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Southwark Requiem for Queen Mother

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3 April 2002

A Requiem Eucharist for the Queen Mother will be celebrated in Southwark Cathedral on Friday 5 April at 12.45pm. The Dean, the V Rev Colin Slee will preside and the Rev Dr Jane Steen, Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwark will preach.

In the opening words of the Dean's introduction, this special service offers people living or working in London Bridge area an opportunity:

• to remember before God Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother;

• to give thanks for her life and all that she has given to our nation;

• to pray for her and for each other

• and to commend her to God our merciful redeemer and judge.

A half-muffled peal in honour of the Queen Mother will be rung by the Society of Bellringers on Tuesday 9 April, beginning at 4.30pm.

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Tom Butler gave the following comment on hearing of the Queen Mother's death:

"I am sad to hear of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. She was a symbol of national stability throughout a century of change. The Queen Mother was strong and courageous possessing great graciousness. She connected with the ordinary lives of people. At home and abroad she was universally popular, enjoying life and helping others enjoy it.

"We shall greatly miss her and our prayers are with the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this time of loss, which comes so soon after the death of Princess Margaret."

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468