As part of  Launceston’s celebrations to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II 70 years on the throne, a civic service was held in St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday morning.

Merry Peals welcomed the Mayor Cllr Leighton Penhale and Mayoress Gillian Penhale, the Deputy Mayor Cllr Helen Bailey and her consort Adrian Bailey, together with members of Launceston Town Council and representatives of some of the town’s organisations were welcomed to the service by the Rector of Launceston and Rural Dean of Trigg Major, Rev Dr Peter Knight. 

The service commenced with Mr Robin Stubbs, organist playing Handel’s Water Music  and the Trumpet Tune of Purcell and Trumpet Voluntary  by Clarke, everyone stood for the entrance  of the Town Council and organisational representatives to their seats by churchwardens Graham Wormold and Bill Roberts (acting), followed by the choir, lead by the crucifer, Cllr Robert Tremain, the choir then Sang ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ by Redford. 

During the singing of the hymn ‘O praise ye the Lord,’ the Borough standard, carried by Jack Lankston was received at the altar by Rev Knight, as was the Launceston Old Cornwall Banner, carried by Peter Adams. 

The Mayor  read the first lesson from Proverbs 8 1-16, the choir  then sang  the Te Deum, setting by Stanford. The second read was given by the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Drake, from Revelations, and then Rev Knight gave the sermon, followed  by prayers. 

Before the service closed The National Anthem was sung, lead by Launceston Town Band, under their conductor, Ann Brown, the choir processed from the Chancel to the music of ‘Jerusalem,’ again played by the Band, the Mayor and Corporation, then left the church. Mace bearers were Steve Lankston and Andy Dunning. 

Sidesmen for the day were Mary Keighley, Don Sharpe and Sarah Cooke, Sarah having decorated the church for the occasion. Just  over 100 people attended the service, but it was rather sad that very few organisations attended this service, a piece of history which people will never see again.