As the period of mourning moves towards the State Funeral on Monday 19 September, there will be a number of opportunities for residents to mark the death of The Queen over the coming days.
The Books of Condolence, at The Core and Chelmsley Wood Library, will remain open until 5pm on the evening of Tuesday 20 September. People can continue to lay floral tributes at Jubilee Gardens, behind Touchwood on Homer Road in Solihull and on Bosworth Drive near the junction with Pine Square roundabout in Chelmsley Wood.
The Council will begin removing the flowers on Tuesday 20 September from 1pm, the messages will be retained and added to the Council archives, while the flowers will be composted, in line with the rest of the country.
Sunday will see many churches holding special services ahead of the official State Funeral and the Mayor of Solihull has been invited to a memorial service, alongside his councillor colleagues at St Alphege Church.
Everyone is being encouraged to observe the National Moment of Reflection, a minute’s silence, at 8pm on Sunday evening with family and friends or even in their communities.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ken Meeson, said:
“I hope everyone observes the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18 September 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 reading the many touching tributes from families and individuals, including many depictions of Paddington Bear by children 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.
“Our thoughts remain with the King and all the Royal Family at this sad time.
“God Save the King.”