A MESSAGE from the Queen made its way through Wensleydale yesterday - but with very little in the way of pomp and circumstance.

The Mother's Union is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2001 and personal congratulations from Buckingham Palace are being read in every diocese in Britain.

But the Journey of Hope around the UK is also being completed in as many differing modes of transport as possible.

Although the capsule containing the Queen's message arrived in Bedale yesterday in a vintage Austin Seven, it left St Gregory's in a purple pizza van.

However, with events across the Atlantic still in everyone's minds yesterday, diocesan communications officer, the Reverend John Carter, said the atmosphere among those taking part was more sombre than it would have been otherwise.

"Obviously, the 125th anniversary of the Mother's Union is still of some significance, but members have been very much aware of the tragic events in America," he said.

"At every stop, there has been a moment's silence for the victims and their families and all those involved in the Journey of Hope have been remembering those who died in their prayers."