AS the whole country stopped to show its respect for the queens passing, a gathering for reflection took place in Nottingham’s Old Market Square, on the 18th September, to allow people to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
The ‘Remembering Her Majesty’ event, which incorporated the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm, was attended by around 1,000 people and was an opportunity to look back over The Queen’s 70-year reign.
Organised by Nottingham City Council, the multi-faith event included contributions from the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Rev Paul Williams; local Muslim leader Dr Musharraf Hussain; the Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, the Rt Rev Patrick McKinney; and Senior Pastor at God’s Vineyard, Dr Ezekiel Alawale.
Other contributors included councillors, members of the local community and the City Council’s Chief Executive, Mel Barrett.
The evening started with music from the Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band and concluded with a minute’s silence observed for the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Wendy Smith, said: “We were lucky enough to welcome The Queen to our city on a number of occasions and it was therefore special this evening to be able to reflect on her decades of service to the country.
“Her 70-year reign was both unprecedented and unlikely to be seen again. We wanted to offer a way for people from Nottingham to come together and remember an incredible life, while also mourning her loss.”
Leader of the City Council, Councillor David Mellen, said: “It was entirely appropriate to give Nottingham residents the opportunity to remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ahead of her funeral tomorrow.
“It’s been clear from the thousands who have signed our Books of Condolence over the past week that she is held in the highest regard. This evening was the city’s way of paying tribute to her dedication and service to the country over seven decades.”
Queen Elizabeth visited Nottingham at least ten times, including the Coronation year (1953) and three Jubilees (Silver in 1977, Gold in 2002 and Diamond in 2012).
She opened The Queen’s Medical Centre and the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus, visited famous Nottingham industries of bicycle and lace manufacturing, met local cricket and skating legends, Derek Randal and Torvill and Dean, and inspected Nottinghamshire-based military regiments.
In line with the rest of the country, Books of Condolence in Nottingham – at the Council House, Loxley House, and Dales, Clifton and Bulwell Riverside libraries – will remain open to sign until 5pm on Tuesday (20 September).
