Tributes and condolences have been paid by leaders and businesses in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, following the passing of HM The Queen.
The Union Flag is flying at half-mast on Chesterfield Town Hall to mark the period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow commented: “I was very saddened to hear the news about Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. Although she was 96 years of age her death has still come as a complete shock. She has led the nation for 70 years, ever present for the whole of my lifetime, and a steadfast presence throughout the country’s highs and lows.
“She was a memorable individual with her visit to Chesterfield in 1977 still remaining strong in the memory of many residents in the town. Whether a supporter of the royal family or not, few can disagree that she was dedicated to her role, and the country as a whole, throughout her reign. She will be sadly missed, and may she rest in peace.”
Councillor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Like many others, I find the news of the Queen’s death difficult to take in because she is someone who has always remained a constant in our lives.
“Throughout her reign, the Queen has shown an immense interest in all aspects of public life and has visited every part of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and other places in the world. We well-remember her visits to Chesterfield including in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, in 1985 to open the Royal Hospital and in 2003 when she visited Chesterfield Market.
“I am sure people in Chesterfield will unite to remember all she has meant to us during her long life and during her reign as our Queen.”
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Since coming to the throne at the young age of 25, she has shown an immense dedication to her role as our Queen as well as being a wife and mother and later a much-loved grandmother and great grandmother. Our thoughts go to the Royal Family at this sad time.”
Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “The Queen always played a full part in public life and it is right and proper that we mark her passing. The flag at the Town Hall is flying at half-mast and we will also be opening books of condolence for people to express their sadness at her loss.
“We have lost a public figure whose experience is unparalleled, and I hope people will come together to celebrate her life as well as mourn her death.”
Further information about local arrangements – including Books of Condolence and flower laying – will be shared by Chesterfield Borough Council as soon as possible.
People can also sign the Royal Book of Condolence at www.royal.uk
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing today.
“The Queen has been the epitome of stability and patriotism throughout her seven decades of unwavering public service, an icon who has symbolised British patriotism across the world.
“As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, she was a true friend to the business community and as the figurehead of the Commonwealth, she was the tie between nations that have become important trading partners.
“It is with great sorrow that we must now come to terms with a Great Britain without our Queen, but she has already demonstrated to us on so many occasions the strength we will need to move forward.”
Chesterfield businesses have also been paying their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family:
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and, as we reflect on Her Majesty’s lifetime of devoted service, we offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences. pic.twitter.com/9qFw4GBV4u
— Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (@vpdd) September 8, 2022
The whole team is saddened to hear the news about our much loved Queen – a sad loss for our country.
Thank you for your service Your Majesty.
— Bridge Help (@BridgeHelp1) September 8, 2022
We join the nation in mourning the loss of our monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. pic.twitter.com/mEKc1SFt8U
— CSALS (@CSALSofficial) September 8, 2022
We join the nation in mourning our wonderful Queen.
We thank her for the extraordinary and loyal 70-year service to her people. 🙏
RIP
Photo credit: Getty pic.twitter.com/tvZlN4xAhv
— Northern Tea (@TeaMerchant) September 9, 2022
Our thoughts are with the family & friends of Queen Elizabeth II who has passed away after more than 70 years on the throne.
She leaves behind a legacy of achievements including the longest reigning female monarch of all time, a beloved mother, grandmother & great-grandmother. pic.twitter.com/m1YRJRtQiL
— Avant Homes (@AvantHomes) September 8, 2022
The great Tenor bell of the Parish Church will toll 96 times at 12 noon tomorrow; at 12.15 p.m. there will be a Requiem Mass for Her Majesty. In due course there will be a Book of Condolence available to sign at the Parish Church. pic.twitter.com/FPO54v5nZJ
— Crooked Spire (@CrookSpiChes) September 8, 2022
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We were very sad to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Our Queen will have different meanings for many people. To us, she represented stability, consistency, dignity and grace.
Our thoughts are with The Queen’s family and friends.
Thank~You Queen Elizabeth. pic.twitter.com/st4JXz3GIK
— Adorn Chesterfield (@AdornShambles) September 8, 2022
Very Sad to hear that Our Queen has passed away. RIP Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/pOGxuKRDqj
— Sparky ink Studio – 🎮🕹🎨🎥📸💻🎬💡 (@Sparky_inK) September 8, 2022
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Her Majesty, The Queen. We send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family and to everyone affected by this news. Our thoughts are with The Royal Family at this very sad time.
— Bluebell Wood (@BluebellWoodCH) September 8, 2022
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, as we join the nation in mourning a truly remarkable woman. pic.twitter.com/jeEhNno424
— Matlock Farm Park (@MatlockFarmPark) September 8, 2022
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her majesty the Queen, over her 70 year reign she has been a pillar of clam and composure. We’re grateful for her contribution to the UK, her public service efforts will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace HRH Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/cPWUekmcPX
— Corrugated Case Company | CCC (@corrugatedcase) September 9, 2022
It is with great sadness to hear about the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
On behalf of everyone at Stanedge Golf Club, we would like to share our condolences to the Royal Family.
Thank you for your service, Queen Elizabeth II. May you rest in eternal peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SxXzQK9qEV
— Stanedge Golf Club (@StanedgeGC) September 9, 2022
Our team is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jqIj1SwaWg
— The Work-wise Foundation (@beworkwise) September 8, 2022
The Book of Condolence is available to sign @CrookSpiChes.
The church will be open each day from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. for quietness and prayer. pic.twitter.com/dmeGYSFZoV
— Crooked Spire (@CrookSpiChes) September 9, 2022
A statement from The Revd Martyn Jinks and The Chaplaincy Team at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: pic.twitter.com/40fgIlWiE7
— Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT (@royalhospital) September 9, 2022