WORCESTER’s most senior judge has paid tribute to council chiefs for maintaining the links between the council and the judiciary after he was named the city’s new Honorary Recorder.
His Honour James Burbidge QC was appointed to the ceremonial role at a meeting of Worcester City Council last Tuesday (July 14) – a meeting held online because of the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.
Judge Burbidge replaces His Honour Robert Juckes QC who retired as a circuit judge in April of this year.
After taking the silk in 2003, Judge Burbidge became a senior judge in 2011 and replaced Judge Juckes as the resident judge at Worcester Crown Court in April.
He becomes the third honorary recorder for the city since the role was revived in 2003 and will see Judge Burbidge attends and supports civic ceremonial occasions such as Mayors Incoming/Outgoing Service and lead the Remembrance Sunday parade on behalf of the council.
The role is intended to mark the link between the administration and judiciary and speaking after his appointment was unanimously approved, Judge Burbidge expressed his delight at the new role.
“I know you wouldn’t appreciate me speaking for as long as one of my summings up to a jury however I cannot let this significant occasion for me pass without a few words,” he said.
Judge Burbidge paid tribute to his predecessor in Judge Juckes but also reflected on past holders of the role as far back as the 1600s and highlighted the example of Thomas Street, elected in 1682.
“He was a not only a lawyer and a judge but also town clerk, Mayor and Member of Parliament. I shall be satisfied with the post of judge and honorary recorder of Worcester,” he added.
Judge Juckes was called to the bar in 1974, took the silk as a High Court QC in 1999 and served as the city’s honorary
recorder from 2011 until his retirement this spring.
“I was voted into this role nem. con. as we used to say but I always said that was because now one knew who I was at the time,” he said.
“I realised there would certain compensations to the job of honorary recorder, the main one being living in Worcester – the capital of the county I was brought up in. My election as honorary recorder and the role has been a very great pleasure.”
Mayor of Worcester Coun Jo Hodges and both main party leaders Coun Marc Bayliss and Coun Adrian Gregson thanked the pair for their service to the city.
