Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II RIP

Thursday 8 September 2022 started as any other day. The market on the Manor Waste in Wendover was bustling as usual. Then we heard that Prince Charles and other members of the Royal family were summoned to Balmoral. HMQ Elizabeth II died that very afternoon and tributes flowed.

The following day Wendover joined in national events marking that passing. St Mary’s Church was opened as usual from 9am. A book of condolences was available as well as an opportunity for private prayer. At 12 noon St Mary’s bells were tolled in accordance with a national suggestion. The book was available until the day of the funeral.

Meanwhile, the flag on the Clock Tower couldn’t and shouldn’t (450) be lowered but the flag on the Manor Waste was clearly “at half mast”. On Saturday, once Charles was proclaimed King, the flag returned to the top of the mast. Other flags, eg St Mary’s Bell Tower, Royal British Legion ditto.

Wendover Parish Council left a lovely display of flowers on the War Memorial, the emotional heart of Wendover, and others followed that example.

On Sunday 11, prayers and services were organised including 9am Mass in St Anne’s; a Memorial Service in St Mary’s at 10am; Wendover Free Church during their service at 10.45am. At 3.30pm Parish Council Chair Sheila Bulpett read out the proclamation on the Manor Waste. At 4pm the flag returned to half mast for the rest of the mourning period which continued until the end of the State Funeral on Monday 19 September.

GOD SAVE THE KING!