A small gathering of villagers took part in the tolling of the bell at St Peter’s Church at noon on Saturday, followed by a period of silence and then prayers in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Dudley Hilton, Derek Miller and Arthur Blackman are photographed (below) alongside Rev Simon Willetts shortly before the three of them shared in the ringing of the bell 96 times, one for each year of the Queen’s life.

Others gathered outside to listen as St Peter’s joined in a nation-wide tolling of bells, from cathedrals and abbeys to parish churches. 

A Book of Condolence has been opened on behalf of the village and is open for all to sign. It can be found just inside the church and will remain there during the official period of morning. The church is open during daylight hours and anyone who wishes to say a prayer or take a few minutes of private reflection is very welcome to do so.

After the bell ringing, Simon led prayers ending with the following:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the life of her Majesty the Queen. Thank you for her leadership and integrity. Thank you for her example and for her many years of faithful service.  Thank you that she knew and trusted in you and your Son, Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the hope that, whilst she has passed from us, she is now with you, our heavenly King, who reigns forever –  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Tributes to the Queen will be made at a special 10am family communion service at the church tomorrow (Sunday September 11th). Local MP and villager resident Jeremy Hunt is unable to attend, but shared the following message: “In an age when people constantly question their own well-being, the Queen stood for something different. Not self-absorption but service to others. Not gratification but duty. The wisdom of knowing that the path to happiness is through the happiness of others. As such, she was both the best of our history and an inspiration for our future. RIP Your Majesty – and thank you.”

On behalf of Hambledon Parish Council and the village community it serves, its chairman Stewart Payne, said: “We mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We express our gratitude for her life of dedication to our country and to The Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time, and especially with King Charles III as he takes on his duties as our reigning Monarch”.