AN annual event which gives thanks to Halstead organisations and their hard work was led by mayor Jackie Pell for the last time.

This year’s Civic Service was held at St Andrew's Church, in Parsonage Street, on Sunday at 3pm.

The service was attended by local dignitaries, councillors and representatives of the town’s clubs and organisations.

The service was officiated by Reverend Katie de Bourcier.

VIP attendees included Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Adrian Corder-Birch, Essex County Council chairman Jill Reeves, BraintreeCouncil chairman Lyn Walters, and its leader Graham Butland.

 

Halstead Gazette: In the moment - attendees at the Civic ServiceIn the moment - attendees at the Civic Service (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Halstead Gazette: Next generation - members of Halstead's guides walking into the serviceNext generation - members of Halstead's guides walking into the service (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Halstead Gazette: Speech - Salvation Army member David Mann at the Civic ServiceSpeech - Salvation Army member David Mann at the Civic Service (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Braintree MP James Cleverly was invited to the event but was not able to attend and sent his apologies.

The Civic Service is about bringing the town together and giving thanks.

Mrs Pell said: “The sun shone for us.

“It was a lovely day. It brought a lot of people together and after the service there was a lot of networking as well.

“A lovely event bringing people together and to say our thanks to all these people who are mainly volunteers.

Halstead Gazette: Singing - members of the audience during a hymnSinging - members of the audience during a hymn (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

“I received messages from people saying how much they enjoyed it.”

During the service, there were four special moments led by the mayor, where individuals were surprised with a heart-warming presentation.

Rev Katie de Bourcier, who has been in Halstead for the last eight and half years, was given a special presentation.

She is set to move to Suffolk in the near future, and the Civic Service was her “last big event”.

Malcolm McWilliams was thanked for his dedication to being the town’s Father Christmas for more than 20 years.

Halstead Gazette: Celebrating - another image of two Halstead Brownies at the eventCelebrating - another image of two Halstead Brownies at the event (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Halstead Gazette: Surprised - Reverend Katie de Bourcier being presented by Mayor Jackie Pell Surprised - Reverend Katie de Bourcier being presented by Mayor Jackie Pell (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Halstead Gazette: Positive - Reverend Katie de Bourcier, Mayor Jackie Pell, and Malcolm McWilliamsPositive - Reverend Katie de Bourcier, Mayor Jackie Pell, and Malcolm McWilliams (Image: Tony Sale Photography)

Tony Bird and the Empire Theatre’s former boss Mike George were both set to receive presentations but were unable to attend.

Mrs Pell was especially grateful during her speech as her stint as Halstead mayor ends next week.

She said: “Thank you all for coming and making this service special, especially as it is my last civic event as your mayor.”