Bromsgrove pays tribute to His Royal Highness S
t John’s Church and the Bromsgrove Branch of the Royal British Legion worked together to ensure that Bromsgrove marked the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, with tributes, prayers and silence. On the eve of the Prince’s funeral at 6pm, Evening Prayers at St John’s included prayers of remembrance and condolence to the Royal Family. The prayers were led by Reverend Rayman Khan, Vicar at St John’s, the choir sang Psalm 23 (the Lord’s my shepherd) and the National Anthem, and Bromsgrove’s MP Sajid Javid gave the reading. Two standard bearers from the Bromsgrove Branch of the Royal British Legion held the RBL Standard and Union flag. Chairman Patrick Smith conducted the parade of standards and the silence which followed the bugle call Last Post. Due to Covid restrictions the prayers were attended by invitation only, but everyone was able to participate thanks to a live stream on Facebook by the Bromsgrove Standard. The congregation in church included Patricia Bradbury MBE, the Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire, Court Leet Bailiff Joanne Slade and Ms McKenzie, Head of DofE Awards Scheme at North Bromsgrove High School along with two students. On Saturday at 3pm, as the Duke’s coffin was carried into the chapel at Windsor Castle, a small group gathered at the flagpole on Crown Close to hold a short service of remembrance. Town Crier Kevin Ward announced that a notice had been received from Buckingham Palace for a national minute silence to be held. Reverend Rayman Khan said prayers and played the bugle call Sunset before the group fell silent. Patrick Smith saluted the flag which flew at half mast and Bailiff Joanne Slade held a posy of forget-me-nots. Again the Bromsgrove Standard were there to live stream on Facebook. A few residents stood at a distance to observe the silence and passers by stopped to pay their respects. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this sad time.
56 Completely Bromsgrove
by Jo Slade
