Mayor’s Civic Service celebrates sanctuary-finding kindness and acceptance

Kindness and acceptance - the twin pillars of sanctuary - were at the heart of this year’s Mayor’s Civic Service in Twickenham earlier this month.

The Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Nancy Baldwin, led a procession from York House to St Mary’s Parish Church in Twickenham, alongside the Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Mayor of Sutton, Chief Executive of Richmond Council and local councillors.

The service was led by the Reverend Jeff Hopkin Williams and reflected the Mayor’s theme for her mayoral year: sanctuary and the importance of fostering kindness and acceptance across our communities.

As a Borough of Sanctuary, Richmond is committed to welcoming people seeking sanctuary and helping them participate in and contribute to local life.

Councillor Baldwin said: “Richmond is at its best when we look out for one another and make everyone feel welcome. Being a place of sanctuary means creating a borough where kindness and acceptance are part of everyday life. 

“I was delighted that our Civic Service brought people together to reflect on and celebrate those values.”

Find out more about the Mayor's chosen charities, Cocoon Care After Care and Skylarks, and upcoming charity events.