THE Mayor of Reading teamed up with the Bishop of Reading to take part in a special Platinum Jubilee service on Sunday.
Churches Together in Caversham and Reading teamed up to organise the event, held in Christchurch Meadows.
People could bring a picnic and enjoy chatting or a game of football, before the celebratory service from 2.30pm.
Members of the Salvation Army band led the music, performing appropriate pieces such as Golden Jubilee before it started.
The event was introduced by the Revd Andrew Storch, who slept in a campervan next to the marquee specially erected for the event.
A tribute to the Queen was given by the deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Anderson, and also by mayor Cllr Rachel Eden.
Michael Penny, the chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire gave two Bible readings relating to Pentecost, which was also marked by chuches on Sunday.
A short address was given by the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, the bishop of Reading.
Mr Penny said he had enjoyed the day, and it had gone better than he had expected.
“When I woke up on Sunday morning, it was raining, but it didn’t rain during the service,” he explained. “We had a good crowd and the band played brilliantly.
“I just thanked the Lord.”
Holding a joint church service was important for Mr Penny, due to the significance of Pentecost to the Church – it is its birthday.
“It doesn’t matter about our differences over whether we pray standing up or sitting down, or kneeling, or if we use this hymn book or that … we all come together in Christ,” he said.
And the Platinum Jubilee?
“I think Queen Elizabeth has been an inspiration for many of us,” Mr Penny said. “I did a tree planting ceremony at Reading College before the Jubilee and I told the students the Queen has less power than them, because she has no right to vote. And yet her power, her influence comes back from her commitment and her example.”
