Civic Service

The civic service of prayer and thanksgiving for the Coronation of King Charles III was held at St. Bartholomew’s church on Sunday 7th May. It was a wellattended, joyful service, with Dr Helen Bowcock OBE DL and Mayor Jacqui Keen MBE as well as several town councillors present.

The service was conducted by the Rector, Chris Bessant, assisted by Justin Manley–Cooper. There was a full choir present, which included our junior choir, and they sang the anthem ‘This is the Day’ by John Rutter during the service.

A reading from the Old Testament was read by Dr. Helen Bowcock and the reading from the New Testament was read by our Mayor, Jacqui Keen.

Chris’ sermon and Justin’s prayers were all relevant to the Coronation. The hymns were well-known and uplifting for the occasion.

The service concluded with both verses of the National Anthem being sung and Clive then played the Voluntary ‘Crown Imperial’ by William Walton. We would like to thank the bell ringers, Chris and Justin, the adult and junior choirs as well as Clive for all their hard work in making this a joyous service.

Written by Carol Skeates (Verger)