This is why a special service of thanksgiving was held at Chichester Cathedral for West Sussex's Lord Lieutenant Dame Susan Pyper and the tributes that were paid to her

By Gary Shipton
Published 10th Jul 2022, 18:38 BST
Updated 10th Jul 2022, 20:10 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Dame Susan Pyper’s 14 years service as HM Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex was celebrated at a special service of choral evensong at Chichester Cathedral on Sunday July 10.

At the conclusion of the service, the Bishop of Chichester Dr Martin Warner blessed Dame Susan and her husband Jonathan, adding his own heartfelt thanks to the Queen’s representative in the county before she retires at the end of July.

As he presented her with a bouquet of flowers, Dr Warner spoke of the very great inspiration Dame Susan had been to encourage other women into leadership roles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The thanksgiving was led by the Dean of Chichester the Very Rev Stephen Waine who said: “Since her appointment as Lord Lieutenant in 2008, Dame Susan has worked tirelessly for the good of the county.

Choral Evensong at Chichester Cathedral on July 10, 2022 with thanksgiving for the service of Dame Susan Pyper DCVO, the retiring HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex. From the left, the Bishop of Chichester Dr Martin Warner, Dame Susan Pyper, the Dean of Chichester the Very Rev Stephen Waine, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex James Whitmore.Choral Evensong at Chichester Cathedral on July 10, 2022 with thanksgiving for the service of Dame Susan Pyper DCVO, the retiring HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex. From the left, the Bishop of Chichester Dr Martin Warner, Dame Susan Pyper, the Dean of Chichester the Very Rev Stephen Waine, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex James Whitmore.
Choral Evensong at Chichester Cathedral on July 10, 2022 with thanksgiving for the service of Dame Susan Pyper DCVO, the retiring HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex. From the left, the Bishop of Chichester Dr Martin Warner, Dame Susan Pyper, the Dean of Chichester the Very Rev Stephen Waine, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex James Whitmore.

"She is committed to bringing people together to make things happen, to share encouragement and expertise, to seek ways to help overcome some of the challenges we face by building partnerships between business, education, and the voluntary sector.

"She maintains close links with the armed forces and the magistrates, and all this is achieved in addition to the ceremonial role of representing the Queen in the county and receiving Royal visitors.

"As important as these ceremonial roles are they are no less important than occupying the Lieutenancy in such a way that it brings influence to bear to bring people together, honour their achievements, represent those who might otherwise go unnoticed, and encourage us all as we seek to be a county in which all may flourish. Dame Susan has done so with distinction.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said that in an interview Dame Susan had described this cathedral as a spiritual rock.

"This afternoon we thank Dame Susan especially for all the support she has given the cathedral.”

He wished her a long and happy retirement.

Guests included Deputy Lieutenants from across West Sussex, the previous Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Hugh Wyatt CVO, and the current High Sheriff of West Sussex James Whitmore and his wife Sara.

The Lieutenancy and High Sheriff roles are all politically neutral and entirely unpaid.

The next Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex will be Lady Emma Barnard who takes up her appointment on August 1.

Related topics:Queen