The Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Rick Jones, has paid the following tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
“We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty was admired by a great many people for a lifetime of public service to this country and the people she represented. In West Berkshire, and across the country, we respected her steadfast dedication to her calling and we join the Royal Family in mourning her passing today.
“Here in the Royal County of Berkshire we felt a particular affinity for Her Majesty. As someone with a passion for horses she would often visit Newbury to watch the racing. That she was able to enjoy this interest on our doorstep is something we can take pride and some solace in today.”
Paying your tribute to Her Majesty
Books of Condolence
Books of Condolence are available at locations across the district for anyone wanting to write a message of condolence. They can be found here:
- Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury
- Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury*
- Hungerford Library
- Thatcham Library
- Theale Library
- Mobile Library (available from Monday 12 September)
- Newbury Town Council (available weekdays from 10am to 4pm)
Unless otherwise stated, Books of Condolence will be available during normal opening hours.
*At Shaw House, the Book of Condolence will be available between 11am and 4pm at weekends, and between 9am and 5.30pm on Mondays to Fridays.
Books of Condolence will be kept by West Berkshire Council as a historical record of this national event.
An e-book of condolence on the Royal Family website is also available if you would prefer to pay your respects online.
Laying Flowers
If you want to lay some flowers in memory of Her Majesty please do so outside Newbury Town Hall in Market Place, Newbury. Cards can be left with the flowers but we would ask you not to include plastic wrapping with the flowers. Please don’t bring candles or other items.
In the interests of safety please come and place your tribute during the day. Stewards may be on hand to supervise the tribute and provide assistance to members of the public.
Local churches
Local churches have been ringing muffled bells to mark the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Some churches are specially opening their doors for people to come in. St Nicolas Church in Newbury will be open from 9am until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, to allow people to come inside for quiet reflection and prayers to mark the passing of Her Majesty.
