Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes, reaction and live updates as the people of Lancashire join the nation in period of mourning
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As the period of mourning begins, here we will publish the tributes, reaction and latest news as the region reflects during this momentous time.
Updates as Lancashire mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
What is happening to Blackpool Illuminations and Blackpool Tower tonight?
VisitBlackpool has confirmed that the illuminations will remain unlit tonight, while the Tower will be illuminated in red, white and blue. Read more here.
A tribute to Lillibet from Cllr Tony Williams, leader of the Conservative group on Blackpool Council
Cllr. Tony Williams the leader of Blackpool’s Conservative Group adds his own tribute: “On the 8th of September 2022, the world lost one of its greatest monarchs and ambassadors.Queen Elizabeth’s fortitude, compassion, and love for the people she served, shone like a beacon in a sometimes-dark world. Her dignity and strength through her own troubles were an inspiration and comfort to those who were travelling the same rugged path. As a wife and a mother she shared her life with us and made everyone feel as though we were part of her bigger family. She was everyone’s ‘mum’ and loved by thousands. Many of us shed tears at the news of her demise. Thank you, Queen Elizabeth, just for being you. RIP ‘Lillibet’ Elizabeth the Great.”
Message from Preston Minster
The Rev Sam Haigh talks to us from Preston Minster, after the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
Winter Gardens memories
Reporter Tony Durkin is at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, talking to MD Michael Williams about her majesty’s numerous visits to the resort
Fylde Council issues a statement in memory of Queen Elizabeth II
We are grieved to announce that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died, aged 96, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Ben Aitken, said:“It is with great regret that we hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our sorrow, shared by millions across the world, is tempered by a wonderful legacy of warmth, kindness, anddutiful service, and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.
“Flower laying is welcomed at Lytham Windmill where a section will be cordoned off, and the Windmill itself will be lit deep purple. Our teams at Fylde Council will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.
“All public engagements are postponed at this time, and further announcements will be made in due course.”
The Leader of Fylde Council, Councillor Karen Buckley, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across Fylde and the world, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“As a mark of respect flags throughout the borough will be lowered to half-mast. A Book of Condolence will be opened at the Town Hall in the Bernard Room and will be available to sign from the morning of Friday 9 September 2022. Scheduled events throughout the borough will be postponed, full details can be found on the Council website, as well as detailed information regarding the proclamation.
“Prayers from the people of Fylde are offered to the Royal Family on this sad occasion for our nation and the world.”
Former Fylde MP Michael Jack remembers meeting Her Majesty
Former Fylde MP Michael Jack said: “The Queen came to Weeton in 1990 to present new Colours to the Queen’s Duke of Lancashire Regiment who were stationed at the barracks.
“It was a typical Fylde windy day. As the Queen prepared to address the Regiment the microphone for her speech blew down and in spite of a young soldier being ordered to kneel before his sovereign and hold the microphone it sadly did not work as the speech unfolded. Undeterred, the Queen finished her speech and Lt Col Alex Birtwhistle replied in a huge voice from across the other side of the parade ground. Afterwards the two walked to lunch and I am reliably informed that Her Majesty turned to Alex Birtwhistle and said “ you didn’t hear a word that I said” He grinned.
“The post script to this story was that when the Conservatives lost the 1997 Election there was a reception at Buckingham Palace for retiring Ministers. When I met the Queen I announced who I was and she showed what a remarkable memory she had by remembering what happened at Weeton.
“Her Majesty was a truly. remarkable lady. Her official work load would have tired out most people very easily but her dedication to service meant that she never stopped giving to the nation.”
Statement from the Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor David Howarth
Coun David Howarth said: “It is with great sorrow that South Ribble Borough Council has today learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“As Mayor for South Ribble, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Council and residents in our borough.
“Her Majesty has served our Nation and fellow Commonwealth Nations with tremendous honour and dignity, and it is with a heavy heart that we pay tribute today.
“We stand in condolence with those across the globe and do so with a sense of pride as we reflect on Her Majesty’s reign.
“For our residents who wish to pay their respects, a book of condolence will be available at the Civic Centre in Leyland - where floral tributes can also be laid.”
Blackpool Council pays tribute to HM The Queen
The Leader of Blackpool Council has today expressed her deepest condolences following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “All councillors, council staff and residents in Blackpool are deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty stood for many of the great things about this country, casting an image of strength, humility and kindness that went out across the globe.
“Locally, we have been extremely fortunate to welcome the Queen to the resort on various occasions, most recently on her visit to the Winter Gardens for the Royal Variety Performance in 2007.
“Not only was it a wonderful occasion enjoyed by all, but it was a fantastic opportunity to show The Queen what a fantastic show we were able to put on, which I hoped she enjoyed.
“To honour her life and reign, we will be flying the Union Flags on the Town Hall and at the top of The Blackpool Tower at half-mast.
“We have also opened condolence books for the public to sign in the Town Hall reception and at the Winter Gardens.
“Anybody who wishes to lay flowers or mementos is advised to do so at St John’s Square, due to the large number that we expect.
“This is a sad day and while the country is in a national state of mourning, every council business will continue as normal. We will review all council and mayoral events that are scheduled to take place over the period of mourning and assess which ones are appropriate and can go ahead.
“Following the period of mourning, I will be writing to the royal family to offer our deepest condolences from everybody in Blackpool.”
Condolence books are available to sign in Blackpool Town Hall between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and at the Winter Gardens between 11am – 2.30pm every day.
Laying of flowers is being advised to take place at St John’s Square, where the expected large volume of tributes can be accommodated. The Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Kathyrn Benson, will lay flowers of behalf of the town at 12.45 today.
Councillors will be wearing black armbands for the full period of mourning, while the Mayor’s chains will be appropriately dressed.
Details around minutes’ silences and the proclamation of the new monarch will be announced in due course.
An online book of condolence is available to be signed at www.royal.uk or www.lancashire.gov.uk/queen
Blackpool Grand Theatre announces its closure and shares fond memories of the Queen
Blackpool Grand Threatre has announced it will stay closed today as a mark of respect to the Queen. They also offered their condolences and shared fond memories of Her Majesty’s last visit to the Theatre. Read the full story here.
All football OFF
The Premier League and EFL have confirmed they are postponing matches scheduled for this weekend.
Moreover, the FA has suspended all football activity meaning no grassroots or junior football either.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue issue statments and cancel open days following the Queen’s passing
On hearing of Her Majesty’s passing, Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth today. From myself and on behalf of everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.
“We will remember Her Majesty as a true inspiration and source of strength during her long reign of 70 years, particularly during times of uncertainty.
“Flags at our fire stations will now be flown at half-mast to mark the national period of mourning.”
UCLan isues a statment paying tribute to the Queen
University of Central Lancashire Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin has paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen following the announcement of her death earlier today.
Professor Baldwin said: “The University of Central Lancashire community is very saddened to hear today of the passing of Her Majesty who dedicated her life to public service and civic duty for the country. Her contribution to the nation, over many decades, has been extraordinary.
“Many at the University will still remember one of the proudest days in our history when in 2012 we were honoured to welcome Her Majesty and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to our Burnley Campus as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time.”