All Saints Church
Kingston on Thames
8th June 2025
To mark the start of the new Mayoral year in Kingston, a Civic Service was held at the beautiful All Saints Church in Kingston’s Market Place on Sunday 8th June 2025 in the presence of the new Mayor, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael.
A procession including the new mayor, his deputy Councillor Sue Ansari, the Deputy Lieutenant, Leader of the Council, Honorary Aldermen, Councillors, Magistrates and Rotary representatives walked from the Guildhall through the Market Place to take their seats in the church. The service was opened by Reverend Joe Moffatt, team rector of the Kingston Team Ministry and Vicar of All Saints. In the congregation were community representatives, friends and family members.
In his welcome, Reverend Moffatt talked about Councillor Noel Hadjimichael’s background, that he has been a councillor for Canbury Ward since May 2022 and about his other roles away from the council. Read more about the Mayor
The service’s theme, in line with the Mayor’s primary interest, was community resilience. Members of the congregation heard from representatives of other faiths – Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and A Baha’i.
The Reverend reflected on the importance of good relationships, healthy organisations and strong shared values to help ensure every resident of the borough feels safe and able to flourish. There was commonality from all the faith representatives on what makes resilient people and communities: justice, caring for each other and connections.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed tea and delicious cake in the church café while chatting and hearing from both the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor.