Operation London Bridge 2019

Operation London Bridge

Report Author: Carole Oliphant Parish Clerk

Throughout the country there is one event which will affect the whole community, from the largest city to the smallest hamlet. With the date of this event still unknown the Parish Council need to be prepared as this will only happen once and we must get it right first time.
The event is Operation London Bridge – the code name given to the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Following her departing and the official announcement from Buckingham Palace, a period of ten days state mourning will follow. D Day being the death and D10 the date of the full state funeral in Westminster Abbey, unless D10 falls on a Sunday, then the funeral will be held on the D11 Monday.
It is recommended that all councils prepare themselves and be mindful that there may be pre-arranged council meetings which may need to be cancelled during the 10 day mourning period.

A very similar process should be followed for the death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh.
Brampford Speke Parish Council need to consider and agree how they will handle Operation London Bridge and consideration should be given to the following:

• Website
• Portraits
• Condolence Books
• Area’s to Lay Flowers
• The Proclamation

Website – Suitable words from the Chairman should be prepared in advance and ready to upload. We would also need to inform the public if any meetings are going to be cancelled during the mourning period.

Portraits & Books of Condolence – The Council should arrange for books of condolence to be available for the public to sign and these should have a portrait of the Queen next to them. The portraits and books need to be sourced in advance and held ready for use. The Council will need to decide where the books will be available and the venue prepared to allow access for the public.

Area to lay flowers – The current trend following any notable death or tragic incident is for flowers to be laid. The Parish Council should agree where this area will be to ensure that no access routes etc. are blocked. You will need to make it clear that the flowers will be removed on the morning after the state funeral and what the council intends to do with them.
Once the mourning period is over the condolence books need to be collated and a letter sent to the Private Secretary advising that the books are held in the Council’s Archives. The books would then need to be taken to DCC Records Office.

My recommendation to Council, if it is decided to participate, is for two Parish Councillors to lead on the arrangements for Operation London Bridge and work with the clerk and other councillors and villagers to ensure that any practical requirements are ready to be put into action when the Queen passes away.