How Southwell Minster will honour the memory of the Queen Elizabeth II following her death
Southwell Minster has outlined its plans to honour The Queen over the period of national mourning in the coming days and weeks.
The public are welcome to use the cathedral as a place of reflection to pay their respects.
The minster has opened a book of condolence a book, which will be available for signing Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, until the day after the Queen's state funeral to allow the public to make their own personal tributes.
Canon Precentor, Canon Richard Frith, in charge of music and liturgy at Southwell Minster led the tributes, saying: "The Queen's profound impact on the world and our country cannot be measured.
"There will be a huge outpouring of grief in the coming days which we feel and share at the minster.
"It is our privilege to play a small part of the national mourning and thanksgiving."
The Minster bells rang out yesterday, chiming a total of 96 times to represent the 96 years of the Queen's life. At noon, the chimes were replaced by an hour of melancholic muffled bells.
The bells will remain muffled whenever they ring up until the day of The Queen's state funeral. The only exception will be when they are unmuffled for the day of King Charles III's proclamation.
A special service of holy communion was held as well as a service of evensong later that day, with a programme of specially chosen music and prayers to reflect the occasion.
At every service held up to the day of the funeral will include prayers for the monarch and the Royal Family.
Prayer cards and sheets designed for children are also available to help them understand the news.
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Rev Paul Williams, will preach at the Minster's Eucharist service tomorrow morning (Sunday).
Next Sunday at 10am a requiem in memory of Her Majesty will be held followed by the main cathedral memorial service for the diocese at 3.30pm, where dignitaries from across the county are expected to gather including the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and representatives from the county council.
At the minster, the public are invited to pay tribute in number of other ways as well as signing the book of condolence
Residents and visitors alike are able to lay floral tributes at the west door — which is the designated location in Southwell for laying flowers.
The town council requested that only flowers be left, rather than toys, candles or any other items, and that plastic flower bags are removed and disposed of in litter bins or taken home.
Those wishing to light a candle and say a prayer are able to do so inside of the church.
Canon Frith believes that the minster is a place of peace and solemnity that can be used by all as a place of quiet reflection.
"We hope that the minster will be a place people feel able to visit, regardless of faith or background and offer thanks and praise for everything that Her Majesty has done for us," he said.
A statement by The Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, Dean of Southwell, read: "I am deeply sorry to hear of the death of The Queen.
"Throughout her life she remained true to her commitment of service to all.
"Her Christian faith underpinned her life and was evident in the Christmas Day broadcasts so many of us remember with fondness. We thank God for the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
"We send our sympathy to King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family and will hold them in our prayers particularly at this time of bereavement.
"Southwell Minster will be open for all who wish to pray, light candles, express their condolences or to seek solace."
