Wokingham’s politicians pay tribute
WOKINGHAM’S politicians are paying their respects to the Queen, following news that she died today at the age of 96.
Cllr Jim Frewin, the leader of the independent group on Wokingham Borough Council, was chairing a meeting of the overview and scrutiny management committee just half-an-hour after the news broke on Thursday, September 8.
He led a minute’s silence before adjourning the meeting as a mark of respect.
The Shinfield South councillor told Wokingham Today: “Her Majesty was a truly inspirational example of putting service and duty before oneself. Our nation is a better place because of her devotion.
“May she rest in peace.”
The borough mayor, Liberal Democrat Cllr Caroline Smith, said in a message shared by Wokingham Borough Council on social media: On behalf of the residents of Wokingham Borough and the staff and members of the borough council, I would like to express my deepest sorrow at the death of our esteemed monarch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Most people living in this country today will have no knowledge of life without her as our Queen and I know that the grief will be real and long-lasting.
“For more than 70 years she reigned with compassion and grace and she leaves a far-reaching legacy that spans the whole world and will be felt for many generations to come.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Clive Jones said: “It is so very sad that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. As a 21-year-old she dedicated her life to the service of our nations and the Commonwealth. She wonderfully kept her promise, an example to so many people.
“She presided over the modernisation of the monarchy bringing it into the modern era. Everyone will have special memories of her reign.
“Many will remember her opening the Olympic Games in 2012 with James Bond and the celebrations of her 70 years on the throne and her cup of tea with Paddington
Bear. Even at 96 she was a thoroughly modern sovereign.
“The thoughts of all generations throughout the UK and Commonwealth and around the world are very much with her family as we remember a much-loved Queen.”
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the leader of Wokingham Conservatives, said: “I would like to join the people of Wokingham Borough in expressing our deep sadness on the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
“We all owe the Queen an enormous debt of gratitude, she has always been there for us in good times and bad and continued working diligently for her people right up to the end. I will never forget her kindness, her dedication, her humour and her lovely smile.”
She added: “In 2019 the Queen visited my workplace on our 100th anniversary, the building was buzzing with excitement, love and joy as she walked round and made sure as many people as possible could see her. It was a day I will never forget, the atmosphere was electric.
“Her Majesty brought pleasure to millions of people over the years but also brought comfort to the bereaved in times of tragedy. She always put duty first and despite her advancing years was utterly dependable and tireless. She will be sadly missed.
“May she rest in peace.” Wokingham Labour group leader, Cllr Rachel Burgess, said: “As the remarkable reign of an extraordinary woman comes to an end, her life of duty, service and dedication to our country is a shining example to us all.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a constant, calm and wise presence in our lives for an incredible 70 years, and she was loved and respected the world over.
“She approached her many years of service always with dignity and compassion and so many of us will feel a deep sadness at her passing.
“Our hearts go out to the Royal Family and our thoughts are with them, and the many, many people whose lives she touched, at this time.”