Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

It is with great sadness that we all learned of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Many of us have never known another Monarch and few, if any, will see another Platinum Jubilee.

The Parish Council quickly organised a Book of Condolence along with the lowering of union flags for the duration of the mourning period. Many local people recorded their condolences in the book which may be sent to the Borough Council to keep with other local condolence books.

Memories of Platinum Jubilee celebrations, held earlier this year, now seem more special. Those who attended the jubilee afternoon tea and street parties, together with those who received commemorative items will, I am sure, treasure those memories and gifts for a long time.

Over the past ten years the Parish Council has received several letters from Buckingham Palace. One in 2012, thanking the parish for sending congratulations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Accession to the Throne, one sent in 2016 thanking the parish for sending 90th birthday wishes, another in 2020 thanking parishioners for their wonderful contributions to the local community during the challenging times during the pandemic and the most recent, received in July this year, a thank you card from The Queen thanking the parish for sending congratulations to her on her Platinum Jubilee. There were visits too from Lord Lieutenants, on behalf of the Queen, to GFest services and the first of the over 85’s afternoon teas, which was organised to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Those letters and visits are now even more valued.

Loss is always difficult to bear, but Her Majesty lived a full life, devoted to the service of her country and the Commonwealth. A life of dedication that is celebrated as we enter a new era with the reign of King Charles III.

Thank you, Ma’am. Long Live the King!

Jayne Cooper

Clerk to Gnosall Parish Council.