Flowers laid for the Queen, the 'most famous person in the world'

Flowers are being laid at Newbury Town Hall in memory of the Queen today (Friday).

Residents across West Berkshire have been paying their respects to the late monarch who died yesterday (Thursday).

The rain drizzled down but people came in their numbers to have a moment to remember 'the most famous person in the world'.

A book of condolences has been placed in the entrance of the Town Hall and in the reception of West Berkshire Council's Market Street offices, for those wishing to leave a message.

Conversations and memories were shared among strangers as they sheltered together beneath a line of umbrellas.

The Mayor of Newbury Gary Norman said: “It’s really strange. Everyone’s feeling really strange.

“I am 65-years-old and I have never known anything else other than the Queen.

“It is a big shock to the system, look at the influence she had over the years.

“She may be the most famous person in the world, this is going to affect the whole world.”

He added: “It is touching to see people queuing to sign the condolences book.”

Mr Norman said he will going to be attending various events to do with the mourning process and will have a few busy days ahead of him.

Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Rick Jones, was also there to lay flowers outside the town hall, along with chief executive Nigel Lynn and council leader Lynne Doherty. Mr Jones signed the book of condolence, along with the mayor.

Earlier Mr Lynn was joined by council leader Mrs Doherty and vice chair of the council, Alan Law, to sign the book of condolence at the Market Street offices.

Inspector at Newbury Police Station Alan Hawkett paid his respects and laid down flowers on behalf of his team. He said he was lost for words as he stood and remembered the Queen with the residents of Newbury.

Former Newbury resident Elizabeth Kelly who now resides in Canada happened to be in the country visiting family when she heard the news.

Speaking outside the Newbury Town Hall, she said: “She is my Queen. I love her. I remember her coronation.”

Through tears, she added: “It is a very sad time. She was loved everywhere, she was loved as a person.”

As flowers were laid, strangers spoke with one another, sharing their favourite memories and seeking comfort in the community spirit.

Newbury resident Louise Roberts: “We’re feeling a deep sense of loss. The Queen was someone who was always there, even if it was indirectly.

“She was so gentle all whilst being strong. Everything that she did made everyone love her. She kept everyone together.”

Despite visiting the town hall by herself, she shared a moment with another Newbury resident who said: “The Queen was so respected and exalted and everyone loved her. She was a grandmother but she was everyone’s grandmother.

"The grandmother that anyone would be happy to have.

“Also she was a woman and she was respected and everyone knew her.”

Thatcham resident John Bedford told Newbury Today of his previous interactions with both the late Queen and now Monarch.

He said: "I had been privileged to be presented to Her Majesty in June 2019 at the Royal Household Sports Ground Frogmore, Windsor as a member of The Royal Toxophilite Society of which she was Patron where, by her kind invitation, we shot an archery round which she watched with interest.

"Although for such a sad reason, by joining others attending this ceremony I was giving fond personal respect for the life of our late Queen.

"In a similar capacity I had also been introduced to, and met The Prince of Wales, now our King, at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2018.

"Thus, I feel confident for the future and that the Monarchy will be in safe hands.

Speaking on a personal level, Caroline Culver said: “Regardless of people’s views of the monarchy there’s been a real sense of mourning.

“It is so sad, the Queen served for a very long time and she gave us continuity.”

In a statement yesterday evening (Thursday) West Berkshire Council said it was deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen and the thoughts of all councillors and staff were with the Royal Family.

Mr Jones, added: “Today we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"Her Majesty was admired by a great many people for a lifetime of public service to this country and the people she represented. In West Berkshire, and across the country, we respected the steadfast dedication to her calling and join the Royal Family in mourning her passing today.

“Here in the Royal County of Berkshire we felt a particular affinity for Her Majesty The Queen. As someone with a passion for horses she would often visit Newbury to watch the racing.

"The fact she was able to enjoy this interest on our doorstep is something we can take pride and some solace in today.”