Congleton marks Proclamation of the King

A crowd of almost two hundred Congletonians gathered at the Cenotaph to mark the accession of King Charles III.

The Proclamation was read on Sunday 11 September by former mayor Cllr Denis Murphy on behalf of the Town Mayor.

Civic guests including Fiona Bruce MP for Congleton attended the significant and historic ceremony. Town Crier, Cllr Paul Duffy made the call to order for Cllr Murphy to address the town with the formal Proclamation. Judy Dakin led the singing of the National anthem; God Save the King.

Cllr Murphy said: “Councillors and staff at Congleton Town Council are deeply saddened following the passing of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II. We remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by out longest-reigning Monarch. It was my humble duty to bring the words of the Proclamation to the residents of Congleton. Thank you to everyone who turned out to welcome the new King and to the Prince of Wales Pub for supplying an instrumental version of the National Anthem.” The Proclamation can read on the town council website.

A short civic service of commemoration followed at St. Peter’s Church to remember the life of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Revd Ian Enticott led the service attended by dignitaries, councillors, and residents.

Jackie MacArthur, Deputy Chief Officer at Congleton Town Council said: “In line with government protocol, the flags on the Town Hall were lowered to half mast on Thursday evening following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. The flags were raised to full mast on Saturday at 11am for the Proclamation of the new King, They were lowered after the Proclamation was read in Congleton on Sunday and will remain at half mast until the day following The Queen’s State Funeral.”

A book of condolence is open for residents to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The book is available in the Congleton Information Centre. Outside office hours it will be open in Bluey’s Bar & Hub (next to the Town Hall). There are also books of condolence at St Peter’s Church in Chapel Street and St Mary’s Church in Astbury. Alternatively, the national online condolence book can be signed at:

http://www.royal.uk

Floral tributes have been placed at the Community Gardens, Lawton Street. The noticeboard pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth containing pictures of her visit to Congleton in 1972.