Sir Samuel was HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire from 1991-2012 and High Sheriff
of Bedfordshire 1973-1974.
Guests were greeted on arrival by a Guard of Honour from Beds and Cambs Air
Training Corps and members of the Royal Family were represented at the service. HM
Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada attended on His Majesty The King’s
behalf; Captain Sir Nicholas Wright KCVO RN attended on behalf of HRH The
Princess Royal; Mr Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE attended on behalf of TRHs The
Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; and Mr Nicolas Adamson CVO OBE attended on
behalf of TRHs The Duke and Duchess of Kent. Also in attendance was Helen Nellis
CVO CStJ, Sir Samuel’s successor on his retirement as Lord-Lieutenant.
The Reverend Canon Kevin Goss, Vicar of St Paul’s Church, led the Service of
Thanksgiving. The address was given by The Rt Reverend Richard Atkinson OBE,
Bishop of Bedford and the Blessing was given by The Rt Reverend Dr Alan Smith,
Lord Bishop of St Albans. Family members read prayers and the tribute was read by
Edward Fremantle. The choir of Samuel Whitbread Academy sang an anthem.
A retiring collection was made in support of St Paul’s Tower, Bells and Clock Appeal.
After the service, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said "It was
heartening to see the church so full of people who knew and loved Sir Samuel. The
tribute was a wonderful account of a life well lived, and it was fascinating to hear about
how Sir Samuel dedicated himself to the service of business, charities, his county and
the country, whilst also firmly remaining a loving Husband, Father, Grand Father and
friend to many. It was a fitting tribute to a kind and distinguished gentleman who will
be sorely missed by all who knew him."