A country-wide National Moment of Reflection has been announced by the Government and it will take place at 8pm this Sunday (September 18th), the eve of HM The Queen’s State Funeral.
It will be observed by a one-minute silence. All are encouraged to participate to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This is a secular event not a religious ceremony. The Government’s website said it will be a communal gathering at a suitable location, either a meeting of friends or neighbours or at a locally-arranged event.
Here in Hambledon, villagers are asked to gather beside the flagpole at St Peter’s Church, Church Lane, where the Union Jack has been flying at half-mast since the official announcement by Buckingham Palace of the Queen’s death last Thursday (Sept 8th).
Although the church will be open for those who wish to use it for prayer or reflection, the location has been chosen because the village’s Book Of Condolence is just inside the church door and available for all to sign, the proximity of the flag and because the church bell can be tolled to announce the beginning and the end of the silence. Please do come along if you wish, and sign the Book of Condolence while you are there if you have not already done so.
The official guidance is for people to gather at 7.55, for a brief announcement to be made, followed by a signal that the period of silence has begun. The National Anthem may be sung at the conclusion.