TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away yesterday evening (Thursday), as the Borough – and the nation – enters a period of mourning.
The Union Flag is flying at half-mast at Rugby Town Hall.
Rugby Borough Council issued the following statement, signed by Mayor Carolyn Watson-Merret, council and Conservative group leader Coun Seb Lowe, Labour group leader Coun Maggie O’Rourke, and Liberal Democrat group leader Coun Jerry Roodhouse.
“It is with great sadness we have learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II.
“We join everyone in the United Kingdom in extending our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family on behalf of the residents of the borough of Rugby and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“Her Majesty the Queen devoted her life to our country and was a beacon of unity, strength and hope for all of us. The Union Flag will fly at half-mast at the Town Hall as a mark of respect for her historic reign and extraordinary life.”
The Rector of Rugby, Canon Edmund Newey, said: “‘In common with so many people across the country and the world, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for our late Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her life and reign were dedicated to the service to God, the nation, the commonwealth and their people. May she rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.”
Rugby and Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey said: “Along with millions of people across the world, residents in Rugby and Bulkington will today be mourning the death of our Queen. Her Majesty has been an ever-present source of stability and grace throughout her reign across the Home Nations and the Commonwealth. Elizabeth II will be remembered fondly by her family and the country for her lifetime of public service and the inspiration she provided to millions.
“As a Member of Parliament, I had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty a number of years ago and remember the warmth of her welcome and the breadth of her smile. On overseas visits I heard about the esteem in which she was held across the world which has been borne out by the many tributes that have been paid. I know that everyone will be affected by her passing.”
Speaking on behalf of Rugby and Bulkington Constituency Labour Party, its Chair Coun Barbara Brown said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“We celebrate the many years of dedicated service she gave to us, and respect the remarkable influence she has had on this country and internationally.
“Our thoughts are with her family and those closest to her.”
Stay tuned to The Rugby Observer website today for information on where you can pay personal tribute to the Queen in the Borough.
