Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II
Councillors and staff at Silloth-on-Solway Town Council have been paying tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth who passed away yesterday.
A number of flags located around the county will be flown at half-mast until 8am on the day following the State Funeral, except while the Proclamation of the new King is made.
Condolence books will also be situated around the county in key community buildings. The list of locations is available on the Cumbria County Council website. Condolences can also be left online on the Buckingham Palace e-Book, which can be found on the Buckingham Palace website.
Speaking today, Mayor of Silloth, Cllr. Mark Orchard, said:
“The sincere thoughts and condolences from myself, Silloth on Solway Town Council, along with the town of Silloth are with the members of the Royal family following the announcement of the death of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.
Providing leadership for over 70 years, our Queen was a truly remarkable monarch, who demonstrated an extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty throughout her reign.
Admired and loved across the world our sadness is shared throughout, as we take time to remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch.
We will stand united with the nation in mourning at the loss of our Queen.
A book of condolences and a designated area of memorial, for wreaths and flowers will be available for all residents and details can be found on our website and social media sites.”
Cllr. Carol Doran, Deputy Mayor of Silloth said:
“Our Queen showed us all what a life of service is all about. Her devotion to duty was exemplary and carried out with humility too. My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”
Cllr. Tony Markley added:
“As Local councillor, representing Silloth and the Solway Coast area, it is with deep sadness to learn the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Queen Elizabeth II, head of the monarchy and nation, has led with dignity, respect and strength for 70 years. Her passing will leave a huge void for local communities and the United Kingdom.
Rest in peace.”
Cllr. Graham Wilkinson, former Mayor of Silloth said:
“It was with great sadness that at teatime yesterday, we heard the sad news that our devoted leader Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at her beloved Balmoral, following 70 years of unstinting service to our country and the greater commonwealth over which she has served so graciously.
Our thoughts and that of the nation are with her family and relations at this sad time.
Rest in peace.”
Cllr. Bill Jefferson OBE, has fond memories of Her Majesty The Queen:
“I was very fortunate to have had the privilege of accompanying the Queen on several occasions overseas in my previous existence and I will never forget the joy and openness she radiated on every occasion. She was disarmingly gracious and understanding in a way I have never seen in any other person and her eyes said it all. The glimmer of humour and sometimes mischief were pure magic. Her short conversations with the people I was privileged to present to her were brilliant, sincere and personal – they will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
My first time was the royal visit to Qatar in the 1970s which was new territory for the Queen but made easier by the royal yacht and my last time was Prague in the 1990s which was the one I enjoyed most because of royal gala performances, crowds everywhere she went whether casual or with tiara and always displaying that same radiance and interest in the people she met. I retired from the overseas service in 1998 and joined Silloth Town Council in 1999 thinking that was that. Not so. 17 years into retirement I received a notification that the Queen would like to pay a short private visit to Windermere on her way to Balmoral and come by boat to our new jetty. It was such an unexpected joy to greet her off the boat back home in Cumbria and I thought I might take a little risk. I noticed a group of young children from Wiggonby School standing about 200 yards from where the boat was due to land in a couple of hours and the kids asked me if they could speak to the Queen. I promised to try. As the Queen was about to get back in the car, I whispered that these children had come a long way and before I had finished the sentence HM said simply “of course” and walked across to them and had a conversation that went round the world in minutes – I saw a clip again on ITV last night.
Our Queen was, is, and always will be unique. A wonderful woman and I doubt we shall see her like again.”