CIVIC and religious leaders, senior figures from Oxford University, and representatives of the armed forces, emergency services and youth and community groups joined a procession through Oxford city centre before a service in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee.

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Glasgow, joined council leaders in full regalia – including the new Lord Mayor of Oxford, James Fry – as they paraded down St Aldate’s from Oxford Town Hall to Christ Church. They were led by piper Will Bissett in traditional Scots attire.

After pausing in Christ Church Quad, the procession entered the cathedral for a special service in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, was joined by representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths in paying tribute to the Queen, before gathering in the Cathedral Garden to raise glasses of fizz in a loyal toast.

Oxford Mail: The Lord Lieutenant’s Parade to Christ Church and Service in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of The Queen. Picture by Tim Hughes

The service was sung by the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, with poetry by Philp Larkin, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Dr Croft shared his recollections of meeting the Queen, revealing his nerves at meeting her at Buckingham Palace and a further occasion in which the Queen gave him a lift in her Land Rover.

He said: “The first time I met the Queen in person was when I visited Buckingham Palace to swear my Oath of Allegiance. I was so nervous that a policeman told me to walk around the block. Since then, including one very memorable occasion when she drove me in her Land Rover, I have had the same feeling of deep affection.”

Oxford Mail: Loyal toast in the Christ Church Cathedral Garden after Jubilee service. Picture by Tim Hughes

He added: “Her reign has surpassed that of other monarchs in our island’s long history and even presidents and popes. The Queen has remained a continual presence for good. Her public statements are rare and brief, but significant.”

The Sub Dean of Christ Church, the Rev Canon Richard Peers, paid tribute to the Queen’s “long life and devoted service”. He said: “It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate...a chance for us to come together in celebration of her life. It is wonderful to have representatives of other faith communities as well.

Oxford Mail: Piper Will Bissett at Christ Church

“To come together in this is place is a great gift and a great privilege.”

The Rev Anthony Buckley, City Rector of Oxford, said: “We are encouraged in the Scriptures to honour the examples of heroes, past and present. We are privileged to live during the reign of a Queen who has been an inspirational example to so many.”