Dame Susan Snowdon, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, was joined by family, friends and community partners for a special choral Evensong service at Durham Cathedral. The service, to celebrate her 13 years of dedication to the role and the County of Durham, took place on Saturday 14 March.
Sue is stepping down from the role that she describes as ‘bridging the gap between the community and the monarchy’ on her 75th birthday, 1 April. She has been so effective as Durham's first female Lord-Lieutenant, that she was knighted as a Dame Commander in The King’s Birthday Honours last year.
The service was led by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Dr Philip Plyming. During the service, Sue spoke warmly of her time in post, referring to it as ‘an enormous honour and a privilege’.
After a long and distinguished teaching career, the former headteacher has built a reputation for her tireless dedication to the whole community. She is an advocate of the power of education and has been a keen supporter of the collaboration between charities, businesses, schools, colleges and the University throughout her tenure.
There wasn't a single day when I met a group or volunteer and didn't come home feeling humbled. It has enriched my life.
The University was represented by our Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global), Professor Claire O’Malley, and Executive Director, Communications and External Relations, Lucian Hudson. The Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, was overseas on business.
Professor O’Malley paid tribute to the Lord-Lieutenant, thanking her for her warmth, leadership and for her contribution to raising the profile of education.
The role of His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant originated in the 1540s under Henry VIII. Temporary military leaders managed regional forces to prevent invasions and rebellions, before the role evolved to become ceremonial and apolitical.
Sue has set out to make it more relevant to the people of Durham by increasing awareness of the role, as well as going into schools, visiting businesses, and expanding the number of Deputy Lieutenants to increase presence at events such as Remembrance Day and citizenship ceremonies.
The Lieutenancy is also responsible for organising royal visits to the area, including the successful visit of Their Majesties The King and Queen to Durham Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service just last year.
She will hand over to Mike Butterwick, who has been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant after a distinguished military career.
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