Message from the Chairman of the Parish Council
It was with great collective sadness that the news of the death of the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh has been received today. I am sure the whole community of West Bergholt Parish will join with me, fellow Parish Councillors, the Clerk and our team in sending its condolences and best wishes to the Queen and the whole royal household.
Clearly as I write this the Palace, like many other organisations, is digesting the news. The collective atmosphere is one of great sorrow, but we will also shortly be able to reflect and indeed marvel on the extraordinary life the Duke has led. He joined and supported the Queen in modernizing the Royal Family for an ever changing world. In particular, he led life-changing initiatives for many such as:
- his work to establish the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and
- his patronage of the World Wildlife Fund to name but only two of his many interests and passions.
Character
We will remember the Duke for his character and many qualities and, for all of, us an ever-present presence due to his extraordinarily long period as a consort and life of service to our country.
The Parish Council will play its part in the official response to the news. We will shortly publicise the tangible ways we can pay our respect and take part in commemorative activities once these have been confirmed by the Royal Household.
Take a Moment
For today, we ask all in the community to take a moment to pay our individual respects on a day of national sadness. Due to current restrictions, an online condolence book is available below. The flagpole outside the Orpen Memorial Hall will remain at half mast until 8 am on the day after the Ceremonial Royal Funeral, and an area has been set aside underneath for any floral tributes that residents may wish to leave.
Chris Stevenson
Chairman
West Bergholt Parish Council
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