Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
I am saddened to hear the news from Buckingham Palace this evening, announcing the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Her Majesty sacrificed much for our country and served with unwavering dedication and that will not be forgotten.
Earlier this year Lewisham residents came together to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, with community events and street parties held across the borough. In the true spirit of Her Majesty, these parties, concerts and picnics brought people from different communities, backgrounds and ages together for a very special weekend of celebrations. Lots of local people also took part in the formal celebrations in central London. These are special memories that will be cherished.
I know that many people will have their own personal memories which they will reflect on, and the Council will be opening books of condolence for those who wish to pay their respects locally. These will be available from tomorrow afternoon at The Civic Suite, Catford; Downham Library and the Deptford Lounge.
The flag at the Civic Suite is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Royal Family at this sad and difficult time.
Damien Egan
Mayor of Lewisham
Books of condolence
Books of condolence are now open to allow residents to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen at the following locations:
- The Civic Suite Catford
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Open 9am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Saturday
Open 9am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Saturday
Buckingham Palace is also welcoming messages from the public in an online book of condolence.
Remembrance services
A civic service is taking place at St. Mary the Virgin Church, alongside this both Lewisham Sivan Temple and Catford and Bromley Synagogue will be hosting services. Full details are as follows:
• Friday 16 September (11am) – Lewisham Sivan Temple (4A Clarendon Rise, SE13 5ES)
• Sunday 18 September (2pm) – Catford and Bromley Synagogue (6 Crantock Road, SE6 2QS)
• Sunday 18 September (5pm) – Church of St. Mary the Virgin (346 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LE)
All are welcome at any of these services.
Proclamation
A local proclamation of the accession of King Charles III was held at 2pm on Sunday 11 September outside the Civic Suite, Catford.
The event was a public announcement of the new monarch, made by the Speaker of Lewisham, Councillor Tauseef Anwar.
Floral tributes
Those wanting to leave a floral tribute for Queen Elizabeth II and pay their respects are being directed to the dedicated site at Green Park near Buckingham Palace, you can find the designated area for floral tributes using the Royal Parks online map.
You will be asked to remove wrappings from floral tributes. Please consider arriving with the wrapping already removed. Bins will be provided for those unable to do so. You are respectfully asked not to lay tributes outside of the official floral tribute site. Please do not to bring non-floral objects/artefacts such as teddy bears or balloons.
Remembrance at Hither Green Cemetery
Hither Green Chapel will be open for candle lighting and remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday 18 September 10.30am-3pm. The chapel will also be open for silent reflection in-between services 8am to 4pm on weekdays, signage will be displayed when residents are able to enter the chapel on these days.