State funeral tributes and where to watch in Berkshire & N Hampshire
Several parts of the area will be hosting services and setting up big screens for people to watch the funeral together
There will be several memorial services throughout Berkshire and north hampshire before Monday's state funeral. Some local councils are also organising big screens for people to watch the state funeral on Monday together.
Memorial Services
Reading - Reading’s First Citizen, Mayor Councillor Rachel Eden, is extending an invite to all residents of the town to pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II at a Civic Memorial Service which takes place this Sunday at Reading Minster from 2pm.
The Service will be led by the Bishop of Reading and attended by the High Sheriff of Berkshire and other dignitaries.
The Council is respectfully asking residents to arrive in good time for the start of the Civic Memorial Service at The Minster Church of St Mary The Virgin, taking their seats by 1.45pm for the 2pm start.
Bracknell - A service to celebrate the life of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene Church, Easthampstead, on Sunday, 18 September at 6pm.
Guests of the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest will join the service, conducted by the Mayor’s chaplain, Reverend Carol Dunk.
The memorial service will be open to invited guests and the service will be live streamed for residents. A link will be available on the council's website in time for the service.
Basingstoke - St Michael’s Church in Basingstoke is to hold a Civic Service in loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday afternoon (18 September).
Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller will be hosting the event on Sunday afternoon, on the eve of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The service will also be live streamed by St Michael’s Church’s live website from 3pm, with a link available on the webpage at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/HM-Elizabeth-II. The Reverend John Hudson, Rector of Basingstoke Church, will lead the service, with Bishop of Basingstoke the Right Reverend David Williams giving the sermon and the blessing. Toju Ogbe of Basingstoke African Caribbean Catholic Association will lead the prayers.
There will be reflections from local resident Delia Gilham, who was 17 at the time of Queen Elizabeth II ascending to the throne, and Queen Mary’s College students Ffion Timmins and Arran Topham will give a tribute from a younger person’s perspective.
The Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller DBE MP will read a poem and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Lady Portal MBE DL (Louisa) will deliver a reading.
Andover - Everyone is welcome to a service of thanksgiving for the life of Her Late Majesty the Queen at St Mary's Church.
The service will start at 7pm. At 8pm there will be a silence followed by a blessing and the national anthem.
Teas and Coffee will be available after the service as the book of condolence remains open.
Watch
Reading - Reading Borough Council is to screen the funeral in order to allow residents to gather again to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Both London and Windsor are expected to be extremely busy on the day of the funeral and Reading residents have the opportunity to view the funeral in their hometown and avoiding the large crowds.
The solemn screening will take place at Forbury Gardens. This will be a free ticketed event and residents can secure their place at https://whatsonreading.com/venues/forbury-gardens/whats-on/reading-screening-hm-queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral
Gates will open for ticket holders from 9.30am, ahead of the screening starting at 10.30am. There will be some limited seating, but the Council recommends people bring their own seating if required. There will be a dedicated area for people with disabilities.
Bracknell - Residents are invited to watch the funeral of Her Majesty The Queen in Bond Square on Monday, 19 September.
Bracknell Forest Council has arranged for live coverage to be shown in the town centre, to give residents and visitors the opportunity to watch the historic moment and reflect collectively as a community.
Residents are invited to assemble in Bond Square from 10.15am ahead of the funeral starting at 11am. Seating will be available on a first come first served basis, and a dedicated area for people with disabilities.