Town pays tribute to HRH Prince Philip

By timesecholife on in All News, Uttoxeter news

FLAGS are at half-mast, church bells will be half-muffled and a minute silence will be observed as Uttoxeter marks the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Uttoxeter’s Town Mayor and MP have both paid tribute to Prince Philip, who died on Friday, April 9 at the age of 99.

And as a funeral is held for the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday, April 17 at 3pm, bell-ringers in Uttoxeter will be joining others across the UK to honour him.

Working in accordance with current Covid-19 guidelines, St Mary the Virgin Uttoxeter Bell Ringers will half muffle one of the bells which will then toll 99 times. Bell ringer Paul Griffiths said: “Half-muffling involves attaching a leather muffle on one side of the clapper so that there is a loud ‘open’ strike followed by a muffled strike, this produces a very sonorous echo effect.

“Tower Captain Dennis Bennett, will then toll the bell 99 times in memory of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. This will take place on Saturday at the time of the funeral.”

Traditionally church bells are only ever rung fully muffled for the death of a sovereign.

In line with government and public buildings across the UK, the Union Flag at Uttoxeter Town Hall is currently being flown at half-mast. Uttoxeter Town Mayor, Cllr Sue McGarry said: “I would like to express on behalf of the Town Council and the residents of Uttoxeter, our most sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this very sad time.

“Over the course of his lifetime from his service in World War II to his 73 years as Consort to Her Majesty The Queen, his entire life in the public eye, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh has dedicated himself to the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and of course his family. He will be truly missed.

“The Council has entered into an official period of mourning and will follow its protocol for marking the death of a member of the Royal Family. The Union Flag at the Uttoxeter Town Hall will be flown at half-mast until the morning after Prince Philip’s funeral.”

MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, Kate Griffiths also paid tribute to HRH Prince Philip. She said: “His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, devoted his life to the service of our nation, and was a constant support to Her Majesty The Queen throughout her reign.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is part of the incredible legacy that he leaves behind – and it is a fitting tribute that it will continue to inspire so many young people in the future.

He was a much-loved public figure but above all else he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be hugely missed. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen, and all the family, at this very sad time.”

An online book of condolence is open now at royal.uk.

• A minute’s silence will honour the Duke of Edinburgh at the postponed meeting of Uttoxeter Town Council which will now be held on Thursday, April 22 at 7pm.

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