CAMBRIDGESHIRE: Over 540 guests celebrated Ridgeons' centenary anniversary at a dedicated thanksgiving service at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. 

The ceremony was held to commemorate 100 years since the builders' and timber merchants was founded by Cyril Ridgeon in 1911.

Bringing together a number of past and present employees, as well as friends of Ridgeons the service was also attended by the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and the Mayor and Mayoress of Cambridge.

The service was conducted by Rev David Morris, with Rev Duncan Ridgeon and Rev Michael Ridgeon also talking part.

The congregation were shown a DVD - 'A Day in the Life of Ridgeons' - directed by Gordon Ridgeon, and produced and edited by Daniel Ridgeon, a fifth generation member of the family.

The service also included an interview between Ridgeons' public relations director Gordon Ridgeon and Peter Silk, Ridgeons' oldest past employee with 50 years and three months full-time service. 

In addition, the service featured a number of scripture readingsfrom across two generations of the Ridgeon family read by David Ridgeon, Rachel Anderson (neé Ridgeon) and chairman Anne Ridgeon.

King's College Choir was also in attendance under the direction of Dr Stephen Cleobury, with King's College Organ Scholars Ben-San Lau and Parker Ramsay.

All proceeds from the service were donated to Addenbrooke's Chartitable Trust, Ridgeons' chosen charity for 2011. 

Following the service fifth generation members of the family handed out copies of the Ridgeons' centenary book, 'The Story of Ridgeons - a 100 Year Journey'. 

Anne Ridgeon said: "We would like to thank everybody who has supported Ridgeons over the years for their kindness and commitment. We would also like to express our gratitude to all those involved with the service for making it such a memorable and special occasion."

Ridgeons wishes it to be know that James Carr died peacefully in his sleep on 7 October after a short battle with cancer.

Mr Carr began his merchanting career in 1984 with Travis Perkins before moving to Ridgeons in 1999. During this time he made many friends with customers and suppliers and will be greatly missed.

A cremation and thanksgiving service will be held on Friday 21 October.