A moment of sadness

The Duke of Edinburgh

Hi folks

It is with great sadness that we mark the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. In our prayers, we will remember Her Majesty the Queen, now widowed by her husband of over 73 years - a lifetime in anybody's books. We will remember their family, and continue to ask that God grants them the peace and strength they need in the coming days and weeks.

You didn't need to be a "royalist" to understand his contribution to the royal family. He brought the "Firm" into the 21st Century, updating ancient procedures, and opening the workings of the Crown to the world. It was his influence that brought the live coverage of the Coronation to television (the first live broadcast of its scale anywhere). It was his idea to set up the "royal.uk" website in 1999 - long before we took the internet for granted,

As a passionate conservationist, he loved nature, and set up many programs and plans to support wildlife and flora and fauna over the world. He was greatly interested in people, setting up a program for young men (later to include young women too) in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which many of our sons and daughters have completed (including both Naomi and Ben from the rectory).

I met him in Hillsborough when he ditributed awards at an RUC programme I completed (similar to the DoE Award), and his general interest in everyone was commendable - even as a teenager I repected how he handled himself.

As the plans are announced, I believe we will see a modest funeral in spite of the State funeral he should be afforded - in recognition of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

May God continue to bless his family and their community in these difficult times.

Regards

Johnny

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