SOLIHULL residents have joined millions across the world in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Floral tributes have been laid at two sites in the borough, tributes have been paid, flags have been flying at half mast and books of condolence have been opened as people reflect on the death of the longest reigning British monarch.
During the period of mourning, ahead of the Queen’s state funeral on Monday, September 19, the council and other organisations in the area are marking Her Majesty’s extraordinary reign while also providing residents with the chance to pay their respects to the only monarch the majority of people have ever known.
Solihull Council has organised two sites in the borough where residents can lay flowers.
These are Jubilee Gardens, behind Touchwood on Homer Road in Solihull and on Bosworth Drive near the junction with Pine Square in Chelmsley Wood.
Leading the tributes Solihull Mayor, Councillor Ken Meeson, said: ”
“I hope everyone observes the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday, September 18 at 8pm.
“This one minute’s silence is an opportunity to gather with family and friends to reflect the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“I have already written to The Queen’s Private Secretary on behalf of the people of Solihull to send our deepest sympathy to His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Family.
“I know from the floral tributes I’ve read in Solihull and Chelmsley Wood and from the Proclamation event on Sunday, that there is a great sadness across Solihull at the passing of our Sovereign, but that everyone is grateful and gives thanks for her lifetime of service to our country and the Commonwealth.
“I’m sure many, like me, will have fond memories of The Queen’s visits to our Borough, such as when she opened the Council’s Civic Hall in 1962, the Touchwood Shopping Centre and Jubilee Gardens in 2002.”
The council has also opened two books of condolence for people to sign at The Core and Chelmsley Wood Library.
The opening times for the condolence books are Monday to Friday 9am until 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am until 3pm.
Solihull Council said the books it has opened will close at 5pm on Tuesday, September 20.
Places of worship across the borough are are also open for people to reflect on the Queen’s passing with some also having a book of condolence to sign.
On Sunday churches will be holding a special service commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
St Alphege Church will be holding eucharist services at 8am and 10am.
St Helen’s Church on St Helen’s Road will hold a 10am eucharist and St Michael’s at Sharman’s Cross School is set to hold a 10:30am eucharist service.
Knowle Parish church will be holding their service at 11.15am and the church will be open for a period of mourning from 9am until 6.30pm.
Solihull is also set to join the nation to observe a one minute’s silence at 8pm on Sunday, September 18, the night before the Queen’s funeral, as part of a shared national moment of reflection.
