Bedfordshire Lieutenancy

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy Facebook feed for HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy was delighted to support this year’s Cranfield University   2026, celebrating innovation, e...
17/06/2026

The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy was delighted to support this year’s Cranfield University 2026, celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and business excellence.

It was particularly good to hear from Edward Phillips DL, whose inspirational keynote address on the evolution of the Luton Hoo Estate demonstrated how organisations can embrace change whilst preserving their heritage. Thanks also to Ali Bradbury DL for highlighting the sustainability support available to local businesses through Cranfield University’s Green Business Network.

Cranfield University Cranfield School of Management continues to be one of ’s great assets, helping businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators turn ideas into success.

We would also encourage our businesses to consider applying for the prestigious The King's Awards for Enterprise, which recognises outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and social mobility. If you are interested in applying then local support can be found at The King's Awards for Enterprise in Bedfordshire on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kings-awards-for-enterprise-in-bedfordshire
or by contacting the Lieutenancy's KAE chair in Nick Kier BEM DL FNAEA

We look forward to continuing to support opportunities that encourage growth, sustainability and enterprise across the county.

Find out more about the VentureDay 2026 here -

https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/events/venture-day

The Lord-Lieutenant was represented by Deputy Lieutenant Vinod Tailor at the second Flag Raising event for Gypsy, Roma, ...
16/06/2026

The Lord-Lieutenant was represented by Deputy Lieutenant Vinod Tailor at the second Flag Raising event for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities in Luton Town Hall

Fantastic work from Luton Roma Trust, Luton Irish Forum, staff, volunteers, speakers, funders, partners, and members of the community who came together to celebrate and support GRT people in Luton.

Aragon Day Festival Returns to Ampthill Congratulations to Ampthill Cultural Events, the many volunteers, performers, hi...
15/06/2026

Aragon Day Festival Returns to Ampthill

Congratulations to Ampthill Cultural Events, the many volunteers, performers, historians, researchers and supporters who worked so hard to bring the festival back to life.

The Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Susan Lousada commented, "It was a pleasure to open the Aragon Day Festival and to see the return of this much-loved community event after a six-year absence.

The magnificent Tudor costumes, Golden Hare Morris dancers and the beautiful setting of Ampthill Great Park created a memorable celebration of the town’s remarkable heritage.

What made the festival particularly special was the way it brought together so many different elements. History, archaeology, education, academic research and community engagement were combined in a way that made the past accessible and relevant to people of all ages."

The archaeological excavation taking place alongside the festival, together with the work of the Henry on Tour project, added a fascinating new dimension and demonstrated how local history can continue to inform and inspire future generations. A wonderful example of a community celebrating and preserving its heritage.

Major Simon Sadler DL was delighted to attend the Biggleswade Branch Royal Artillery Association’s 80th Anniversary Gard...
14/06/2026

Major Simon Sadler DL was delighted to attend the Biggleswade Branch Royal Artillery Association’s 80th Anniversary Garden Party last weekend. The Deputy Lieutenant and former artillery officer enjoyed time with branch members, the Mayor of Biggleswade and national RAA dignitaries. Congratulations to Mr Ted McKenzie on being awarded the distinguished RAA medal.

Happy Trooping the Colour day — London is alive with military precision, pageantry and music as the 1st Battalion Grenad...
13/06/2026

Happy Trooping the Colour day — London is alive with military precision, pageantry and music as the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards troop their Colour before His Majesty at Horse Guards Parade, with over 1,350 soldiers, 200 horses and 300 musicians celebrating heritage and service. Whether you’re watching down The Mall, tuning into the BBC, or waiting for the RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace at 1:00 PM, join us in wishing His Majesty a wonderful official birthday!

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire is delighted to announce that 7 individuals have been recognised in HM The...
13/06/2026

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire is delighted to announce that 7 individuals have been recognised in HM The King’s Birthday Honours list 2026.

🎖️ Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Professor Fiona MacLeod CLARKE
Head of Capability Electronic Warfare Sensors, Leonardo UK Ltd. For services to defence and STEM education.

Mr Mark STEWART
Courts and Tribunals Director, HM Courts & Tribunals Service. For public service.

🎖️ Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Ms Wendy Elizabeth Barry BARNES
District Commissioner, Oakley Hunt West Pony Club. For services to children

Ms Carolyn Mary BEETON
For services to the community in Slip End, Luton.

The Reverend Sandra HOWES (Cassandra Howes)
For services to education and inter-faith relations in Bedfordshire.

Mr Michael James MITCHELL
Custodian, Prime Minister’s Office. For public service.

Mr Michael Evan WEST
For services to the community in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

Bedford Borough Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Luton Council

Celebrating Pride Month: Respect, Inclusion and Belonging Across Bedfordshire 🌈June marks Pride Month — an important opp...
12/06/2026

Celebrating Pride Month: Respect, Inclusion and Belonging Across Bedfordshire 🌈

June marks Pride Month — an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, reflect on the journey towards equality, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves.

As Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, I have the privilege of meeting remarkable people from every part of our county. One of Bedfordshire’s greatest strengths is its diversity — the different backgrounds, experiences and voices that enrich our communities and bring us closer together.

Pride is not only a celebration; it is also a reminder of the importance of kindness, understanding and standing alongside one another. Inclusion means ensuring that every individual, regardless of who they are or whom they love, feels a true sense of belonging.

I would like to recognise the many volunteers, community groups, organisations and allies across Bedfordshire who work tirelessly to support equality and create safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people.

This month, and every month, let us continue to champion dignity, respect and compassion — values that unite us all.

Wishing everyone celebrating a happy and meaningful Pride Month.

On Tuesday evening the Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to visit the Dunstable Police Cadet Unit, where she had the pleasur...
11/06/2026

On Tuesday evening the Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to visit the Dunstable Police Cadet Unit, where she had the pleasure of spending time with her Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet and meeting many of the impressive young people who are
part of the unit.

"It was a privilege to present BTEC certificates to a number of cadets in
recognition of their hard work, commitment and achievement. Congratulations to all those who received their qualifications – a wonderful accomplishment and one which reflects the dedication they have shown.

I also enjoyed listening to a fascinating presentation about the wide range of career opportunities available within Bedfordshire Police

What impressed me so much was learning that, since September last year, the cadets have collectively contributed an extraordinary 3,705 hours of volunteering. This remarkable figure speaks volumes about the community spirit of these young people.

My sincere thanks go to all the cadets for the contribution they make through their volunteering, and to the cadet instructors who generously give their own time to provide such valuable opportunities and experiences for young people.

Thank you to everyone at the Dunstable Police Cadet Unit for such a warm welcome and an enjoyable evening. Particular thanks to Police Staff Officer Mark Mason for all that he does to support and inspire the cadets.

Bedfordshire can be enormously proud of these outstanding young people."


At a time when division can dominate the conversation, A Million Acts of Hope is shining a light on what unites us. Hund...
10/06/2026

At a time when division can dominate the conversation, A Million Acts of Hope is shining a light on what unites us. Hundreds of charities, faith groups, and communities have launched this national campaign to celebrate the everyday acts of kindness, care, and connection happening across the UK. It is a powerful reminder of the collective desire for strong, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Watch the video below to learn more about this initiative.
A Million Acts of Hope

https://buff.ly/B5qBpS1

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire had a fantastic time at the annual Flitton Potato Race this Sunday! This quirky villa...
10/06/2026

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire had a fantastic time at the annual Flitton Potato Race this Sunday! This quirky village tradition has been running for over 100 years, bringing families together and raising vital funds for local charities.

Highlights of the day included:
🏁 Starting the races along side the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire
🏆 Presenting prizes to the winners
🧡 Meeting the wonderful Magpas Air Ambulance mascot, Bravo the Bear!

A massive thank you to the volunteers, organisers and everyone who came out for a great family day.

Address

HM Lord-Lieutenant Of Bedfordshire C/o The Lieutenancy Office Priory House Monks Walk
Shefford
SG175TQ

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