Lord Lieutenant makes emotional farewell

5:21pm Sunday 12th October 2008

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AN ERA drew to a close today when the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire stepped down after 31 years service.

Hundreds gathered in Hereford Cathedral this afternoon (Sunday) to thank Sir Thomas and Lady Dunne.

Sir Thomas, of Gatley Park, near Wigmore, is retiring as the Queen’s representative in Herefordshire.

He and his wife, Lady Henrietta, have met and represented Her Majesty on countless occasions in the county since 1977.

More than 2000 people from charity figures to councillors attended this afternoon’s service of celebration.

Sir John Cotterell, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire and chairman of the Mappa Mundi Trust, praised the couple.

“There’s far too many people here today for me to name, but I know how much they’ve all appreciated your support,” he said.

Sir Thomas was presented with commemorative artwork and thanked the organisers of the 90 minute service.

“When they said they wanted a service in the cathedral I was worried it would turn into a memorial service,” he joked.

“I would like to thank everybody who has contributed - I’m terribly grateful to the people who have come and it’s been an absolute sheer delight to see you.”

More in this week’s Hereford Times.