As soon as the announcement was made on 8 September 2022, that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away churches across Bath and Wells remained open all day so that everyone who wanted to pray for Her Majesty, light a candle or quietly remember her, were able to do so. Prayers were said at all services and The Queen was remembered in daily prayers at all churches. Books of condolence were available and as a mark of respect flags were lowered and church bells muffled.
At Wells Cathedral, Bath Abbey and Taunton Minster chaplains were available for those who wanted someone to talk to. In other churches members of clergy, made a point of being in the church frequently in case people wanted to talk, and many did. In Taunton Minster service personnel from nearby 40 Commando stood vigil by the books of condolence.
In Winsford the scheduled Communion service was changed to a special service of prayers and remembrance and a special Evensong was held at Exford Church following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. An informal gathering was held to remember the Queen in Cutcombe Church during which people shared their memories of Her Late Majesty. Revd David Wier said, "We heard lovely stories from people who had met the Queen in the course of their military and diplomatic service and at horse shows and races as well as general reflections of the life of the Queen and her impact on society.”
And in Portishead a Service of Prayer and Reflection was held with music, readings, silence, and an opportunity to share memories and in St Stephen’s Church in Bath, like so many other church communities across the diocese, a vigil was held with readings, an opportunity to light a candle and a time of silence.
In collective worship at church schools in Bath and Wells, children also gave thanks for the life of The Queen and prayed for her, King Charles III and all the Royal Family. Prayers, thoughts and drawings by pupils at Flax Bourton Church of England Primary School were displayed in the porch of All Saints Church, Long Ashton so the wider community and congregation could see them and be inspired by them. Whilse pupils at Milfield School Revd Michele Kitto, Chaplain at the school Revd Michele Kitto conducted Sunday Chapel, Will, one of the pupils did a reading and the the boarders all lit candles in honour of the Queens passing.
Pupils at learned to use handbells and shared this wonderful video, in memory of Her Late Majesty.
As we remembered Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and gave thanks for her life and service, prayers were also said for the new king, King Charles III. Following the announcement in London, proclamations were made throughout the diocese. In Taunton, Bishop Michael and Bishop Ruth joined civic leaders, members of the armed forces and the police for the county proclamation. A local proclamation was also held at St John’s in Wellington.