A “GODFATHER” for every school in Essex is the pipe-dream of the outgoing Lord Lieutenant of Essex.

Next month, Lord Petre will hand over the reigns of office to Jennifer Tolhurst, a current Deputy Lieutenant.

His term of office as the Queen’s representative in Essex must come to an end as he turns 75 – but it has been a memorable and busy time for the 18th Baron Petre over the last 15 years.

The chipper lord said he was unable to choose a favourite occasion for a special mention because there have been so many.

He said: “I’ve carried out something in the region of 4,000 different engagements.

“It all becomes a bit of a blur so I hesitate to pick out any particular highlights, but it’s all been good.

“It’s all about patting people on the back for the wonderful things they do.

“I thought when I first took it on that I knew the county pretty well but every day you discover some new enterprise. I’ve been impressed wherever I look.”

The role of Lord Lieutenant is an important one. Mostly ceremonial, the incumbent is there not only to officiate at important functions, but to ensure those who play a pivotal role in the community are recognised for their efforts.

Lord Petre said: “The Lord Lieutenant is the personal representative of the Queen within the county. I do all the things she might do if she had the time, as it were.

“I attend county events and and whenever there is a royal visit I have to be responsible for the royal person attending. It is also about taking part in salutes, parades, cutting ribbons and unveiling plaques.

“For instance I took the salute for the Queen’s birthday.”

Speaking of his impending retirement from the post, Lord Petre said: “I have carried out a normal term.

“There is compulsory retirement at 75. That’s why I’m stepping down now. It’s usually a ten to 15-year term.”

There will be no resting on his laurels however.

He added: “I believe you should never give up.

“I have my day job together with my son running the family estate, farming, letting properties and looking after the historic Ingatestone estate. There’s a lot to be done.

“It’s been a marvellous privilege. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Speaking of the historic post, Lord Petre said: “I think it’s so like many English institutions, the Lord Lieutenant’s office is a bit illogical and difficult to explain why it’s necessary or if it is necessary but people do quite naturally appreciated being recognised. It is a symbol of approval.”

The role may be a historic one but it is showing no signs of falling out of fashion, according to Lord Petre.

He who would like to see school “godfathers” appointed as ceremonial representatives and to recognise their achievements.

He said: “Sometimes people say why can’t we have more of these sorts of things?

“One suggestion is could we arrange to have a godfather-type figure for every school in the county?

“How, logistically, you would go about organising that, I’m not sure. It’s a pipe dream.

“I don’t think it’s ever going to happen but it’s important to let people know they are appreciated.”

Lord Petre’s successor, Mrs Tolhurst, a former High Sheriff of Essex, who lives in Danbury with her husband Philip, will take over on August 4.

He is confident he is handing over to a safe pair of hands.

He said: “I have every confidence that Jenny will be a most worthy personal representative to the Queen in this county.

“She has already proved herself many times over as an active and enthusiastic supporter of a large number of our local institutions and is well placed to give encouragement and backing for all that is best about our wonderful county.”

Mrs Tolhurst, who has three children and seven grandchildren, launched the Danbury and Little Baddow branch of the NSPCC and chaired the Prince’s Youth Business Trust in Essex, while also serving as a magistrate and vice chairman of the governors of New Hall School, Boreham.