Councillors and staff of Folkestone & Hythe District Council have expressed their great sadness on hearing of the death of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.
Chairman Cllr Philip Martin said: "As our Queen she has been the rock on which the fortunes of this country have been built for so many years and we are thankful for her great devotion to public service which have characterised the whole of her life. We are making appropriate arrangements to help the people of the district pay their respects."
Leader, Cllr David Monk said: "The death of our long-serving monarch is a huge sadness for those throughout our district. As Queen she served for more than 70 years and her devotion to the role of our Sovereign was remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers must be with her family at this time."
According to protocol all flags will fly at half-mast for 12 days. The flags will however be returned to the mast head during the official process of proclamation announcing the new Sovereign. Other institutions and individuals should also fly their flags at half-mast.
If people wish to leave floral tributes, there are designated spaces set aside at the band stand on The Leas in Folkestone, at Hythe Town Hall, at The Garden of Remembrance, New Romney and St Martins Field, New Romney. After 18 days the tributes will be officially removed and recorded through photographs for the Kent Archives.
A Book of Condolence will be opened at the Civic Centre on Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone for people to record their thoughts and pay their respects.
It can be signed when the Customer Access Point is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Once closed the book will stored at the Kent Archives. We understand that town councils and some parish councils are also opening books of condolence across the district.
The chairman, the council Leader and chief executive will make an official proclamation at the front of the Civic Centre by the civic flagpole announcing the new sovereign at a time to be announced. This proclamation will follow agreed protocol and will take place following the national and county proclamations. This will be advertised so the public can attend the proclamation if they wish.
The chairman's programme of events and engagements and council business are being reviewed as some events may need to be cancelled or started with a period of silence as an appropriate mark of respect.
Staff and councillors will observe all official periods of silence so they can reflect on the great service the Queen has offered this country and the Commonwealth nations over many decades.
Date published: 8 September 2022