Councillor Rob Birch, Chair of Burntwood Town Council opens Burntwood’s Book of Condolence for Her Majesty and residents are invited to write a message at Burntwood Leisure Centre.

“It was with immense sadness that we heard of the death of our late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8^th September. As Chair of Burntwood Town Council I would like to add a few words to the many that will be said in tribute to such a remarkable woman.

Queen Elizabeth served our nations and the Commonwealth for over 7 decades and most of us will never have known another head of state. During our lives she has been the mainstay and backbone of our country, not just as a symbolic leader but as a person with human qualities we could aspire to and admire.

The love for Queen Elizabeth was never more evident than we saw during the recent Commonwealth Games which brought the Queens Baton Relay through our town. People came in numbers to witness the spectacle. The games only happened because Her Majesty had been able to lead and maintain the love and friendship of the people of the Commonwealth Nations throughout her reign. The Commonwealth Games brought all those nations together in reflection of that spirit and Burntwood was fortunate to play its small part.

It is the end of the second Elizabethan Era, and our country will now feel an intense collective sense of loss as we mourn her passing. As Chair of Burntwood Town Council, I share in your loss as we begin 10 days of mourning. This will be a time for us all to reflect on the achievements of Her Majesty, to remember the wisdom and comfort she offered in times of crisis and to honour the stability and sustenance of spirit that she has given us.

The loss is not just our own but will be felt across the world such was her influence. Most keenly it will be felt by her family and the King. To them especially I offer my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She truly was a friend to us all.

May she rest in peace.

God save the King.

Councillor Robert Birch,

Chair of Burntwood Town Council.”