Local churches are opening for people who want to spend time in reflection following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and there will be wreath laying and a book of condolence at the Civic Centre.
The Ascension church on Thorold Road has said it will be open for people who would like to “come and pray in church, light a candle, or speak and pray with someone” on Friday, September 9 from 4 – 7pm, and Saturday 10 from 10am – 12noon and from 4 – 6pm. There’s more information here.
St Denys Church on Dundee Road was open on Thursday evening and will be open again all day on Friday.
A wreath laying on behalf of the citizens of Southampton will take place at 2pm on Friday 9 September in front of the Civic Centre. This will be led by the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, and the Leader of the Council, the Leader of the opposition and the Chief Executive of Southampton City Council.
A Civic Centre book of condolence will be available to sign from 9am to 5pm on Friday, says the council.
The Civic Centre will also be open for signing the book of condolence on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September from 9am to 5pm, and from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm thereafter.
Books of condolence will be open to sign during regular opening hours in the Central, Bitterne and Shirley libraries from 10am on Friday 9 September, according to library opening times.
Cllr Jacqui Rayment, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton said: “I would like to express my great sadness both personally, on behalf of the city council, and the citizens of Southampton on hearing the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth’s sense of duty and grace made her loved and admired by people of all ages not just in this country but throughout the Commonwealth and the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with our royal family at this time.”
The council says churches are being encouraged to ring their bells today (September 9) at 12pm with 96 rings - “one for each year of Her Majesty’s life”.