The bell at St Peter’s, our village church, will toll at midday today as a mark of solemn respect following the passing of HM The Queen yesterday afternoon
It will toll 96 times, once for every year of the Queen’s life. She reigned as our Monarch for 70 years, the longest in British history. Cathedrals and churches around the country will all be tolling bells at this time in tribute, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s and at Windsor Castle.
Rev Simon Willetts, Hambledon’s associate vicar, has placed a Book Of Condolence which can be found just inside the church door. Anyone who wishes to sign this is welcome to do so. It will remain at St Peter’s during the official seven-day period of mourning and the church will be open during the day for private prayer and reflection.
Please sign as individuals, as families or on behalf of your organisations, should you wish to do so. Stewart Payne will sign the book this morning on behalf of the parish council and the community it serves.
The 10am service at St Peter’s this Sunday will be an opportunity to mourn the loss of the Queen and to offer prayers in gratitude for her life and dedication to our country. It will be the first time a congregation at our little village church has sung “God Save The King” since the death of George VI in 1952. All are welcome to attend.
Further updates will appear on this website over the coming days. And please take a look at the previous news item, which reflects the lowering of the Union Jack at St Peter’s yesterday evening following the announcement from Buckingham Palace that the Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral.