Date issued: 13 September 2022
A service to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place in the borough this weekend.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, will lead a procession of local dignitaries through the town to the service at St Peter’s Church, North Hill, on Sunday 18 September.
The service, which begins at 6pm, is being led by Reverend Mark Wallace, who will be joined by the Bishop of Colchester Rt Revd Roger Morris and the mayor’s Chaplain Rev Sue Howlett.
Following the service, Dignitaries, Alderman and Councillors will observe the national one-minute silence at 8pm on the steps of the Town Hall and welcome any members of the public that would like to join them.
The Mayor and Mayoress, Nicola Goodchild, will be joined by MP Will Quince, High Sheriff of Essex Mr Nick Alston CBE DL, Garrison Commander Lt Col Ed Rankin, members and representatives of Colchester Borough Council, and other dignitaries, in a procession that will set off from the Town Hall at 5.45pm.
Mayor Young said: “I feel deeply honoured to be able to lead this procession as Colchester pays its respect to the Queen’s passing and celebrates her life.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a loyal servant to this country and has touched the hearts of millions of people, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe.
“It is a time when we will acknowledge Queen Elizabeth’s loyal service to this country, which has touched the hearts of millions of people, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and across the Globe. She was an exceptional person who devoted her life to her family, her nation, and the Commonwealth.
“I am sure that the people of Colchester will join the nation in reflection on this sad and momentous occasion, by observing the silence at 8pm on Sunday and by signing the Book of Condolence and placing floral tributes at the town’s War Memorial.”
The Books of Condolence will close at 5pm on Tuesday 20 September but prior to this they are open from:
Town Hall – Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm
Hollytrees Museum – Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm (closed on Monday 19 September)
Mercury Theatre – Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm (closed on Monday 19 September).
St. Peter’s Church – Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm with a short service at 1pm. Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm (closed on Monday 19 September)
Curzon Colchester Cinema – Monday 19 September only, 10.30am to 6pm
Books will later be stored in the town archives as a lasting memorial.
An online Book of Condolence will also be available at www.colchester.gov.uk/condolence
Page last reviewed: 13 September 2022