PEACEFUL VIGIL HELD ON EVE OF QUEEN’S FUNERAL

Hailsham held a special service of remembrance on Sunday 18th September following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Councillors, veterans and hundreds of residents took part in the ceremony which heard from the Town’s Mayor, Reverend, Town Crier and Poet Laurie Wilkinson.

It was a chance to witness the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacon for the last time which flickered throughout the evening.

It opened with a moving speech from Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook – he said: “I have been touched by the tributes left at this memorial by the people of Hailsham which proves how much Her Majesty meant to us all.”

He was followed by Reverend Rory Graham, Associate Vicar from Hailsham Parish Church who held a prayer for the Royal Family and to remember the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

Local Poet Laurie Wilkinson then read a moving poem dedicated to the Queen and the Town Crier announced the official minute silence at 8pm.

The National Anthem was then sung by all in attendance, which was followed by three cheers for the King.

Residents and children from Grovelands Primary School laid flowers and tributes on the memorial throughout the evening.

YOUNG AND OLD LAY AMAZING TRIBUTES TO QUEEN

HELLINGLY PARISH COUNCIL