The following statement was issued this morning by Mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Liz Leavy.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022

“It is with great sadness we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our longest reigning monarch. For all but a few of us she was the only sovereign we have ever known and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the people of Bridgwater I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. “

Councillor Liz Leavy, Mayor of Bridgwater

Civic Arrangements within Bridgwater

At a meeting this morning, Friday 9th September 2022, Mayor of Bridgwater, Liz Leavy, Leader of Council Brian Smedley, Deputy Leader Kathy Pearce and Town Clerk David Mears met to discuss the Town Councils response to ‘Operation London Bridge’ and the protocols sent down by Central Government to local authorities in the event of the current situation.

Flags

The Union flag remains flying from the town hall but is now decked with black ribbon as is required for flags on angled poles.   All other flags are required to be removed and so the Ukrainian flag has been removed for the duration of the period of national mourning.

The Mayor, as first citizen of the town, has agreed to attend civic functions on behalf of the town during this period. She is required by the protocol not to wear chains of office or to at least cover them.

Tributes

There will be a condolences book available at Bridgwater House (0845-5pm Monday to Friday) or on line.

Flowers can be left at King Square. Councillor Alan Bradford, Chairman of Sedgemoor, has laid the first floral tribute.

nb – People are also leaving floral tributes next to the Tom King Jubilee plaque in St Mary’s churchyard.

Events

Events that are celebratory or non essential should be cancelled. This should be at the decision of the event organiser.

The Council took the decision to ‘postpone’ the Seed the Day  festival on 10th September. A new date is being agreed with ‘Vegan Fairs’ who supported this decision.

Town council meetings that were public facing have been cancelled.

Somerset County & Sedgemoor District meetings have NOT been cancelled but members are asked to consider wearing black tie or sombre business attire ‘mindful of the national mood’.

National Proclamation -The official announcement of the Queen’s death and commencement of the new Kings reign will take place Saturday 10th September  at 11am from St James Palace in London.

Somerset County Council will hold the local proclamation event  on Sunday 11 September at 1pm at the Market House, Taunton.  The proclamation will be read by the High Sherriff of Somerset , Jennifer Duke, and will involve a small party of civic dignitaries – Chairman, Leader and Chief Executive.  Anyone wanting to attend will be welcome to observe this .

Sedgemoor District Council , as the senior local authority, will hold a ‘Proclamation event’ at King Square and the Mayor will participate. This will be on Sunday 11th September at 4pm. Members of the public are invited to attend.