Touch of Townsville in Queen’s book of condolence
Date published: 17 February 2023
A book of condolence signed by Townsville residents after the death of Queen Elizabeth II has been sent to Buckingham Palace.
The condolence book was compiled from several smaller books which Townsville City Council placed at key locations around the city. All books were then bound into a single collection by a local professional bookbinder.
Mayor Jenny Hill said hundreds of people from across the Townsville region contributed personal messages of condolence to King Charles III and his family after the queen’s passing.
“The people who signed the book of condolence came from all walks of life and many age groups,” Cr Hill said.
“Queen Elizabeth visited Townsville twice during her reign, firstly in 1954 just a year after her coronation and again in 1970 when she signed the Royal Assent on the Bill that created James Cook University.
“Many Townsville residents have fond memories of Queen Elizabeth, so we wanted to make it convenient for them to write messages of condolence.”
The pages containing condolence messages were compiled and bound into a single book by Townsville bookbinder Jennifer Telfer at Dakini Bookbinding.
“I was very honoured and over the moon when I was asked to create the book of condolence,” Jennifer said.
“To protect the book, I crafted a box made from the same materials as the book.
“Knowing that the condolence book is now in the hands of the royal family makes me very proud and I feel like I am part of history.”
