Tributes paid as town mourns for monarch
MACCLESFIELD joined the rest of the country in mourning the death of the Queen Elizabeth II and paying tribute to her 70 years of service as our nation’s monarch.
Her Royal Highness, who last visited the town in 2002, her Golden Jubilee year, passed away on Thursday, September 8, at her Balmoral home.
The flag at Macclesfield Town Hall was flown at half mast and flowers were left outside nearby St Michael’s Church.
Both venues opened books of condolence.
Tributes have poured in from community figures and - like all football teams across the country - Macclesfield FC games were postponed.
Queen Elizabeth’s coffin was flown from Edinburgh to London on Tuesday where it will lie in state at Westminster Hall for four days before her funeral at Westminster Abbey, on Monday, September 19.
Among those to pay tribute was Mayor of Macclesfield Fiona Wilson, who said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal family.”
The mayor also made the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III at Macclesfield Market Place, attended by hundreds of people. She said: “Today it was my duty and honour to make the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III to the people of Macclesfield.
“Thank you to everyone who attended this incredibly historic occasion under such sad circumstances.”
A service for the Queen was held at St Michael’s Church on Sunday, September 11, and another took place at St Oswald’s Church, Bollington, on Friday.
The church also opened a book of condolence and
people could lay floral tributes in the memorial garden. These will eventually be used as compost for trees planted as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
There was also a book of condolence at Bollington Town Hall.
Bollington town council said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The
Queen who died peacefully at Balmoral. Our thoughts are with the Queen’s family, friends and all those whose lives she had a profound effect on.”
Queen Elizabeth’s last visit to Macclesfield to the King’s School, then on Cumberland Street, is still fondly remembered.
It was for the school’s 500th anniversary and Her
Majesty greeted people who had lined the streets as well as touring King’s.
Current headteacher Jason Slack said: “The King’s School community is united in mourning the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our deepest condolences are with the King and the Royal Family as we reflect on her incredible
70-year reign. She was a wonderful role model and our nations are indebted to her for her service.”
The Queen also visited Macclesfield in 1947 - when she was Princess Elizabeth - with her then husband to be the Duke of Edinburgh.
Books of condolence were also opened at places including St Peter’s Church, Prestbury, Poynton Civic Hall, where the flag was half mast, and St Thomas’s
Church, Henbury.
A proclamation for King Charles III took place in Cheshire East at the council offices at Westfields, Sandbach, on Sunday.
The Archdeacon of Macclesfield, the Venerable Ian Bishop, led a short service commemorating the life of Her Majesty.