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A number of representatives of the Bailiwick's civic and emergency services are due to be in London this weekend for the King's Coronation.
The Lieutenant Governor and the Bailiff have received invitations in their capacity as the Monarch's representative in the island and Guernsey's leading citizen and representative in non-political matters.
The event on Saturday will be screened live at the KGV for people in Guernsey to watch together, with other events planned across the Bailiwick too so everyone can be involved.
His Excellency, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell said he was very proud to have been asked to represent all of our islands, alongside Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Pictured: Mrs Cripwell and the Lieutenant Governor attended the Queen's funeral representing the Bailiwick.
"It is a singular honour to be representing one of the Crown’s oldest possessions at the start of a new chapter in the nation’s story. The fact that the Bailiff and I have been invited to attend the Coronation also reaffirms the close and enduring bond between these islands and the Crown, which defines our constitutional identity," said the Lieutenant-Governor.
"I am delighted that the Bailiwick will be there alongside representatives from the Houses of Parliament, heads of state and other royalty from around the world."
The coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May during the upcoming four day bank holiday weekend.
The Lieutenant-Governor and the Bailiff, Mr Richard McMahon, will both return to the island immediately after the ceremony in London to take part in the Coronation Church Service in the Town Church on Sunday 7 May. That has been timed to coincide with similar celebrations in cathedrals across the United Kingdom.
Also in London over the Coronation will be members of staff of Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service and Guernsey Police. They will all be there in an official capacity representing their organisations and/or supporting colleagues in the blue light services at the high profile event.
Long serving volunteer Alan Stevens will represent the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity at a Coronation event in the capital. He has been a member of St John for more than 45 years having joined as a Cadet at the age of 12.
Head of Operations Dean de la Mare and Paramedic Nick Peters will represent Guernsey’s St John Ambulance & Rescue Service at the Coronation.
Both men will be part of the Uniformed Civilian Services contingent meaning they'll be among those lining the streets for the Whitehall section of the King’s procession as it moves between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Mr de la Mare said: “It is a great honour to represent Guernsey’s ambulance service and be invited to take part in the King’s Coronation. There is a longstanding bond between the emergency services and the monarchy, and King Charles is also the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John.
"A lot of logistical and operational planning goes into every ceremonial event and the King’s procession will be no exception. A high level of professionalism will be expected from everyone involved. We will be wearing our dress uniform and white gloves and there will be just a brief opportunity to rehearse the drill on the evening before the parade.”
Meanwhile in Guernsey, Paul Philips will represent the ambulance service at the Coronation parade which will assemble at Belvedere, Fort George on Saturday morning and march down the Val des Terres to the Model Yacht Pond. Volunteers Robin Gonard, Jacqueline Hancock and Tanya Goubert will form the colour party for the St John Ambulance charity for the Guernsey parade.
On Sunday Aimee Lihou, Head of Quality and Patient Safety, will represent the Ambulance & Rescue Service at the Coronation Church Service at the Town Church, St Peter Port.
Volunteers from the St John Ambulance charity will also be on duty providing first aid cover at a number of public events in Guernsey over the weekend, as well as Liberation Day events later in the week.
Pictured: PCs Lyndsey Bell and Emma Bailey.
PCs Emma Bailey and Lyndsey Bell have been deployed to support the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) during the celebrations, along with other colleagues from across the country who will head to the capital for the occasion.
The pair will be attending a briefing for their deployment tomorrow where they will be assigned their specific duties. PC Bell said she's looking forward to it.
“I am thrilled to have been given this unique opportunity to participate in a once in a career occasion, in the policing of a major national event and celebration. I have 14 years’ experience within Guernsey Police and I have never experienced anything similar. I am truly grateful to have been selected and I am looking forward to the occasion. I am proud and honoured to represent Guernsey Police and the Island of Guernsey at the Coronation of King Charles III.”
PC Bailey is also pleased to be involved with the historic event.
“I feel extremely honoured and privileged to of been selected to assist with Policing the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, on behalf of the Bailiwick Law Enforcement. This is a ‘once in a career’ opportunity, which will allow to me have an experience of a lifetime with memories to cherish.”
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