SAT 1 OCTOBER

After publishing my reflection on the aftermath of the late Queen's period of mourning and State Funeral, for the records, I put in one place the services we have held for her late Majesty - the Platinum Jubilee Service, so well attended in June, as well as the two service during the period of mourning. See attached.

TUE 13 SEPTEMBER

Further to previous updates on activities at St Andrew’s Church following the sad death of the Queen, the church remains open daily from 9.30am to dusk for those who wish to sign the condolence book.

This Sunday 18th, the normal service pattern is interrupted and at St Andrew’s there will be one service for the six churches of the Benefice and all who wish to attend.

This will be a Service of Commendation written for the eve of the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.

The service will start at 3pm in church, including music, prayer, readings and reflection. Tea will be served after the service,

Please pass the word around and circulate on your social media platforms.

SAT 8 SEPTEMBER

As the situation develops in relation to the plans for the national period of mourning, the following is announced as St Andrew's responds:

1. There will be a service of music and reflection in church at 10am on Sunday 11 September as previously announced. There will also be a short service in the open air at the Jubilee Field, Loxton's Field at 4pm

2. Teas in Church will go ahead on 11 September, as will the Historic Churches Ride & Stride, and the church remains open for signing of the Condolence Book

3. On Sunday 18 September, advertised services will go ahead, but with changed content

4. Depending on the announced date of the State Funeral, there may be a Memorial Service for the Benefice at St Andrew's on the afternoon of 18 September

5. The planned bellringing in memory of Maureen Basford on 18 September is sadly postponed

6. Harvest Festival on 18 September will be postponed to October (date tbc)

7. Sunday Teas on 18 September will be cancelled

FRI 9 SEPTEMBER

CONTINUED ARRANGEMENTS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Further to previous communications on the evening of the Queen’s death, this brings you an update of your church’s response to this time of national mourning.

The church bell was tolled until dusk last night (8th), the day of Her Majesty’s death, and is being tolled at noon today (9th) as bells are being rung across the country at the same time.

The church will be open daily from 9.3am until dusk until further notice. All are welcome to visit and sign the Book of Condolence, sit, reflect, pray as desired.

A simple service will be held at 10am in church this Sunday 11 September, using a liturgy which will be used in all churches. All are welcome to attend.

We will not cancel Tea & Cake on Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm as the church will be open and, given the Queen’s love of community, we consider it not disrespectful to allow the community to have access to the church, condolence book and have a cup of tea. By offering tea and cake, it may offer an added reason for people to come.

Sam Dobbs

Churchwarden