Message from Cottingham and Middleton Parish Councils
We would like to express, and share with you, our great sadness at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles III and all the Royal Family at this time. As all the commentators are stating, these are unprecedented times. We feel so pleased that she was able to celebrate her 70th Jubilee, and that we in our community played our small but memorable part in that celebration in June.
In accordance with guidance and instruction from HM Government, the two Parish Councils are drawing up a schedule which reflects key events and activities at National and County level.
Meanwhile, we are arranging for a Book of Condolence to be placed in the Village Shop until after the State Funeral, and we invite you to place any floral tributes you wish to make along the Glover Court verge-side of the Orchard wall in Middleton.
The Union Flag is now flying at half mast and will be raised and lowered in accordance with national protocols during the mourning period.
In sad but fond memory of a unique and special lady.
Cottingham and Middleton Parish Councillors and Clerks
Schedule of events – in memorium
St Mary Magdalene Church will be open from 10am to 7pm from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 September for quiet reflection.
Friday 9 September, 12 noon
Church bells to be tolled at St Mary Magdalene and all the churches in the Benefice.
Saturday 10 September, 11am
Prayers at St Mary Magdalene Church, led by Rev Amanda Oliver
Sunday 11 September, 2.30pm
Proclamation of the new sovereign, King Charles III
Following the Proclamation of King Charles III in London on Saturday 10 September, and at a Regional level at 1pm on Sunday 11 September, the Proclamation will be read at Parish level jointly by Cllr Sian Coughlan (Chair, Middleton Parish Council) and Cllr Andy Mackie (Cottingham Parish Council) at the Flagpole opposite the Village Store and Cafe. We would welcome all residents to come along and witness this formal and poignant event which we anticipate will last no longer than 20 minutes.
Please be mindful that, as well as being a significant point of focus for the community of Cottingham and Middleton, this location is also a busy junction. Your safety and that of other pedestrian witnesses is of paramount importance.
Other places to see the official proclamation locally – Northants Telegraph
Questions & Answers
Will there be a period of mourning for The Queen?
Yes, there will be a period of National Mourning lasting 11 days up to and including the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, which is expected to be on Monday 19 September (TBC). After that, there will be a further 7 days of Royal Mourning, for the Royal Family and Royal Household.
Will there be a book of condolence?
Yes, a book of condolence has been placed in the Cottingham and Middleton Village Store and Cafe until the day after the Queen’s State Funeral, for all residents who wish to enter a note of condolence.
After that, our Book of Condolence will become part of North Northants Council’s records of all such Books and from there combined with the National archive of all Condolence Book entries. The Parish Councils will make a copy of all entries for the villages’ archive.
There is also a national book of condolence available online at www.royal.uk
Is there a place to lay flowers in memory of The Queen?
Yes, please lay your floral tributes against the outside wall of the Orchard on the left-hand side as you enter Glover Court.
Will the flag in Cottingham be lowered to half-mast?
In accordance with national protocols, the flag will fly at half mast for the period of National Mourning, except for 10 September, when the flag will fly at full mast to mark the proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III. The flag will then remain at full mast until 1pm on 11 September, when it will be lowered, raised again at 2.30pm for the Proclamation at Parish level, then lowered again to half-mast for the duration of mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Will there be wreaths laid in memory of the Queen?
Yes, both Parish Councils have laid wreaths at the Flagpole in Cottingham in memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Details of further events and additional Q&As will be added as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, if you have any specific questions about arrangements and events over the period of mourning, please contact:
Rachel Raj, Clerk to Cottingham Parish Council
Tel: 07584 212067, email: clerkcottinghampc@gmail.com
George West-Robinson, Chair of Cottingham Parish Council
Tel: 07891 159155, email: grwrconsultingltd@gmail.com
Sian Coughlan, Chair of Middleton Parish Council
Tel: 07774 852478, email: sian_coughlan@hotmail.com
Justina Medwell, Clerk to Middleton Parish Council
Tel 01536 771232, email: clerk.middletonpc@gmail.com