As Mayor of Richmond and final outing of a very busy week, I had the absolute pleasure of joining the Scouts and Guides at The Garrison Memorial Church of St Martin & St Oswald for their very special Peace Light Service of Reception.

The Peace Light is a powerful symbol of hope, peace, and understanding. It is lit each year in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem and then shared across the world by Scouts and Guides, passing from hand to hand and country to country as a reminder that peace begins with each of us.

I was honoured to deliver the second reading, taken from the Gospel of Matthew: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Words that felt especially meaningful in a service centred on light, service, and kindness.

We sang some beautiful hymns, were treated to truly fabulous organ music, and enjoyed a wonderful sense of togetherness throughout the service. The evening ended on a joyful note as we all shared jelly babies,a simple but perfect reminder that community is built just as much through small, shared moments as it is through ceremony. A service well attended and lovely to see The Mayor of Colburn Cllr Akuila Tutora and also Cllr Kevin Foster supporting also.

My thanks to everyone involved for such a moving and uplifting service. It was a privilege to be part of it.

Cllr C Tate

Mayor of Richmond