Following the passing of HM Queen Elizebeth II, Cllr Simon Morrall campaigned for a vigil up Beacon Hill Castle.[52] He commented: “I’m happy to announce and that the City Coucil have come around with an agreement to host this event. At 8pm to tonight there is a National Moment of Reflection taking place across the UK and that minute’s silence will also be observed at the event, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.”[53]
As night fell, candles were lit and Cllr Simon Morrall gave a speech where he described Queen Elizabeth II as ‘the mother of the nation and of British values’ and paid tribute to her lifetime of service. [54] After that, the National Anthem was sang by Charley Thompson and there were three cheers for King Charles III. To to round off the evening, bagpiper Alex Orchin played on the tower and later at the front of the castle. [54]
Cllr Simon Morrall went onto say it is had been best thing he had achieved in his political career! Saying in B31 Voices : “I just love this place, it’s my home, we have such truly amazing people, and an amazing community. While some of us may not see eye to eye, there is so much more that unites us. Let us reflect on this as we mourn today the funeral of a truly remarkable woman. this has been the greatest privilege of my political career so far. Thank you all for being involved in this special occasion. ” [55]
