Over 200 guests attended the inauguration of The Rt Hon. the Lord Fowler as High Steward of Sutton Coldfield. The Charter, granted by King Henry VIII in 1528 to the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, enabled the Town Council to make this historic appointment. Lord Fowler is the 20th High Steward to be appointed to the role.
Lord Fowler was first elected to Sutton Coldfield in February 1974 and served as MP for the Town for over twenty seven years until June 2001. He held three senior positions in Government during this time, serving in Cabinet roles as Secretaries of state for Transport, Health and Social Security and Employment, whilst continuing to provide exemplary representation for his constituents in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.
The inauguration was part of the Town’s Annual Civic Service, led by Rev’d Canon Becky Stephens at Holy Trinity (CE) on Sunday 9th June 2024.
Distinguished guests included Dr. Nasir Awan MBE – Deputy Lieutenant, Doug Wright MBE DL -High Sherriff of the West Midlands and Lady Fowler.
The Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Cllr John Perks presented Lord Fowler with the traditional illuminated scroll of appointment and Badge of Office, whilst Olive O’Sullivan, CEO of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council read the appointment and invited Lord Fowler to make a declaration of acceptance.
Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets formed a Guard of Honour for Lord Fowler who was president of the Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets when he served as MP for the Royal Town.
The Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Cllr John Perks, said, “It was a wonderful occasion and an honour to welcome Lord Fowler to this ceremonial role. It marked one of my first official events as Mayor of The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield and I was delighted to participate in this historic event.
Olive O’Sullivan, CEO of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council commented, “We are delighted to have re-established the role of High Steward of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield which can be traced back to 1547 but ceased in 1974 when Sutton Coldfield became part of Birmingham. It was a privilege to celebrate such a significant moment in our Town’s rich history with so many members of the community.”
