TODAY marks the end of an era as Hampshire’s Lord-Lieutenant retires from her role representing The Queen in the county after two decades of service.

Dame Mary Fagan, who lives in Deane, near Oakley, was appointed by The Queen on January 28, 1994, and since then has been instrumental in many memorable and significant events enjoyed by communities in Hampshire.

These include the D-Day 50 commemorations in 1995, celebrations to mark The Queen’s Golden Wedding in 1997, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and, most recently, the 60th anniversary of the Coronation last year.

One of her final jobs as Lord-Lieutenant was helping to organise the moving county service in Winchester Cathedral to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Over the years, Dame Mary has received all members of the Royal Family to Hampshire, being responsible for around 800 royal visits, including when Princess Anne visited Laverstoke Park Farm in 2012 to open the Education Centre.

As president and patron of 60 organisations, Dame Mary has attended a staggering 15,000 visits to charities, voluntary organisations, businesses, schools, universities, colleges and the armed services.

She said: “Hampshire has a strong volunteering base and I never cease to be amazed at the dedication and commitment shown by the volunteers.

“I shall certainly miss meeting the people who work so hard to make Hampshire the vibrant and successful county that it is.

“Working with so many organisations with dedicated staff and volunteers has been a very special experience.

“The big occasions are great fun but I have particularly enjoyed meeting so many young people during my time as Lord-Lieutenant. They are our future and it has been wonderful to learn about their hopes and aspirations for the future.”

She added: “In my 20 years, I have seen many changes in Hampshire and such is the nature of life that things will continue to change. I am, however, confident that with the ingenuity and hard working people of Hampshire, the county will continue to thrive and prosper for many years to come.

“I am confident that my successor Nigel Atkinson, who has been my Vice Lord-Lieutenant for seven years, will do an excellent job and will serve Her Majesty The Queen and the county very well.”

Following her retirement, Dame Mary will continue her role as Chancellor of the University of Winchester, chairman of the Winchester Cathedral Trust, and president and patron of a number of organisations and charities.

On Tuesday, Dame Mary was honoured for her significant contribution to Hampshire with a Beating Retreat by the Band of Scots Guard in the grounds of Winchester’s Great Hall.

They performed for Dame Mary at a special reception offered by Hampshire County Council and hosted by the council’s leader Councillor Roy Perry.

Cllr Perry said: “Dame Mary has served Hampshire with charm, energy and a dedication to service, and an expression of goodwill rarely matched in public life.

“She has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of so many residents across the whole county.”

Cllr Perry presented Dame Mary with a book featuring over 100 photographs of some of the events she has attended, along with personal contributions from the organisations she has supported.