I attended a very inspiring event last night at the Anglican Cathedral, although it was not a religious service.
It was officially described as a drinks reception to celebrate the appointment of Bernard Hogan-Howe as one of Her Majesty's Inspector's of Constabulary.
In fact it was a chance for a lot of people to show their appreciation of Bernard and to recognise the great impression he has made on the county in the five years that he has been at the helm of the force.
His colleague, Deputy Chief Constable, Bernard Lawson, gave a very entertaining speech in which he gently ribbed Bernard over his great passion for riding horses,
"He has attended three Grand Nationals in five years - and he has come first in three of them!", Mr Lawson told us - a reference to the fact the the Chief, in his full address uniform had taken-on the role of
going ahead of the winner, on his police horse, on route to the Winner's Enclosure at Aintree.
He also majored on Bernard's great leadership qualities and on the fact that he does not easily take "it can't be done" as an answer. The word that kept cropping-up about police work on Merseyside was "challenging" and I have no doubt that it is.
It must be a very difficult and stressful job and I think Bernard deserves the gratitude of the whole county for the expertise and devotion to duty that he has shown during his tenure at Canning Place.
He has always appeared to me to possess great qualities that qualify him for a difficult job. He looks completley unflappable, calm, cool and collected.
No doubt he is an inspirational leader and also one that is scrupulously fair with the men and women under his command, to who he paid great tribute in his own speech.
Bernard has also been very generous with his time. He has backed the Annual Dragon Boat race and even came in first with his team this year.
He also took, some would say the bold step, of agreeing to act as Chairman of the Red Balloon Merseyside - James Bulger House Appeal. His leadership has proved invaluable and we were proud to hear him tell the gathering that the Appeal fund has reached the £125,000 mark.
Denise Fergus and her husband Stuart were there and Bernard paid tribute to the enthusiasm with which they have worked on the fund-raising.
With the income in less than a year touching £125,000 it means moves are afoot to find suitable premises and it is hoped the Learner Centre for bullied schoolchildren can be open on Merseyside within months.
The Merseyside force is going to miss Bernard Hogan-Howe, and the number of officers and civic leaders who turned-up to bid him farewell is a testament to the respect and popularity he has earned.
I would just like to say "Thank-you" and I am sure everyone will join me in wishing him well for a successful future.
Closure of the CUC in Liverpool - sad day
(Tue 03/01)
Banksy the religious bigot
(Thu 29/12)
The Big Yin is on his way... I can't wait
(Thu 10/11)
A tale of two museums
(Tue 30/08)
Rosie Cooper - we need more politicians like her
(Mon 06/06)
