A moving commemoration of Queen Elizabeth’s life included the lighting of a beacon, first lit just 14 weeks earlier for the happy celebration of her platinum jubilee.
About 100 Hurst residents gathered in the pouring rain on Tuesday, September 13, to see the lighting at the community orchard at Church Hill.
Hurst Parish Council chair Wayne Smith said: “Lots of residents asked if we would light it again to commemorate the Queen.
“We had the firewood, packed with fire lighters, covered up to keep it dry. It burst into life when we lit it.”
Woodley bagpipe player Colleen Scott played the tune Amazing Grace.
“It seemed absolutely right, that was absolutely the quality the Queen possessed,” she said.
At the orchard was a large group of Hurst’s Girlguiding movement, from young Brownies to young leaders and a former Guide leader.
Guide leader Rebecca Meeuwissen said: “The Queen was our movement’s patron and we wanted to honour her as best we could.”
Earlier that evening the members had renewed their Girlguiding promise to the Queen for the last time. The next time, their promise will be to King Charles: “I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs, to serve the Queen/King and my community, to help other people and to keep the (Brownie) Guide Law.”
The bells at St Nicholas Church, Hurst, had rung fully muffled, apart from the tenor bell which was half muffled. This is the custom on the death of the monarch.
A padded leather muffle is strapped to the bells’ clappers, damping their sound. The ringers rang in a similar way last Friday.
Rejoining the St Nicholas ringers for the first time in 20 years was Nicky Jones.
Tower captain Graham Slade said: “She asked if she could join us to ring for the Queen and came for a practice. She did very well ringing with us.”
The church drew a large congregation for their commemoration service after the ringing. The Revd Helen Charlton led the service and spoke of the Queen’s hope, humanity and faith.
“Her experience and wisdom, borne of her long service and natural intelligence, has shone out like a beacon,” she said. “As Christians we connect with her as fellow believers.
“We feel supported and encouraged by her clear statements of faith.”
She introduced the hymn Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven, said to have been a favourite of the Queen’s.
Deacon at St Thomas More RC Church at Twyford, the Revd Michael Jackson, led the prayers.
After singing the national anthem the congregation crossed the road to the beacon lighting.
Churchwarden Sue Payne said: “We’re delighted so many people came.”
