If the ambitious appeal announced today succeeds, York Minster will usher in the Queen Mother's 100th birthday with a peal from six bells cast in her honour.

There could be no better way to salute the Royal who commands a unique place in the nation's affections.

The setting is perfect. Our beautiful cathedral, at the centre of a city in the heart of the kingdom, is the ideal place to celebrate publicly the life of a former Duchess of York.

The form of the tribute, too, is most appropriate. Church bells are an enduring symbol of hope and continuity. These six will honour a woman who has come to represent stability and benevolence in what can seem to be a volatile and cynical world.

Raising the £250,000 needed in so short a time will not be easy. It will be interesting to watch the public's response.

Appeal organisers may choose to promote the bells as another Millennium commemoration, to complement the special Mystery Plays at the Minster. In effect the bells will ring out the 20th century, an era only a few months older than the Queen Mother herself, and ring in the next.

The last century was an often turbulent and challenging time for our Royal Family. In 1936 the monarchy was rocked by the abdication of Edward VIII. It was largely due to the stewardship of his successor, George VI, supported by his wife, now the Queen Mother, that the monarchy survived.

The Queen Mother went on to cement her place in British hearts during the dark days of the blitz, when she and the king toured bombed London bringing much needed cheer to their war-weary subjects.

And the Queen Mother helped to steady the Royal ship again during the Nineties when a series of marital breakdowns threatened to overwhelm it. Her place in history is therefore assured.

So it is only right that a remarkable life is celebrated in a remarkable way.

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