A SOMBRE mood was felt in Poole on Friday as the town came to terms with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Books of condolences were signed, floral tributes were left, and flags flown at half mast as the rain both trickled and poured on the seaport.
Poole Museum hosted the official book of condolence for the town and residents duly made their way to the High Street to write their messages of sadness and reflection.
One such message read: “Queen Elizabeth, may you be reunited with Philip. Thank you for all your hard work.”
It wasn’t just Poole residents who signed the book. Teresa Yardley was visiting the area with her husband from their home in Birmingham and happened upon the Museum while walking through the town.
After writing a heartfelt message, Teresa told the Echo: “It’s oh so sad. A couple of months ago we went to London for the Platinum Jubilee and saw the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. I’m even more glad we were able to enjoy that now that she’s gone.
“She’s done so much for the country, hasn’t she? Again, it’s just so sad.”
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Mayor of Poole Cllr Tony Trent also signed the book of condolence and described the town’s atmosphere as “strange”, which he attributed to the passing of Her Majesty.
He felt the drizzly weather reflected the nation’s mood but spoke optimistically about King Charles III, who he said will be a “very good” monarch.
A stone’s throw away from the Museum sits the appropriately named King Charles pub. “Oh look, the King Charles – they’ve got that right haven’t they?” said one man as he walked by the 14th century pub.
As customers sat down for lunch, pub tenant Lee Smith told the Echo: “It was surprise and shock, I suppose we knew it was inevitable but what a great woman to work right to her last day virtually by welcoming the new Prime Minister. It’s a great loss but we must see what follows now.”
Shortly after 12 noon, the bells rang out at St James’ Church and the flag was lowered to half-mast.
A short distance away in Poole Park, the war memorial was decorated with several flowers, a wreath and handmade sign in tribute to Her Majesty.
On Friday, Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Michael Tomlinson said: “As people across Dorset, our country and indeed all corners of the globe enter into a period of mourning, may part of that be an appropriate commemoration and celebration of a life well lived, of a life of duty, service and sacrifice.
“And perhaps each one of us should try to be a little bit more like Her Late Majesty the Queen.”
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