Staffordshire residents able to express condolences locally and online
Residents can formally express their sorrow at the death of Her Majesty the Queen at various locations across Staffordshire.
Books of condolence are being placed at 19 locations in the county, including Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, while mourners can also access national and local online books of condolence.
On 10th September civic leaders will lay a wreath in Stafford.
Official sites for floral tributes to be laid by the public in memory of the longest-reigning Monarch in the country’s history are also available.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Although this was the news that we had been fearing for a little while, the announcement of the passing of Her Majesty was a huge shock to us all. She has been a constant, reassuring presence in our lives for so long that now she has gone I am sure many people will wish to mark her passing by paying their respects.”
The short wreath-laying ceremony will take place at St Mary’s Church in the centre of Stafford at 10am on Saturday 10th September.
Attending will be Mr Ian Dudson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire and the High Sheriff of Staffordshire Ben Robinson MBE DL. Also present, representing Staffordshire County Council, will be its Leader, Coun Alan White, Chairman Cllr Paul Snape and Chief Executive John Henderson CB. Representing Stafford Borough Council will be Leader Coun Patrick Farrington, Deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Jones and Chief Executive Tim Clegg.
In the county town of Stafford, a book of condolence will be available to sign at St Mary’s Church and floral tributes may be left there too. Access to books of condolence will be determined by building open times.
A full list of locations across Staffordshire and details about opening times can be found here.
An online condolence book is also available to sign on the website of the British Monarchy. A localised digital book of condolence has also been opened and Staffordshire residents have already begun expressing their sorrow. These books will remain open to all until 5pm on the day after the funeral, at which time they will be closed and preserved.
