Bexhill bids farewell to Queen Mother

A handful of shoppers found doors closed to them as businesses shut for the duration of the state funeral.

Dorothy Marchant, Western Road, captured the mood of the moment with a window display and floral tribute.

The Royal Sovereign pub in Sea Road, hung a union flag on its door with a photo of Her Royal Highness The Queen Mother and stayed closed until after the funeral. Sainsburys closed its doors until 1pm as did Tesco at Ravenside and other shops.

Staff at the Halifax were undisturbed during the two minute silence as Devonshire Road emptied of cars and pedestrians. Schools observed the silence and made arrangements to remember the Queen Mother in a variety of ways. Little Common School assembled in the school hall as head teacher David Pratt gave a talk on The Queen Mother's positive outlook and the importance of a state funeral.

Mr Pratt said "We think it is important to share with the children the positive side to her character, her optimistic outlook, marked by such occasions as the Blitz."

Pupils at King Offa Primary School were given an assembly by the Reverend David Frost of St Stephen's Church. They were also given the opportunity to watch the funeral during break time.

Members of the Pennefather Day Centre at the Charter Centre watched the funeral. Care Officer Sue Bates said "Virtually all of the members wanted to watch so we set up two rooms with televisions.

"They asked to have pictures of the Queen Mother put up."

The lounge was decorated with posters that had been made for the Queen Mother's centenary. "Queen of Mums" stood out amongst the pictures.

BEXHILL residents were escorted by MP Greg Barker to pay their respects to The Queen Mother on Monday.

Among visitors to Westminster Hall were David and Paula Fisher, John Hickie, Marian Hickie, Lynn Wilkinson and Kate Bromley.

Mr Hickie pulled the Gun Carriage at Winston Churchill's funeral in 1965. He said: "It was a lot lighter than Winston Churchill's ceremony. It felt more celebratory. I wanted to pay thanks for a remarkable lady who lived such a wonderful life."

Kate Bromley, 13, from Pebsham, was representing Hastings Sea Cadets. "It is important to show young people still have respect," she said.

Mr Barker also attended Westminster Hall on Tuesday with other leading politicians to see the coffin removed and carried to Westminster Abbey.

He said: "Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a remarkable lady. It was a great privilege to be able to pay my respects to her with others from Bexhill, who like me, had such respect and affection for her majesty. I am sure she would have appreciated the marvellous pageantry that accompanied her funeral. No-one can produce state pageantry quite like Britain."