Dignitaries, organisations and businesses from across Gedling borough have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.
The Mayor of Gedling Peter Barnes paid tribute on behalf of the borough and announced that books of condolence would be opened up for residents to sign.
He said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after such an extraordinary reign.
“On behalf of the people, Members and officers of the Borough of Gedling, I ask that our sincerest condolences are passed to the new King.
“The late Queen’s poise, leadership and enduring dedication to public service has served as a fine example and inspiration to those of us who have chosen to serve the public at a local level.
“Books of condolence will be opened at the Council’s Civic Centre and at the Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton and will be available to the public throughout the mourning period. We will also fly the Union Flag at half-mast outside our Civic Centre. Once closed, books of condolence will be archived and passed to Nottinghamshire Archives.
He added: “On behalf of the Borough, we wish The King a long and glorious reign.”
Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke thanked the late Queen for her service via social media.
He wrote: “Thank you to our Queen for all her dedication to our country over the years. She will be sadly missed. Condolences to all the Royal Family on their loss.”
Deputy leader Michael Payne said: “Her Majesty The Queen’s selfless dedication to our country and the Commonwealth defined her life and the best way of our life.
“Our constant and our guide. Forever selfless in her service to us all. We mourn her passing and send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.”
Trent Valley Councillor Sam Smith also paid tribute.
He said: “Thank you for the longest reign in our history and for your outstanding service, your Majesty. Long live The King.”
Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead shared his grief in a tweet.
He wrote: “So saddened to hear the news of the passing of HRH Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A life dedicated to service, a constant in all our lives. Thank you for all you have done for us. Sending heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. May she rest in peace.”
Redhill Academy Trust paid tribute to her legacy.
In a tweet they wrote: ” We are remembering the incredible legacy of Queen Elizabeth II tonight.
“For 70 magnificent years she reigned with dedication & dignity through change and turmoil, providing a constant presence for our country until the very end.”
The publisher of local magazine This is Gedling, Justin Doddy, shared his grief with readers on social media.
He wrote: “It was with deep sorrow that we learnt of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday afternoon. It truly felt like the world had stopped for what seemed an age as the sad news filtered out from Buckingham Palace.
“An ever-present guiding light for the country through it’s darkest and brightest times over the last 70 years – she put the great into Great Britain. She truly was a shining example of everything good about the country, she will be truly missed and never forgotten.”
Sycophants, the lot of them. All got their eyes on some tin – pot gong coming their way one day.