The Harwich Society’s 50th anniversary year culminated on Friday with a civic service in honour of the Harwich Society taking place in St Nicholas’ church.
Harwich Town Council had granted a civic service for this purpose earlier in the year and it provided the opportunity to celebrate all that has been achieved by the Harwich Society and why Historic Harwich is worthy of all of the time, effort and commitment.
Harwich Society chairman, Colin Farnell, says, “Harwich is a truly remarkable town and I am extremely proud of all that the Harwich Society has done and will continue to do to promote and preserve what makes it so special. We are very grateful to Harwich Town Council for granting the Society the honour of a civic service and it was an unforgettable occasion for everyone present.”
The civic service was conducted by the Bishop of Colchester, the right reverend Roger Morris, and was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, the High Sheriff of Essex, Dr. James Bettley, Baroness Jenkin of Kennington on behalf of Sir Bernard Jenkin MP and the chairman of Tendring District Council, Cllr. Daniel Land.
The service included prayers for the Harwich Society and our town from Rev Canon Margaret Shaw, a sermon from Bishop Roger in which he spoke warmly of Harwich and the singing of the Harwich Hymn, ‘Through Your good grace our town remains’.
“It was an incredibly moving and uplifting service and I know that the Harwich Society members who packed St Nicholas church shared many thoughts about all of the Society members who are no longer with us and who did so much to make the Harwich Society what it is today.”
The civic service was followed by a Harwich Society reception at the 1912 Centre where memories, stories and ideas continued to be shared. Once again the work ethic of Harwich Society members was in evidence as a team of members oversaw the buffet, served drinks and ensured the kettle was always on the boil.
Harwich Society Membership Secretary, Aileen Farnell, who oversaw the provision of food and drink, says
“Before he left Bishop Roger stuck his head through the serving hatch and gave us the thumbs up. The Harwich Society is regularly thanked for all that it does but that particular ‘thank you’ will remain in my memory for a very long time!”
For further information please contact Colin Farnell on 01255 553610 or Garry Calver on 01255 551940
