An online book of condolence has opened this morning (Friday 9 September) for the people of Sandwell to sign. Messages of condolence will be gathered and sent to the Royal family at a later date. Books of condolence will also be available at six libraries across Sandwell’s towns.
At 9am today, The Worshipful Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Richard Jones, the Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, the Leader of the Opposition Group Councillor David Fisher and Director of Law and Governance Surjit Tour laid wreaths by the flagpoles outside Sandwell Council House in Oldbury. Flags are flying at half-mast.
People wishing to lay flowers can do so by the fountain outside Sandwell Council House in Freeth Street.
Books of condolence are available at the following six libraries in Sandwell during opening hours: Oldbury Library at Sandwell Council House, Blackheath Library, Smethwick Library, Glebefields Library in Tipton, Wednesbury Library and Central Library in West Bromwich. Visit the Libraries Information webpage for details of opening hours for these libraries.
The Mayor, Councillor Richard Jones said: “On behalf of Sandwell Council and the people of Sandwell, I would like to extend my sympathies to the Royal Family.
“Her Majesty was a great public servant and we, along with people across the country and indeed the world, will feel her loss.
“We remember, along with the residents of the borough, those occasions on which Queen Elizabeth II visited Sandwell, with great fondness.
“She was the longest-serving monarch in British history and head of Commonwealth and carried herself in a manner that befitted a monarch for 70 years. Her ability to keep up with the changing times earned her enormous praise from all corners of the world.”
Councillor Jones said he would be writing in the condolence book: “Sandwell is mourning your loss – you once said ‘grief is the price we pay for love’. May you rest in peace. My condolences to the King and the Royal Family. Long live the King.”
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “Along with the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Sandwell, I will be writing a letter of condolence to the Royal Family, offering our deepest sympathies and to convey the sadness that we all feel.
“The passing of the Queen is a real loss to our country and the Commonwealth after a life of incredible service. She was loved and respected by each generation and will be sorely missed by us all.
“The Queen was a mother, grandmother and great-
grandmother and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family who we are thinking of at this time.”
Leader of the Opposition Group Councillor David Fisher said: “I am very sad to hear of the passing of our Queen, Queen Elizabeth II, who served 70 years on the throne. Her loss will be felt by everyone, including residents here in Sandwell. I am thinking of the Royal Family at this sad time and send my condolences. May she rest in peace.”
The Queen last visited Sandwell on 24 June 1994 to view the work of the Tipton Challenge Partnership as part of a wider tour of the Black Country.
She also visited Oak House in West Bromwich in 1977 with the Duke of Edinburgh as part of her Silver Jubilee celebrations.
For further information please visit the Royal website
