THIS week exactly 50 years ago, the people of Worcester shared in the nation's mourning at the death of Queen Mary, widow of George V and mother of Edward VIII and George VI.

Berrow's Journal, under the heading "County's Grief at the Passing of Queen Mary," had this to say in its edition of March 27, 1953:

"Worcestershire, with the rest of the country and the British Commonwealth, sorrows this week at the death of Queen Mary, a great and beloved figure who had for generations been an inspiration to this nation and to the world.

"Her Majesty died in her sleep at 10.20 pm on Tuesday after a three weeks' illness. At the Cathedral, the Guildhall and other public buildings in Worcester, flags were flown at half-mast. A memorial service is to be held in Worcester Cathedral next Tuesday.

"The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Admiral Sir William Tennant has sent the following telegram to the Queen's Private Secretary: 'On behalf of the people of Worcestershire, I send our deep sympathy in the very sad loss that we have all suffered in the death of Her Majesty Queen Mary. Our thoughts are especially with Your Majesty and the Royal Family at this time.'

"The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor W.F Holloway has also sent a telegram in similar terms on behalf of 'all in this faithful city of Worcester'. "

In its leader column, the Journal declared: "So secure and permanent a place did Queen Mary hold in the affections of the people of this country and the Commonwealth that the news of her death has evoked widespread expressions of grief and sadness at the loss of a dear friend.

"Although, because of her advanced age, we might have been prepared for the shock of this sorrowful news, we were nevertheless unready to accept it. One of the qualities of Queen Mary was seeming to stand above and beyond time. She had always been with us."