SADNESS has swept over South Oxfordshire towns following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last week.
The monarch died peacefully in Balmoral on Thursday afternoon (September 8), as announced by Buckingham Palace.
Residents across Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage were quick to express their sorrow and condolences for the Queen and her family.
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Andy Foulsham, Mayor of Abingdon, said the Queen is “very much in all our thoughts and prayers” as well as the rest of the Royal Family.
He said: “We’ve not been fortunate enough to have a royal visit during my time as Mayor here but we’ve had very many royal visits in the past such as Princess Anne coming to Abingdon for the annual bun throwing which was marvellous to have her here for such an historic tradition.
“So we do have such a huge amount of affection for the Royal Family here across the whole of Abingdon.”
A statement released by the town council said: “Her Majesty the Queen was the longest serving British Monarch, this year celebrating 70 years on the throne, an event marked by celebrations across the UK.
“She was loved and respected in this country and around the world and will be greatly missed by everyone.”
A Book of Condolence has been made available at the Roysse Room, The Guildhall in Abbey Close and can be accessed from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Flowers may also be left in the Roysse Court Gardens.
The Union Flag has been flying at half-mast on the Abingdon County Hall Museum except for Sunday (September 11) when it was at full mast for the proclamation of King Charles III.
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Similarly in Didcot, a Book of Condolence has been opened at the Civic Hall in Britwell Road and flowers can be placed around the flagpole outside.
Mayor Pam Siggers said: “I think I speak for many when I express my deepest sorrow on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“She was totally devoted to her country and people and she will be great missed. May she rest in peace.”
In Wallingford, a Book of Condolence is available in Wallingford Castle Gardens from 10am until 4pm from Monday to Sunday with a designated area available to place flowers.
St Mary’s Church was open for residents to light candles and an evening service of prayer and reflection was held on Sunday evening (September 11).
Mayor Marcus Harris said: “It’s heart-breaking news. What a great leader for our country – what a momentous figure. It’s terrible sad – everyone was expecting it for a while but she seemed so full of life.”
In a statement online, Wantage Town Council said: “The town mayor, town councillors and council staff wish to express their sadness on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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“All flags on the flagpoles in Market Place have been replaced by a single Union Flag, which will be flown at half-mast throughout the period of mourning during the hours of daylight.”
A Book of Condolences is also available to sign at The Beacon in Portway and parish church of SS Peter and Paul.
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Read more from this author
This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.
Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland
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