READING FELL silent on Monday as the town united to watch the funeral of the Queen.
While many chose to tune in at home, surrounded by friends and family, others headed to Reading Biscuit Factory and Vue to watch on a cinema screen.
Others headed to Forbury Gardens for an open-air big screen.
And others headed to Windsor or London to catch the moment in person.
The final events in the town’s period of mourning started on Sunday, with a civic service in Reading Minster Church (see pages 2-3).
In the evening, the mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden, led the town in a national moment of reflection, called to reflect on the Queen’s life and legacy.
Held at the civic offices at 8pm, she was joined by Reading East MP Matt Rodda, council leader Cllr Jason Brock, and other councillors and staff.
It was part of a national moment that was held across villages, towns and cities in the UK and across the world.
Reading Borough Council then opened Forbury Gardens on Monday for the screening of the funeral, a decision made following the significant public turn-out at the County and Town Proclamations for the new King, which took place at Reading Town Hall and Reading Minster on Sunday, September 12.
The solemn screening was a free ticketed event, with all spaces being allocated. While limited seating was available, along with a dedicated area for people with disabilities, people were asked to bring their own seats.
Participants arrived from 9.30am, ahead of the screening which began at 10.30am, and the funeral which started at 11am.
Ahead of the screening, Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “Reading turned out in force at the Proclamations on Sunday following the news of the passing of our longest serving Monarch. Those who attended on Sunday will agree there was a real sense togetherness and community at both ceremonies.
“As the nation mourns, we felt it was important to offer Reading residents opportunities to come together again and pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. It has always been the case that people find strength in togetherness, especially at difficult moments, and Reading has a history of doing so.”
This was echoed by borough mayor Cllr Rachel Eden, who said: “As well as sadness, there was also a deep sense of gratitude on Sunday, September 12, for the service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and there was a real feeling of unity on Sunday as many people in town were able to gather together for the Proclamations.”
Floral tributes continue to be welcomed at the Queen Victoria Statue, outside of Reading Town Hall. Residents who lay flowers are being respectfully asked to please remove any plastic before placing them under the statue and to take the plastic away with them.
The Books of Condolence at Reading Town Hall, Reading Minster and all local branch libraries, except Central Library, will be passed on to the Berkshire Records Office for safe keeping.
