Hambledon residents paid their final communal respects in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the eve of her State Funeral, which took place amid great ceremony yesterday (Sept 19th).
In fast fading light and with a dramatic sunset turning the western sky a deep purple, villagers gathered at the top of Church Lane to observe a Minute’s Silence on Sunday at 8pm.
Assembled beneath the flag pole, where the Union Jack has been flying at half-mast since Buckingham Palace announced the Queen’s death on September 8th, more than 40 gathered for the nationwide Moment of Reflection.
A one-minute silence was observed after a few formal words from Stewart Payne, chairman of the Parish Council. The silence was announced by the tolling of the church bell eight times by Derek Miller, assisted by Arthur Blackman and then ended with a single toll.
Hambledon’s associate vicar Simon Willetts then ended this short period of reflection with a simple “Amen”.
It was a poignant and solemn way for villagers to show their respect and admiration for the Queen’s service and dedication to duty over her 70-year reign ahead of all the pomp and pageantry of the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey the following day.
Most villagers had arrived on foot on what was a chilly night, and quite a number were pleased to call in at the Merry Harriers on their way home where a toast was raised to the new King, Charles III.
Thank you to bar manager Louise Thomas and Layla Cherriman for keeping the pub open beyond its normal Sunday 8pm closing to enable this small but hospitable gathering.
Photographs courtesy of David Edmiston and Anne-Charlotte (AC) Buffett.