A VISIT from the mayor, local shops closed, empty streets, and thoughtful conversations as people reflected on the passing of the Queen were the mood in Basingstoke last Friday.

What would normally be a busy day of the week in Basingstoke as people celebrated the start of the weekend ended up being the complete opposite during this period of mourning. 

The Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Paul Miller, was joined by Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Lady Portal to lay flowers in tribute at Basingstoke’s Memorial Park.

With the flag at half mast at St Michael’s Church, there was also a book of condolences to give people the opportunity to write a note in memory of the Queen, as well as say a prayer among the lit candles and white flowers that had been set up in memory of the Queen.

SEE ALSO: Civic service to be held in Basingstoke on eve of the Queen's funeral

Read the full story in the week's edition of the Gazette.

Also in this special edition:

  • A civic service will be held in Basingstoke on the eve of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
  • Hundreds gathered outside the Great Hall, in Winchester, to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen as a Proclamation was read by the High Sheriff of Hampshire.
  • Local MPs have paid tribute to the Queen after she passed away on Thursday, September 8, aged 96
  • Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillors have been paying tribute and sharing their heartfelt condolences as the country continues to mourn the death of our beloved Queen
  • Hundreds of people joined the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller in remembrance of the Queen and to proclaim the new King
  • A pigeon racing enthusiast has been reflecting on his fond memories of meeting the Queen 44 years ago
  • The Queen’s state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19 at 11am, the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk has announced
  • As the country mourns the death of its longest-reigning monarch, we look back at the times the Queen visited Basingstoke
  • PLUS an eight-page special supplement dedicated to and looking back at the life of the Queen's amazing 70-year reign

READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II: leave your condolences for Queen Elizabeth II

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