Hero photograph
Operation London Bridge
 
Photo by pixabay.com

Operation London Bridge

Andrew Metcalfe —

This is something you may not have heard of, but it's the code name for the protocol in place in the event of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

A reminder of this is not being made because the Queen is in any immediate danger (or because she is currently dealing with a COVID-19 infection), but more because this may be something that happens in the not too distant future. 

How could we be part of this Operation?

If you have a church bell, the London Bridge protocol has instructions for what do do in the event of Her Majesty's death. Part of this protocol includes bells being rung fully or half-muffled. Muffles are leather pads fitted to a bell’s clapper to reduce the volume.

Linda Dawber is able to manufacture muffles for church bells, if you don't have a DIY system already in place and want muffles that will do this. Some of these have already been commissioned for St Paul’s Anglican church in Papanui, Christchurch.

Her contact details: 

Linda Dawber
Clarke McKenzie Ltd
515 Finlays Road
West Melton
Christchurch 7675
New Zealand

0064 3 323 6536
027 323 6536

info@clarkemckenzie.co.nz

For those who want to know more...

The Royal Household have advised the following times that ringing should take place based on the timing of the official announcement:

On the announcement of the death, bells may be rung or tolled at the discretion of local Parochial Church Councils. They may be rung or tolled for one hour as shown below:

  • If the announcement occurs before 1100hrs: noon on the day of death.
  • If the announcement occurs between 1100hrs and 1600hrs: 1800 hours on the day of death
  • If the announcement occurs after 1600hrs: noon on the following day