Ms Lily Bacon, a Fellow Commoner of the College, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.  Lily’s association with St Edmund’s goes back to 2002, and she becomes only the second member of College after Honorary Fellow and former Vice-Chancellor of the University Lord Alec Broers, to have the honour of serving the county in this way.

The Lieutenancy is an ancient office, dating back over 500 years. Each county has a Lord-Lieutenant, who is the Queen’s personal representative, responsible for upholding the dignity of the Crown and promoting a spirit of co-operation and good atmosphere by supporting voluntary and benevolent organisations and through the interest they take in the business and social life of their counties.

The duties and responsibilities of the Lieutenancy include arranging visits of members of the royal family and escorting royal visitors; presenting medals and awards on behalf of the sovereign, and advising on honours nominations; participating in civic, voluntary and social activities within the lieutenancy; acting as liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces;  and leading the local magistracy.

From time to time, Lord-Lieutenants appoint a number of Deputies to advise, assist and deputise as required in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities and in carrying out the work of the Lieutenancy in the county.  The appointment is unremunerated and is for life, with retirement customary at the age of 75.