Police Chaplain Fr Paul Cartwright meets Sir Rod Stewart

 

Sir Rod Stewart met up with Father Paul Cartwright, deputy lead chaplain for West Yorkshire Police and a member of West Yorkshire Police Fanfare team, during a charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Former police officer Fr Paul, of St Peter the Apostle & St John the Baptist, Barnsley,  played alongside the British Police Symphony Orchestra and mass police choirs from around the country. He and the Fanfare team are pictured outside the famous concert hall.

The concert was hosted by TV presenter Nick Knowles and also had appearances from Finn the police dog who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, after surviving a viscous knife attack, and who has helped to change legislation for when Police working animals are attacked.  

Pictured with the legendary singer, Canon Paul said: “During my time with the police band I’ve been involved in events which have ranged from playing in New York at the 5th and 10th anniversaries of 9/11  to visiting Ypres annually for Remembrance Day and playing at the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, where I was called upon to dedicate a new memorial to those involved.  

“That said, Saturday’s engagement ranks amongst the most memorable events in my playing career.” 

Canon Paul said police chaplaincy in West Yorkshire Police is a voluntary role and is provided for people of all faiths and people of none. 

He urged anyone interested to get in touch with the service at WYP.

“Chaplains do not need to be ordained, but they do need the support of their church,” he added. “We provide welfare support to Police employees and their families and a number of us have recently received training from LEEDS MIND to become Mental Health peer supporters, something which is at the front of our minds during this Mental Health Awareness Week.”