The Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

Today is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and Holocaust Memorial Day. On the 27th January 1945, Soviet Soldiers opened the gates of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, freeing the remaining prisoners. Of the estimated 1.1 million people that were sent to Auschwitz during the 5 years of its operation, the liberating soldiers found just 7000 still alive. We join others today in taking time to pause and remember the innocent victims of Nazi persecution and the victims of more recent genocides across the world. We join individuals reflecting on the victims of Holocaust and subsequent genocides by lighting a candle at 8pm this evening. #HMD2025 🕯️

Many thanks to Deputy Lieutenant Elizabeth Toogood for joining the Licensing of Revd. Simon Tibbs at All Saints Church, Bedford. We wish Simon a warm welcome to the Queen's Park community.

We’d like to shine a light on Stanley, our St John Ambulance Cadet. Stanley has recently been made Lead Cadet for his Unit and with over a year left with his unit we know he will be a leading figure for his peers to learn from. Deputy Lieutenant Anthony Abrahams commented: ‘Leadership Cadet is the highest rank achievable for a St John Ambulance Cadet. It requires considerable training and dedication to become eligible and we congratulate Leading Cadet Stanley Redfern on both completing the necessary qualifications and leadership training leading to his promotion to this rank. Well done Stanley.’ Stanley also joined the Bedfordshire #TogetherAtChristmas Community Carol Service, supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and delivered a reading to over 300 guests. Many of our guests commented on how the reading was delivered so eloquently alongside the other readings. He was also recently picked to meet HRH The Princess Royal, who is Commandant-in-Chief Youth of St John Ambulance, at a special reception for young achievers. The event celebrated St John Ambulance Badgers, Cadets and young carers who have made outstanding contributions in their communities. Congratulations Stanley on such a wonderful end of year, we look forward to follow your journey in 2025!

On Saturday 14th December, Deputy Lieutenant Ismail Anilmis joined the raising of the Kenyan Flag in Bedford Town Centre. The day was also part of the 'Back to Our Roots' programme, celebrating and representing cultural identity & vision. During the event, three talented individuals were celebrated with awards. Priscila Mwaura, who turned 75 over the weekend was celebrated for her services to the Kenyan community. Caroline Sani a young fashion designer who has shown her collections at Marrakesh Fashion week was celebrated for her work in the community and beyond, and finally Lenny Njagi was celebrated for their current work as an aspiring politician.

A week on from our #TogetherAtChristmas Community Carol Service supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales we are receiving notes of thanks for the service. So many individuals have remarked how wonderful it felt to be part of a service dedicated to celebrating the love, empathy and kindness that Bedfordshire’s Heroes have shown to others. Many of the notes also contained remarks of the wonderful tree which was so kindly donated by the team at the Luton Hoo Estate. The tree will continue to spread joy to individuals joining church services and events throughout the festive period at St. Mary’s, Luton. A special thanks must also go to Mrs Ruth Jones who decorated this majestic tree and made it so magical for our community service.

The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy was overjoyed to host a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service supported by The Royal Foundation as part of a national initiative inspired by The Princess of Wales' 'Together at Christmas' service at Westminster Abbey, celebrating love, empathy and community spirit this festive season. Yesterday (6th December 2024), HM The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada hosted a service at St. Mary’s Church Luton as one of 15 regional community services across the United Kingdom. The Lord Lieutenant welcomed members of the community from across Bedfordshire to a day time service shining a light on the inspirational individuals of Bedfordshire; Bedfordshire’s Hero’s.  The service centred its values on love, kindness and empathy and honoured individuals from local health and emergency services, community care organisations, community support groups and various faith groups. The attendee’s were wowed by performances from from Linden Academy, St. Matthew’s Primary School, and Chantry Primary School as well as a solo performance from Dorell Thompson of Once In Royal David’s City and readings by Tiziana Di Placido of Carers in Bedfordshire, Cynthia Gresham (DL), Leading Cadet Stanley Redfern (St John Ambulance) and Chimeme Egbutah of Luton Borough Council. The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire commented on the community service: ‘It is an honour that the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales have chosen Bedfordshire to hold one of the 15 community carol services to be held across the country this year. It is wonderful that we can come together in Luton to thank and recognise people from across the county that help others during times of need. We are pleased to have representatives from our Emergency Services, as well as individuals and representatives from voluntary organisations. I would also like to extend my gratitude to some very generous local sponsors for supporting this very special and memorable service.’ The Community Carol Services are proudly supported by Co-op - which provided festive treats - and Hobbycraft, which kindly gifted craft sets to all children attending the Services, as well as Christmas decorations. The Bedfordshire Community Service was also supported by kind donations from local individuals and businesses including Ismail Anilmis, Arora Group, Tesco (Dunstable branch) and Luton Hoo Estate for their kind donation of the fabulous Christmas Tree at St. Mary's Church Luton. The Bedfordshire Community Service ran alongside The Princess of Wales’ Westminster Abbey Service in London yesterday, 6th December 2024. Six members of the community from Bedfordshire were nominated to attend the London service. These individuals were nominated for their services to the local community across Bedfordshire. The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales Luton Borough Council Bedford Borough Council Central Bedfordshire Council

Across Bedfordshire, we stand together remembering the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. #LestWeForget #BedfordshireRemembers

A wonderful partnership between Be Central Bedfordshire - Economic Growth Partnership & Cranfield University. For more information or to book into the interactive workshop, check the link below 👇 #BedfordshireBusiness

⏰Time is running out! There are only two days remaining until the #KingsAwards application deadline. 👑 ❓Do you know of a company who should enter? Tag them below to let them know!👇 Our helpline is on hand to answer your questions. Give us a call or send us an email: 📞020 4551 0081 💻kingsawards@businessandtrade.gov.uk Department for Business and Trade