Sevenoaks Mayor and Town Councillor leads the local community in moment of reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

At 7.55 p.m. on Sunday 18^th September 2022 approximately 500 people, young and more mature, with candles and lanterns gathered at the Vine to join the national Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This was an opportunity to reflect on the Queen’s life and legacy as a community.

At 7.58pm the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Councillor Rachel Parry, said:

‘Thank you all for gathering here this evening for this brief vigil on the eve of the funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In a few moments we will join with people across the United Kingdom in a Moment of Silent Reflection. The start and end of the Minute here will be marked by a whistle. During the Minute we will have an opportunity, in silence, to reflect on the lifetime of service which Her late Majesty devoted to the United Kingdom, the Realms and Territories and to the Commonwealth.
The Queen was sure in her faith and steadfast in her duty, bringing constancy through 70 years of change. We will remember Her late Majesty with affection and gratitude and silently give thanks in our hearts for her unswerving devotion to us and to our Country.’
‘Ladies and gentlemen, it is now approaching 8.00 p.m.’

Following a minute silence everybody present joined in singing the national anthem. On Sunday as a mark of respect to the H M Queen the War Memorial was lit in purple. The Mayor commented:

"On Sunday evening it was marvellous to see so many at the Town's Vine flagpole paying tribute to our late Queen.
The minutes silence was extraordinarily moving and I felt so privileged to lead so many Sennockians as we all reflected on and honoured her late Majesty for her wonderful life of service and dedication to our Country and the Commonwealth."