Residents across Chesterfield are invited to join a National Moment of Reflection in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, being held at 8pm on Sunday 18 September.

Taking place the evening before the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey, the National Moment of Reflection will be marked by a one-minute silence.

Residents are encouraged to pause and reflect privately at home, with friends and family, out on doorsteps or their street with neighbours, or at locally arranged community events and vigils.

Councillor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “These past few days have been full of many different emotions for the borough’s residents, and it’s important that we all have time to pause and reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has been such a constant and positive presence in our lives for so long.

“We’re encouraging Chesterfield’s residents to stand with communities across the country to mark the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday evening, in the way they feel is most appropriate.

“This could be privately at home, on your doorsteps or out on the street with your neighbours, family, and friends, to observe the one-minute silence at 8pm.

“There are also opportunities for communities to come together at events this weekend, including a civic service at our beautiful Crooked Spire, which will also enable residents to pause and reflect on the Queen’s passing and the proclamation of our new King Charles III.”

People are reminded that they can lay tributes including flowers at the official memorial site at Queen’s Park bandstand, and Books of Condolence are available at locations across the borough:

• Customer Service Centre, New Square, Chesterfield:
  • Monday: 9am to 2pm
  • Tuesday: 9am to 2pm
  • Wednesday: 10am to 2pm
  • Thursday: 9am to 2pm
  • Friday: 9am to 2pm
• Healthy Living Centre, Staveley – open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm
• Queen’s Park Sports Centre – open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm.

The Books of Condolence at council venues will remain open until Tuesday 20 September and then will be preserved in our local archives (please note that the Books will not be available to sign on the day of the funeral, as the venues will be closed).

Residents can also pay tribute at other local events this weekend, including:

• A civic service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place this Saturday, 17 September, at the Church of St. Mary and All Saints (the Crooked Spire). The service is open for all to attend and will start at 2.30pm.
• A planned performance by Ashover Brass Band will go ahead at Queen’s Park Bandstand on Sunday 18 September, from 2pm to 4pm. The programme has been altered to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Everyone is welcome to attend, and floral tributes can still be laid and viewed in the area on the day.

For more information about local tributes and arrangements, please see the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk