Books of condolence open and flags fly at half-mast across city region

Books of condolence have been opened in all 10 boroughs across Greater Manchester following the death of the Queen.

Flags have also been lowered to half-mast at town halls and civic buildings city-region-wide and bells are due to toll for an hour starting at 12noon across the UK.

Council bosses have now made arrangements in the wake of the shock announcement of Her Majesty’s passing on Thursday, just 48 hours after appointing new prime minister Liz Truss.

In Oldham, the mayor Coun Elaine Garry read the Proclamation of the new King in Oldham town centre yesterday afternoon (Sunday) as members of the public were invited to attend.

Books of Condolence are now available to sign at Oldham Civic Centre, Trinity Methodist Church in Royton, Chadderton Town Hall, Failsworth Library, Shaw Library, Lees Library, Oldham Parish Church and St Chad’s in Uppermill.

People are also invited to lay floral tributes at the Civic Centre, Trinity Methodist Church in Royton, Chadderton Town Hall, Failsworth Pole and St Chad’s in Uppermill.

In neighbouring Rochdale, books of condolence are being opened at Number One Riverside in Rochdale, Middleton Arena, Heywood Phoenix Centre and Littleborough Library.

Elsewhere in Tameside, books of condolence are being opened at the following locations: Ashton: Ashton Library at Tameside One; Audenshaw: Ryecroft Hall; Denton Library; Droylsden Library; Dukinfield Town Hall; Hattersley Library; Hyde Library; Mossley – George Lawton Hall Library and Stalybridge Library.

Floral tributes can be laid outside the front of Dukinfield Town Hall, Hyde Town Hall, Denton Town Hall (Jubilee Square outside the library); Stalybridge Civic Hall and Tameside One (outside the library).

The city of Manchester is also observing the official 10-day mourning period.

The flag at the Central Library has been lowered to half-fast and will be in place up to 8am on the day of the state funeral.

Books of condolence are now open at the Reading Room of the Central Library which will be open to visitors from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Sunday until the day following the funeral.

Flowers can be laid at St Ann’s Square.

Council bosses have asked for anyone laying floral tributes to remove any plastic/cellophane wrappings and anything that is non-biodegradable.

Following the proclamation in St Peter’s Square, Manchester, confirming the beginning of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “As Greater Manchester continues to mourn the passing of Her Late Majesty Elizabeth II, and celebrate the life of our longest-serving monarch, we must also embrace the start of a new era for our country.

“The Proclamation Ceremony in St Peter’s Square formally signals that new beginning and we are ready now to build on the strong bonds of friendship we have formed with our new King over the years.

“He is no stranger to this city-region and, in recent years, we have been proud to work in close partnership with him and the Prince’s Trust as it has expanded its work with young people across our boroughs.

“So, on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester, I am pleased and honoured to welcome the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.