Somerset County Council publishes update for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
Monday, September 19 is a national Bank Holiday as the state funeral is carried out in London
Right now, plans for Her Late Majesty the Queen's state funeral are being finalised in London - and across the country, businesses and local authorities are planning on closing for the day on Bank Holiday Monday.
The service in London will be televised, and its expected millions of people will be watching.
Closer to home, and Somerset County Council have announced their plans for services which are set to continue during our national day of mourning.
Which services will be operating?
- Critical services (such as social care)
- Planned wedding
- What will be closed on Monday?
- Most Council buildings and services - including County Hall reception and their contact centre
- County libraries
- Highway works - except for emergencies
- Schools and further education
- All of Somerset's recycling centres
- Waste collection services
Collections for those whose waste won't be picked on Monday will take a place a day later throughout the week.
Paying tribute to the late Queen
Floral tributes
An area for floral tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth II has been set aside at Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene Church.
The Council are asking members of the public to be mindful of the environment and remove wrapping or choose biodegradable items.
In line with national protocol, the areas for floral tributes will remain open until the end of the day on Tuesday, the day after the funeral. Following this all tributes will be removed.
Books of Condolence
Books of Condolence have been opened at Council offices including the Somerset County Council offices at County Hall, and Somerset West and Taunton Council offices in Deane House, Taunton, and West Somerset House, Williton.
Books of Condolence have also been opened at all Somerset Libraries.
Buckingham Palace also has an official Book of Condolence for people to leave tributes online.
All Books of Condolence will be closed at the end of the day on Tuesday, the day after the funeral. Physical books will then be archived at Somerset Heritage Centre.
National Moment of Reflection
A National Moment of Reflection is being held at 8pm on Sunday 18 September.
Across the UK, people who want to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen are encouraged to mark the occasion in their homes, on their doorsteps and with neighbours in their local communities by observing a one-minute silence.
Local Proclamation
The Local Proclamation for Somerset, the official local announcement of Her Majesty’s death and acknowledgement of the commencement of the King’s new reign, took place on Sunday 11 September in Taunton.
The Local Proclamation was read out by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, in front of the Market House in Taunton town centre.
Bereavement Support
There is a range of support available. You can find advice and information, including on how to talk about the death of the Queen to children here.
Her Majesty's state funeral will be taking place on Monday, September 19 at Westminster Abbey at 11am.