"A fantastic legacy" - Rotherham Mayor lays first official bouquet in tribute to the Queen

“SHE leaves a fantastic legacy for humanity, serving as a monarch throughout her long life, being an example and leading the way.” 

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, and the Mayoress Mrs Shagufta Khan have today laid the first official bouquet of flowers by the Heart of Steel monument in Rotherham town centre, following the death yesterday of The Queen.

The Mayor said he had cancelled all engagements as the country enters a period of official mourning for Her Majesty, who died aged 96.

Official flags are being flown at half-mast at Rotherham Town Hall and at Riverside House following the news.

Books of condolence have opened at Rotherham Minster and the Town Hall, as well as an e-book of condolence on the council’s website for those unable to visit the town centre. 

The Minster will hold a tolling of the bells at midday when the bells ring out 96 times in honour of HRH. People can sign the Minster’s book today until 4pm. Opening hours for tomorrow are 9am to 2pm, for Sunday 9.30am to 1pm and from 9am to 4pm next Monda to Friday. Any changes will be listed on the Minster’s Facebook page. 

Opening hours at the Town Hall are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday-Thursday, and 8.30am to 4pm on Fridays.  

Flowers can be left at the Heart of Steel sculpture, with a council spokesperson saying overfill is expected at Clifton Park. 

Speaking after laying Rotherham’s official first bouquet of flowers, the Mayor said: “This is a very sad occasion. We have lost a grandmother and a mother figure for our nation and for the whole world.

“Every individual in the UK will be affected by the passing of The Queen, as will people across the world.

"There’s no doubt about it — the people’s affection, respect and love for Her Majesty is unreal.

“As Mayor of Rotherham, I stand by the communities here, in the country and across the world and hope we can come together and mourn together. She brought communities together in her life and she will bring us together in her passing. It’s a great loss.

“She was a fantastic role model and she reached all age groups from children to the elderly. There are not many individuals that touched every generation.

“My thoughts are with the Royal Family and I know they have the sympathies of our community, and those across the UK and the world at this most difficult time.” 

MP John Healey paid his respects to the Queen on behalf of constituents.

The Wentworth & Dearne MP joined other politicians in laying flowers outside Buckingham Palace.

“My thoughts, and those of everyone in our area, are with the Royal Family at this very sad time,” he said.

“This is the moment we knew must come but never wanted.

“The Queen dedicated her whole life to serving the people of the United Kingdom, and the country is now in mourning at our loss.

“Early this morning, I laid flowers and paid respects to the Queen at Buckingham Palace gates on behalf of constituents in Wentworth & Dearne — I know this is what so many would want to do today, but can't.”