A crowd of almost 200 Congletonians gathered at the cenotaph in the town centre to mark the accession of King Charles III.
The proclamation was read on Sunday by former mayor Coun Denis Murphy on behalf of current town mayor Coun Margaret Gartside, who was away, and deputy mayor Coun Rob Moreton was unavailable.
Civic guests including Congleton MP Fiona Bruce also attended the historic ceremony.
Town crier Coun Paul Duffy made the call to order for Coun Murphy to address the town with the formal proclamation. Judy Dakin led the singing of the national anthem, God Save the King.
Coun Murphy said: “Councillors and staff at Congleton Town Council are deeply saddened following the passing of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II. We remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch.
“It was my humble duty to bring the words of the proclamation to the residents of Congleton. Thank you to everyone who turned out to welcome the new King and to the Prince of Wales pub for supplying an instrumental version of the national anthem.” The proclamation can be read on the town council website.
A short civic service of commemoration followed at St Peter’s Church to remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The Rev Ian Enticott led the service attended by dignitaries, councillors, and residents.
Jackie MacArthur, the deputy chief officer at Congleton Town Council, said: “In line with Government protocol, the flags on the town hall were lowered to half-mast on Thursday evening following the announcement of the death of her majesty the Queen. The flags were raised to full mast on Saturday at 11am for the proclamation of the new King. They were lowered after the proclamation was read in Congleton on Sunday and will remain at half-mast until the day following the Queen’s state funeral on Monday.”
A book of condolence is open for residents to pay tribute to the late Queen in Congleton Information Centre in the town hall foyer. Outside office hours it will be in Bluey’s Bar & Hub (next to the town hall). There are also books of condolence at St Peter’s Church in Chapel Street and St Mary’s Church in Astbury.
Alternatively, the national online condolence book can be signed at royal.uk.
Floral tributes have been placed at the community gardens on Lawton Street. The noticeboard pays tribute to the Queen and contains pictures of her visit to Congleton in 1972 during the town’s 700th charter year.
