A CIVIC service on Sunday, September 18, gave Reading a chance to remember the life of the Queen.
Held a day before the funeral service, it was an opportunity for the town to reflect on her service, and what she meant to each of us.
Presided over by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, the thanksgiving service was held at Reading Minster Church in Chain Street.
A ceremonial procession was headed by piper Angus Ingram, and featured local dignitaries including Thames Calley Police’ deputy LPA commander, chief inspector Emma Tompkins.
Mace bearer George Friel walked ahead of borough mayor Cllr Rachel Eden and her consort Cllr Richard Davies, deputy mayor Cllr Debs Edwards.
Next came aldermen and freemen of the borough including Sir John Madejski.
Reading East MP Matt Rodda stood with leader of the council, Cllr Jason Brock, acting chief executive of Reading Borough Council Frances Martin, councillors and past mayors.
The High Sheriff of Berkshire, Alka Kharbanda, was ahead of the Lord-Lieutenant’s procession of cadets, along with Graham Barker, the vice-lieutenant of Berkshire, and his wife Joanna.
The church choir and clergy team came next, with the Revd Liz Jackson and the Venerable Stephen Pullin, associate and archdeacon of Berkshire respectively, just ahead of the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham.
The service, which started at 2pm, opened with two scripture readings, John 11:25-26, and Romans 8:38-39.
Ch Insp Tompkins read Psalm 23, while cadet warrant officer Matthew Grove read Revelation 21:1-7.
Cllr Eden read Floral Tribute, written by Simon Armitage, the poet laureate.
Hymns included O Guide Me Thou, O Great Redeemer, and Immortal, Invisible.
The church choir sang anthems including Thou Knowest Lord The Secrets of Our Hearts, and Nunc Dimittus.
In her sermon, Bishop Olivia paid tribute to the Queen.
“This is a time of profound national and international sadness,” she said. “It has been said that there are two things that we cannot imagine. One is our own death. The other is the death of the Queen.
“I never imagined that I would be giving this address.”
She spoke of the Queen’s personal faith and how it impacted on her reign.
“She lived out the whole of her long life, carrying out the tasks she was anointed for, on the day of her coronation.
“To be a servant Queen serving her God and serving her people,” she said.
Later in her sermon, Bishop Olivia said: “Why did we need her? Why do we need a monarch in this day and age? Queen Elizabeth showed us why.
“She showed us that in an increasingly secular and multi faith society we need great common symbols of grace to hold us together to offer us an identity which is larger than our own tribe, or interest group or political persuasion and identity which is given to us which we haven’t had to invent.”
She concluded her 10-minute address by telling the congregation: “We are deeply, deeply grateful for a queen who has served us like no other. Her work is done.
“May she rest in peace.”
The service ended with the national anthem, now updated to God Save The King, before a procession out of the building.
A retiring collection was taken for the work of Reading Minster, and the mayor’s charities.
