Tenterden Town Council would like to convey sincerest condolences to His Majesty The King on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our Head of State and great Ambassador for the United Kingdom, whose place in history is surely secure as one of the greatest reigning monarchs.
We share the sentiments of loss and sorrow felt all over the world at the passing of such an eminent patriot, whose life has been devoted to the service of her country as well as advocating peace and the importance of nations working together.
It is with deep sorrow that His Majesty The King announced the death of his beloved mother, yesterday (Thursday 8 September):
Message from The Town Mayor of Tenterden
A message from the Worshipful the Town Mayor of Tenterden, Councillor John Crawford, following the sad news.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizbeth II who gave her life to serve this wonderful Country, Commonwealth and all its people.
At the age of 96, she was the longest-serving monarch of Britain and reigned for 70 years.
It was such a privilege earlier this year to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee with lighting of the Town's Beacon on Tenterden Recreation Ground. She was without doubt a remarkable Sovereign, unequalled in our life time and over the centuries. Her achievements and dedication to service will go down in the history books.
On behalf of Tenterden Town Council and its community, I should like to express to his Majesty King Charles III and the whole Royal Family our deepest heartfelt condolences. I am sure her unique legacy will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
Flags
The Union Flags on the Town Hall, 24 High Street, Tenterden, are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. From today, a period of national mourning has begun and will continue for 10 days until the day of the funeral. The flags will be raised to full mast at 11am on Saturday, 10th September for the first Proclamation of the new Sovereign at St. James Palace, and will remain at full mast for 24 hours minimum. At 1.15pm on Sunday, 11th September, the flags will be lowered to half mast following the Proclamation by the Lord Warden. At 3pm on Sunday, 11th September the flags will be raised to full mast for the Proclamation by the Mayor of Ashford, then returned to half mast at 3.15pm. On Monday, 12th September the flags will be raised to full mast at 4pm for the Proclamation by the Town Mayor of Tenterden, and return to half mast at 4.15pm.
Floral Tributes
Floral tributes can be laid near the Tenterden War Memorial. The tributes must not be placed on the steps of the memorial, but can be placed around the perimeter by the hedging or on the bricked path. Floral tributes must not be wrapped in cellophane as they will be composted one day after Her Majesty's funeral, as per her wishes.
Book of Condolence
We know that many of you will wish to pay your personal tributes to Her Majesty The Queen and a Book of Condolence will be open in Tenterden Town Hall from 9am on Monday, 12th September. The Town Hall is open from 9am to 4pm from Monday, 12th September to Friday, 16th September. We will be closed on Monday, 19th September. You can also sign the online book of condolence. There is also a Book of Condolence located in St. Mildred's Church which is accessible from now.
Protocols
The Government will issue guidance for the public, organisations and businesses for observing the period of mourning and we will update this webpage as news comes in.
Local Proclamation
The Town Mayor of Tenterden read the Local Proclamation on Monday, 12th September 2022 at 4pm from Tenterden Town Hall's Balcony. There was a great turnout of Clergy, Councillors, Borough Councillors and County Councillors as well as many members of the public. St. Mildred's Church kindly recorded the Proclamation should you wish to view it.
A Moment of Reflection on the Eve of the Funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Town Council will not be holding a vigil on the eve of Her Majesty's funeral, but would like to encourage residents to hold a minute silence either in their own homes, with loved ones/friends or at your chosen Church should they be holding a service. St. Mildred's Church will be holding a special Royal Songs of Praise on Sunday, 18th September at 6pm, which will be followed by tea and coffee. The bells will toll from 7.50 pm to 8.00 pm and be followed by a minute’s silence in the Church. A prayer will conclude the special service.