Lt Col Patrick Holcroft retires as Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire

Lt Col Patrick Holcroft retires as Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire after over 10 years of service

After over 10 years in the role as the 21^st Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft CVO OBE, retires today and welcomes his successor, Mrs Beatrice Grant. 

Mrs Grant will make history today by becoming the first woman Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire. 

Lord-Lieutenants were first appointed by King Henry VIII in the 1540s and the role continues as the Sovereign's representative in the County.  The

position is voluntary, non-political and unpaid.

Col Holcroft's period as Lord-Lieutenant has been extremely busy, with a number of significant events including: HM Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, 90^th Birthday and Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the 100-year commemorations of WW1; the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, followed a year later by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Proclamation of King Charles III.

Col Holcroft has been honoured to welcome many members of the Royal Family to the County over the years. 

No fewer than 92 Royal events and venues have been attended in the County, including charities and volunteer groups, businesses, town centres, museums, schools, colleges, as well as the University of Worcester and the Cathedral. 

Recognising outstanding achievement and exceptional service has been an important part of Col Holcroft's role and he has presented many National Honours and Awards to deserving individuals and organisations. 

The uniqueness of his position has allowed Col Holcroft to get to know many people who do so much for their communities, whether in civic roles, or in the public, private or voluntary sectors. 

Their contribution has made a deep impression on Col Holcroft, who says: "As Lord-Lieutenant, I have met and got to know some wonderful people, visited them at work or pursuing their interests; I have seen decency, kindness, humility, humour and real devotion to the service of others. For me, this is what gives real purpose to the role of Lord-Lieutenant and it is principally this that makes it so hugely rewarding."

Col Holcroft is looking forward to spending more time with his family and the time to pursue his many other interests.

Mrs Grant has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire for three years and has been the Chairman of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

She has considerable experience of the charitable and voluntary sector and she volunteers each week at the Worcester Foodbank, a commitment she will continue. 

She is very much looking forward to the role and says:

"It is a huge honour to have been appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire.  I can't thank Patrick Holcroft enough for his unstinting support of the County and for his dedication to the role. He will be a very hard act to follow, but I am looking forward to getting to know you as your 22^nd Lord-Lieutenant."