‘Farewell to great friend of Sefton...’
SOUTHPORT councillor John Pugh paid tribute to ‘a good friend to Sefton and its maritime past’ after Prince Philip died aged 99.
Cllr Pugh, who is leader of the Lib Dem council group, said he remembered the Duke of Edinburgh as being warm and authentic during his encounters.
He said: “The Royal Couple have visited Sefton many times, and I have met Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace, but one particular event sticks in my mind.
“It was in Bootle Town Hall. I think during the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
“The upstairs of the
Assembly Room at Bootle Town Hall was crammed with old soldiers, merchant and navy veterans – most expecting no more than a cup of tea and a chat with comrades.
“The Duke though went unflaggingly round the room talking at length to every single group with genuine interest and enjoyment.
“It took him way beyond the allotted time but will have been a fond memory and great talking point hereafter for all those Sefton seniors.
“The Duke occasionally caused controversy by not hiding his feelings, but this was one of those events where the authenticity of his feelings and the warmth of his approach was both much appreciated and remembered.”
Flags at Sefton Council’s buildings have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect after the Duke’s death.
The council is following palace guidance that rather than flowers, the Royal Family would prefer charity donations to one of the Duke of Edinburgh’s many patronages.
Speaking on behalf of the authority, Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns said: “Sefton Council sends its deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen following the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“We can remember the Duke of Edinburgh fondly and look back at the many occasions he visited our wonderful borough with Her Majesty The Queen.
“From their early visits to Bootle and Crosby in October 1954, to a stop-off in Southport and Altcar Training Camp in 1985; I’m sure so many people will remember these visits to Sefton.
“While national restrictions remain in place we would ask Sefton Residents to stay safe by laying floral tributes at home, or in their own gardens during this time.”