CHURCHES across Worcestershire are being encouraged to ring their bells to mark the day when the Queen becomes Britain’s longest ever reigning monarch.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for 64 years and on Wednesday, September 9, she will surpass Queen Victoria’s record tenure.
To celebrate the milestone, Worcester Cathedral will be leading the way with a peal of bells from midday, entitled ‘5040 changes of Cambridge Surprise Maximus’.
And the Rt Rev Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, has urged churches in the county to follow suit.
“This is a very significant day on which Her Majesty the Queen’s reign will surpass that of Queen Victoria,” he said.
“I encourage as much ringing as possible in the Diocese on that day and during the week as a mark of appreciation not only of the length of the Queen’s reign but of her magnificent Christian service throughout it. Long may she reign.”
Other churches are planning different ways to mark the occasion, with Holy Innocents Church in Kidderminster planting 64 daffodil bulbs.
The church will also be open on September 10 and 11 where there will be displays and memorabilia marking the event. Finally, on Sunday, September 13 there will be a service led by the Archdeacon of Dudley followed by the planting of a ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose.
In Worcester Cathedral, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and other civic guests will attend Evensong at 4pm on Sunday, September 13 to celebrate the Queen’s achievement.
