by Josh Marsh –
Residents across Chesterfield are invited to join in a national moment of reflection in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which takes place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September.
Held the evening before the state funeral at Westminster Abbey, the patriotic moment of reflection will be marked by a minute of silence.
Residents are encouraged to stop and think in privacy at home, with friends and family, outside on their doorsteps or on their streets with neighbours, or at locally organized events and vigils.
Chancellor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “The past few days have been filled with so many different feelings for the townspeople, and it is 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 encourage Chesterfield residents to stand with communities across the country to celebrate this Sunday night’s national moment of reflection, in the way they feel is most appropriate.
“This could be in a private place at home, on your doorstep or on the street with your neighbours, family and friends, observing a minute of silence at 8 p.m.
“There are also opportunities for the communities to come together at this weekend’s events, including the civil service at beautiful Crooked Spire, which will also enable residents to stop and reflect on the death of the Queen and the proclamation of our new King Charles III.”
People are reminded that they can give honors including flowers at the official memorial site at Queen’s Park Platform, and condolence books are available at locations across town:
- Customer Service Centre, New Square, Chesterfield:
- Monday: 9:00 to 2:00
- Tuesday: 9:00 to 2:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 to 2:00
- Thursday: 9:00 to 2:00
- Friday: 9:00 to 2:00
- Healthy Living Centre, Staveley – Open Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6pm
- Queens Park Sports Center – Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 10 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Condolence books at council venues will remain open until Tuesday 20 September, after which they will be kept in our local archives (please note that books will not be available for autographs on funeral day, as venues will be closed).
Residents can also pay tribute to other local events this weekend, including:
- A civil service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Saturday, September 17, at St Mary and All Saints Church (The Crooked Spire). The service is open to all and will start at 2:30 PM.
- The Ashover Brass Band will run at the Queen’s Park Bandstand on Sunday, September 18, from 2pm to 4pm. The program has been modified to honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the floral tribute and sighting can still be placed in the area in the day.
For more information on local honors and arrangements, please see the Council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk
