It's an unusual and sombre Service Dealer Weekly Update that reaches you this Monday.
As you may have noticed we postponed arriving in your inbox on Friday as a mark of respect following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. This period of national mourning is a strange, reflective period and one that we are all negotiating in our own ways.
As just one example of how the whole country is caught up in this momentous time, I myself was privileged enough to hold a ticket for day three of the England vs South Africa Test match at the Oval on Saturday. There was some confusion initially on Friday afternoon whether the Test would be abandoned altogether - as the football leagues were - but in the end the decision was made for play to go ahead. As ticket holders we were asked to arrive early for a special ceremony of thanksgiving.
I must say I was honoured to witness and take part in such a unique moment in history. As soon as the players emerged from the dressing rooms, a complete and utter silence fell across the stadium - unprompted by the organisers. You could have heard a pin drop. It was as powerful as anything I've ever experienced.
Once the two teams were lined-up on the pitch, complete reverence and respect was paid to soprano Laura Wright performing the South African national anthem.
However, it was following this that the moment of utter goosebumps occurred. The first public rendition at a sporting event of the revised national anthem, God Save The King, was sung by Ms Wright accompanied by the whole stadium, with raw emotion. At the conclusion, again unprompted, the entire crowd applauded loudly until the first ball was bowled.
Finding our own ways
The feelings and emotions of what I was honoured to be part of at the Oval on Saturday, are clearly being repeated around the country at this time, on scales both large and small. Publicly and privately.
People are finding their own way to remember and give thanks for what Her Majesty meant to their lives.
I know our industry held the highest regard for a sovereign who clearly loved the care of the outdoors and for farming. Whether it be her love for horses and horse racing, for events such as the Chelsea Flower Show or for country show events - the UK outdoor power equipment industry knew they had a strong advocate and close ally for the work they represented. Of course this love for the maintenance of our natural environment will clearly be continued by our new monarch, King Charles III.
Over this following week until the state funeral next Monday, I'm sure there will be many more significant national moments that will live with us for the rest of our lives - as well as many more times of quiet, private reflection and contemplation.
I hope all our readers are able to find their own ways of remembering and of giving thanks.
Our Service Dealer Weekly Update will be back with you as normal on Friday.
