THE Queen's Golden Jubilee was an opportunity for re-commitment and dedication, but it was also a time to be realistic and not just nostalgic, the Bishop of Hereford told the congregation at a service of thanksgiving on Sunday.

The Rt Rev. John Oliver spoke of worrying signs reflected by the many caught up in crime and drugs and of there being a society "still grievously unequal".

The Bishop also showed his deep concern for the planet which, he said, was being threatened by human action. The problem of climatic change was not being sufficiently addressed.

He said the Jubilee was a time to salute an outstanding head of state.

The Bishop recalled the Coronation as being one of the greatest days of his life for he was in Westminster Abbey that historic day as one of the 40 Queen's scholars.

After the great sufferings of the war and the austerity that followed, the Coronation was a celebration for a country at peace with itself and its conscience.

Symbolic

The Dean, the Very Rev. Michael Tavinor, had greeted the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Alan Williams, and members of the city council. The cathedral procession was met by the Lord Lieutenant for Herefordshire, Sir Thomas Dunne and Lady Dunne, together with the High Sheriff, Colonel Sir Piers Bengough and Lady Bengough.

Four symbols were used in the service to represent the prayers made in thanksgiving for the Jubilee, each expressing the dedication of the people to continue to serve the Queen - and each other.

There was the Bible for faith - carried by Tom Croshaw, of Ledbury - and the oil for anointing, borne by Eleanor Ford, of Hereford, recalling the anointing of the Queen to bless and consecrate her for holy office.

This was a more solemn Eleanor than when she met the Queen on the Mappa Mundi visit of 1996 - and gave the monarch her 12p pocket money!

Third symbol, carried by Tammy Jenkins, of Ledbury, was the towel with bowl for service, referring to Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

And to mark the celebration of the communal life of the nation and Commonwealth was a bell carried by Sophie Jones, of Kington.

Intercession

Readings were by Lord Slim and Sir Thomas Dunne. Prayers of intercession were read by representatives of Churches Together in Hereford.

The choir was conducted by Geraint Bowen and music was played by assistant organist Peter Dykes and Tarrington Brass.

Music included Ralph Vaughan Williams' arrangement of Old Hundredth, and Elgar's Pomp & Circumstance March No 4.