to nominate? Details are available at https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk
Nominations for the 2023 awards close on 15 September 2022.
1 Jun 2022
Lord-Lieutenant Cadets treated to a quintessential trip to see the Guards in London
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire* took her seven Cadets on a trip to London on Monday 30th May to the Guards Museum at Birdcage Walk.
The Cadets were given a tour of Wellington Barracks where they saw King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery cleaning their field guns and tending to their horses in preparation for the Royal Salute they will fire in Hyde Park after they take part in the forthcoming ceremony of Trooping the Colour which marks the start of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee weekend festivities.
They also witnessed the first part of the ceremony of Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. A world-famous ceremony which is unchanged since 1837! They saw the Royal Gurkha Logistic Regiment getting on parade and being inspected before they marched away to Buckingham Palace behind their regimental Band, Pipes and Drums. The Cadets then had a tour of the museum and The Guards Chapel. The museum tour was paused to see the Coldstream Guards march back into barracks having finished their duty guarding the palaces. What could be more quintessentially British than scarlet tunics and bearskin caps on a summer’s day in London? Photo opportunities were grabbed to record a memorable day.
The visit was kindly hosted by the Director of the Guards Museum, Andrew Wallis MBE DL, who is also the Honorary Colonel for Beds & Herts ACF.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are:
Cadet Corporal Benjamin Cornforth – Bedfordshire Sea Cadets
Cadet Sergeant Matthew Brewer – Bedford Modern Combined Cadet Force
Cadet Sergeant Major Chloe Bezer – Beds & Herts ACF
Cadet Warrant Officer Toby Shortman – Beds & Cambs ATC
Leading Cadet Cameron Moore – St John Ambulance
Drill Cadet Lukas Wescott – Bedfordshire Police
Cadet Crew Manager Keown Seldon – Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
* Lord-Lieutenants are appointed as HM The Queen’s representatives in each ceremonial County. There are 98 Lord-Lieutenants who cover all areas of the United Kingdom.
8 Apr 2022
HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Presentation of Certificates of Meritorious Service
At a special ceremony held at The Army Reserve Centre in Bedford, by kind permission of Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR DL, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, presented five Lord-Lieutenant Certificates for Meritorious Service for exceptional service by non-commissioned members of the Reserve Forces, Adult Instructors of the Cadet Forces, and Civilians employed with units or holding recognised unpaid posts. The Lord-Lieutenant was supported at the ceremony by Cadet Staff Sergeant Chloe Bezer (Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force), Cadet Sergeant Matthew Brewer (Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force), Leading Cadet Cameron Moore (St John Ambulance) and Drill Cadet Lukas Wescott (Bedfordshire Police).
Invited guests included Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force Commandant Colonel Andre Clark, Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, President of St John Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE, Chairman of the Bedfordshire County Forum Major Simon Sadler TD DL and personnel from East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Guests were joined by recipients and family members to hear details about the achievements of each Adult Instructor, read by their Commanding Officers.
The recipients honoured were:
- SSI Jonathan Pratt – Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force
- AUO Greg Finlay – Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force
- Cadet Instructor Rachel Carne – Bedfordshire Police
- Steven Crome MStJ – St John Ambulance
- Steve Wilson – St John Ambulance
At the same ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant presented a Cadet Forces Medal to Colonel Andrew Every for his long service to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force. Colonel Every joined Beds & Herts ACF in 2009 having previously been a Reservist. His first role when he joined was Deputy Commandant; he became the Regional Sports Officer for Eastern Region in 2014 and in 2016, he took over as Commandant.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the achievements and huge contribution of the people who were presented with Certificates of Meritorious Service and the Cadet Forces Medal. They are an inspiration to us all and a reminder of how much difference each of us can make when we go the extra mile to serve in these important organisations within our communities. My sincere thanks to each recipient for their service and leadership”.
4 Apr 2022
New High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2022-2023 is sworn in
Lady Jane Clifford, the new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2022/2023, was installed at Elstow Abbey on Sunday 3 April 2022. succeeds Eric Masih.
Lady Clifford was born in Tanzania where her father, Sir George Paterson, was Attorney General. She was brought up in Sierra Leone, Ghana and Zambia as her family moved around with her father’s work, latterly as Chief Justice. One of her earliest memories was accompanying her parents to the Assizes in a huge dugout canoe crossing the Zambezi River as there were no roads or bridges. In Ghana, Sir George worked with Kwame Nkrumah to ensure the smooth transition to independence. Jane finished her education in Dorset before moving to London to read Art History at the Courtauld Institute, London University. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Timothy.
Jane started out as a lecturer for the Workers’ Educational Association in Manchester before becoming the art critic of the Daily Telegraph. At the same time, she began closely assisting Laura Ashley, finding and copying antique wallpaper and textile designs and writing books about furnishing and decorating houses for the company. After Laura’s tragic death, Jane moved to Zoffany, another wallpaper and fabric manufacturer.
While her husband was directing the Manchester City Art Galleries, Jane set up and ran the events for the Friends. When Timothy moved to direct the National Galleries of Scotland, Jane performed a similar role for the Patrons. Supporting her husband’s role took up a lot of her time and her career was put on hold. Timothy was knighted by Her Majesty in 2002.
After their retirement in 2010, the Cliffords moved to Bedfordshire to be nearer London and their only daughter and grandson.
Jane has helped various charities to organise large-scale events, including Help the Aged, Save the Children and the NSPCC. She is a keen bridge player and founded a book club which is still going strong after 30 years. They own a small house in Umbria in Italy; Jane speaks Italian and is a great Italophile.
Jane feels very honoured to have been nominated as High Sheriff for Bedfordshire for 2022-23 and will endeavour to serve the county to the best of her ability.
Initiatives and Objectives for 2022-2023
Jane is particularly excited to be holding office the year of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and is keen to support the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’. In the wake of the pandemic, the special importance of green spaces has become evident to help combat isolation, promote mental health and physical wellbeing and, by improving the surroundings in deprived areas, prevent crime. With this in mind, Jane is keen to support charities that promote sports for all ages, rehabilitation and prevention of homelessness. In the last few months, the world has changed and we must now face the new and unexpected challenges presented by the crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan.
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year.
Whilst the duties of the role have evolved over time, supporting the Crown and the judiciary remain central elements of the role today. In addition, High Sheriffs actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector. In recent years, High Sheriffs in many parts of England and Wales have been particularly active in encouraging crime reduction initiatives, especially among young people. Many High Sheriffs also assist Community Foundations and local charities working with vulnerable and other people both in endorsing and helping to raise the profile of their valuable work. The High Sheriffs´ Association adopted National Crimebeat in recent years in response to specific areas of need.
High Sheriffs receive no remuneration and no part of the expense of a High Sheriff’s year falls on the public purse.
13 March 2022
Bedfordshire New Year Honours Recipients Meet up in Ceremony
At a special ceremony held at Putteridge Bury, by kind permission of Vice Chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis brought together Bedfordshire recipients who were recognised in the New Year Honours List 2022. The event was held to celebrate their success, and to learn about the work behind their achievements. At the same ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant presented an MBE and British Empire Medals to six Bedfordshire recipients on behalf of HM The Queen.
Dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, the Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council Cllr Brian Saunders, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and Town Mayors of Shefford, Dunstable and Leighton-Linslade. They were joined by recipients’ family members and friends to hear details about their achievements which were read out by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.
The recipients honoured, celebrated and presented with their MBE/British Empire Medals were:
Ms Jenny Coles CBE, for services to Children's Social Care.
Mrs Deborah Inskip OBE DL, for services to the community in Bedfordshire, particularly during Covid-19.
Councillor James Jamieson OBE, for services to Local Government.
Professor Alan Cottenden MBE, for services to Sufferers of Incontinence.
Mr David Jonathan MBE, for services to Community Cohesion and Interfaith Relations in Luton, Bedfordshire.
Mr Paul Mackin MBE, for services to Local Government.
Mr Charan Sekhon MBE, for services to Charity, Diversity and the Environment, particularly during Covid-19.
Mrs Caroline Coster MBE, for services to Education in Bedfordshire and to Charity in Africa (pictured above)
Mr Paul Latimer BEM, for services to the community in Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire during Covid19.
Muhammad Kamil Ali BEM, for services to Education.
Rosemary George BEM, for services to the community in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire during Covid-19.
Nikki Iles BEM, for services to Music (pictured above).
Cathryn Legg BEM, for services to the community in Luton, Bedfordshire particularly during Covid-19.
Nicola Perfect BEM, for services to the community in Riseley, Bedfordshire particularly during Covid-19.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony: “It is always a genuine pleasure to celebrate the work and contribution of those people who have achieved national recognition. Their stories were all unique, but they all had a common goal – to enhance the lives of others and demonstrate kindness, humanitarianism and community spirit. They have all gone above and beyond for the good of others and, for that, I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to them all.”
3 Nov 2021
HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets ready for service
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis
recently appointed her cadets for 2021/2022 at a
ceremony held at Bedford Modern School
by kind permission of the Head, Mr Alex Tate.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony, which was held in line with current COVID-19 guidelines, included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, Speaker of Bedford Borough Council Cllr Jane Walker, Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council Cllr Brian Saunders, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, Chief Executive of the East Anglia Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR DL and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE. They were joined at the ceremony by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE, representatives from the various cadet organisations, Deputy Lieutenants and cadets’ family members.
The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets is to support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her duties and their selection and appointment acknowledge their outstanding contribution to their cadet service and to the community.
This year’s cadets are Cadet Corporal Benjamin Cornforth (Luton Royal Marines Cadet Detachment), Cadet Sergeant Matthew Brewer (Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force), Cadet Staff Sergeant Chloe Bezer (Beds & Herts Army Cadet Force), Flight Sergeant Toby Shortman (Henlow Squadron, Air Training Corps), Cadet Sergeant Cameron Moore (St John Ambulance), Drill Cadet Lukas Wescott (Bedfordshire Police Cadets), Cadet Crew Manager Keown Seldon (Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service).
The Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets are the finest of the many talented young people in the cadet forces within Bedfordshire. They are excellent leaders and a credit to their organisations and to the county.
Speaking after the commissioning the Lord-Lieutenant said: "My Lord-Lieutenant Cadets continue to impress me year on year with their professionalism, dedication to the county and confidence in meeting a wide range of people. They represent some of the finest young people of Bedfordshire and I am excited for the year ahead. I wish my new Lord-Lieutenant Cadets a fulfilling and rewarding year.”
9 Sept 2021
New Dean of St Albans Appointed to serve Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis is delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of The Venerable Joanne Kelly-Moore, Archdeacon of Canterbury and Residentiary Canon at Canterbury Cathedral, for election as Dean of St Albans, in succession to The Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John following his resignation on 31st March 2021.
The role of the Dean of St Albans is to lead the life and work of the Cathedral Church of St Alban and to share with the Diocesan Bishop and other senior colleagues in the oversight of the Diocese of St Albans and in supporting its vision of ‘Living God’s Love’.
The Venerable Joanne Kelly-Moore will lead the Cathedral community in sharing and demonstrating the Gospel in the City of St Albans and across the counties of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Commenting on the appointment, the Lord-Lieutenant said: “I am thrilled to welcome the new Dean of St Albans to the Diocese of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. I know that the new Dean will receive a warm welcome from everybody, and we all look forward to working with her.”
Background
Joanne was educated at Victoria University of Wellington and the Law Society of New Zealand. After a career in the law in Wellington and London she completed a theology degree at the Bible College of New Zealand, followed by graduate studies for the ministry at St John’s Theological College in Auckland. Joanne served her title at St Aidan’s, Remuera in the Diocese of Auckland, and was ordained Priest in 2001. Becoming Vicar of St Aidan’s in 2004, Joanne took up the additional role of Chaplain for Corran School for Girls and in 2005 was appointed Acting Archdeacon of Auckland for the duration of 18 months. Joanne became Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland in 2010. In 2017, Joanne took up her current roles as Archdeacon of Canterbury and Residentiary Canon at Canterbury Cathedral.
20 July 2021
HM Lord-Lieutenant’s British Empire Medal Presentation Ceremony held at Luton Hoo Hotel
At a special ceremony held on Monday 19 July at Luton Hoo Hotel, by kind permission of General Manager Mr Matthew Long, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis brought together six Bedfordshire recipients who received British Empire Medals in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday and 2021 New Year’s Honours Lists, to present their medals on behalf of HM Queen.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Mr Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE was the Master of Ceremonies at the reception and the following dignitaries were in attendance: High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson and Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst. They were joined by recipients and their family members to hear details about their achievements, which were read out by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.
The recipients honoured and presented with their British Empire Medals were:
Chief Inspector Mohammad Aziz BEM
For services to Policing and Diversity
Ms Haley Ethridge BEM
For services to Radio Broadcasting and Young People during COVID-19
Police Constable Ruth Honegan BEM
For services to Policing and Diversity
Mrs Rani Kaur BEM
For services to the community in Bedfordshire during COVID-19
Mr Geoffrey Michael Dimmock BEM
For services to the community in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Mr Craig Stephen Russell BEM
For services to Communications during COVID-19
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet some wonderful Bedfordshire people and present them with their British Empire Medals on behalf of HM The Queen. Their stories were so inspiring and demonstrated how, as a County, when ordinary people pull together and look out for their neighbours, they can make a real difference in the lives of others. My sincere congratulations to all the worthy recipients.”
31 Mar 2021
Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in Easter Service Broadcast
- Bedfordshire Lieutenancy: Lord-Lieutenant brings a virtual message of rebirth and renewal to the people of Bedfordshire
In the last 12 months, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis has been keeping in touch with the people of Bedfordshire virtually through her weekly online messages, periodic virtual services and via regular contact with voluntary organisations, businesses, and faith, health and educational establishments.
Throughout the pandemic, individuals and organisations alike have felt the full impact of the virus in a variety of ways including the loss of loved ones, the closure of businesses and schools, challenges of remote learning and the struggles to keep charities afloat. The purpose of the messages, services and regular contact has been to boost morale, spread a message of hope and say thank you to all those who have stood up and made life better for the less fortunate.
The theme of the Lord-Lieutenant’s forthcoming Easter Service is “You Raise Me Up” and draws on the people of Bedfordshire who have shown that the path to building a better world is for us to create the world we want to live in. The Service includes an address from the Bishop of Bedford, prayers read by people from the local community and interviews with local leaders who have first-hand knowledge of the positive impact that the community have made during the pandemic.
The Easter Service will be available to view on YouTube from 1st April 2021 and the link will be posted on social media and placed on the Lord-Lieutenant’s website.
Speaking about the Easter Service, the Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said, “I look forward to joining with you this Easter through this video. Our experience of the pandemic in Bedfordshire has demonstrated that we are powerful people, able to rise to the call of need and to reach out across communities to help each other. We have shown the impact we can make with focus, courage in our hearts, and the inspiration of a set of spiritual and human values which cries out for kindness and generosity of spirit for all”.
National Day of Reflection Message (23 March 2021)
20 Dec 2021
Lord-Lieutenant brings a virtual message of Hope to the people of Bedfordshire
- Lord-Lieutenant brings a virtual message of Hope to the people of Bedfordshire to reflect on the extraordinary year we have had and look forward to next year.
The Lord-Lieutenant has held countless meetings online and sent virtual messages of support throughout the year and wanted to end 2020 with a message of Hope to bring communities together as one.
The theme of the message, which is “We Stand Together as One”, pays tribute to those who have made sacrifices during COVID-19 and gives thanks to the people of Bedfordshire for loving their neighbours as themselves. The message includes an address from the Bishop of Bedford, a message from the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police and interviews with volunteers who have given many hours of their time freely to serve their communities.
The Christmas Message will be available to view on YouTube from 21st December 2020 and the link will be posted on social media and placed on the Lord-Lieutenant’s website at:
Speaking about the Christmas Message, the Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said:
“I feel privileged to be part of a county that demonstrates such care for each other. This year I have been inspired by the way ordinary people in Bedfordshire have done extraordinary things to help those in need of a helping hand. No matter what our backgrounds or faith traditions we have demonstrated that we stand together as one when the going gets tough. I hope you will enjoy the Christmas Message and I wish you many blessings during this festive season. Please keep safe and celebrate wisely.”
