A BIRTHDAY BOOK for the Queen has been opened at each of the three cathedrals on Thursday April 21 for people across the diocese to write their own birthday wishes and prayers.
The books will be kept open until after her official birthday weekend, 11-12 June, before being sent to the Palace and a copy retained in local archives offices for future generations.
Members of the public are being invited to sign one of the three Queen’s Birthday Books which have been opened in Ripon, Wakefield and Bradford cathedrals.
Pictured (right) is the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd, and the Dean of Ripon, Very Revd John Dobson, signing the Ripon Cathedral book.
On June 12th in Ripon, the Lord-Lieutenant and Dean will together be hosting the county’s Service of Celebration. Among those being invited to take part will be people in the region celebrating their 90th birthdays this year. Dean John Dobson, said, “I'm delighted that from the Queen’s actual birthday, 21st April, until her official birthday weekend in June, this Birthday Book will provide a wonderful way for people to send their own personal message to the Queen.”
Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Jerry Lepine, said: “People of all ages will want to express their sincere gratitude to the Queen for all that she has given this country and the Commonwealth over the last 60 years. She promised to the Commonwealth on her 21st birthday that 'my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service'.
“We believe that the Queen continues to deliver on that promise as she reaches the age of 90. We invite people to come to Bradford Cathedral and express their deep appreciation to the Queen in the Birthday Book that we have provided”.
In Wakefield, the Mayor of the city, Coun June Cliffe MBE joined the Dean, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, on Wednesday to both toast the Queen and to be the first to write their greetings and prayers in the birthday book.
Jonathan Greener said: “Her Majesty the Queen is such a vital part of all our lives. The whole country is rejoicing in her 90th birthday and I know will want to wish her many happy returns.”