People are paying their respects
Derbyshire people have been mourning the Queen, with one person saying it "feels like losing a grandmother". Her Majesty has been remembered in services at Derby Cathedral, and people are laying flowers at Cathedral Green.
Books of condolence are being opened at locations across the county as news sinks in of the death of the Queen, which was announced last night.
This morning, in Derby, Mark Ashford attended one of the Cathedral services and said: “It feels like I’ve lost a grandmother. For me, she was the only stability that the country’s had in many a year. She’s all I’ve ever known."
Alan Jenkins said: "I thought she was lovely. She gave her best, didn’t she? With dignity. And everybody had that respect for her.”
Feel free to send your tributes to newsdesk@derbytelegraph.co.uk - we will update this story throughout the day. See latest updates in our blog posts below.
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We understand that many in Chesterfield will want to express their grief for the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, and to show their support for our Royal Family. An official memorial area has been designated in Queen's Park. Information on our website: https://t.co/3BX2mVmXWi pic.twitter.com/fe9iWxaVGh
We’re welcoming those wishing to lay floral tributes to Her Majesty The Queen and sign a book of condolence to County Hall, Matlock, from 2.30pm today. Books of condolence also available in some of our libraries. More information here https://t.co/U98rmk6qfd pic.twitter.com/GICs5nFf6z
Cricket will resume on Saturday to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Tuesday’s IT20 between England and India at The Incora County Ground will go ahead as scheduled. More information
Our books of condolence are now available in each of our 4 contact centres. pic.twitter.com/61cKd0PXQ3
South Derbyshire District Council intends to make further books of condolence available at Etwall Leisure Centre and Melbourne Assembly Rooms. Dates and times will be announced shortly.
South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler has said in a statement: “I, along I am sure with most people in South Derbyshire, am so sad that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has left us and I am sure I speak on behalf of many of my constituents in sending my deepest condolences to the Royal Family. We have been so lucky in most of our lifetimes to have a Queen who has been so dedicated to public service and continuity. Queen Elizabeth II showed us public servants how it should be done and she remains an inspiration to me.
“I was lucky enough to have the honour of meeting her twice, once in Derby and once in Buckingham Palace, both moments I will cherish for the rest of my days.
“Our Constitutional Monarchy, with its ability to adapt and change with the times, is the envy of the world. None of us politicians are more important than our Monarch, Minister’s come and go, whilst the continuity of our Monarchy provides us with an important balance of power of which I am proud. Long Live King Charles III!”
To pay your respects to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, our condolence books are now open to sign at our Mill Lane Offices and at our Leisure Centres. Find out more -> https://t.co/H5ikkDODD7 pic.twitter.com/PijcbFAoJs
To pay your respects to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, our memorial gardens are now open at our Mill Lane Offices and at our Leisure Centres. Find out more -> https://t.co/H5ikkDO5Nz pic.twitter.com/jeBLRwaOHT
The London crowd was heard singing 'God Save the King' and giving three cheers as The King shook their hands.
The Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power and William Hill branches in the city centre are all keeping their doors closed for the duration of today, Friday, September 9, in honour of Her Majesty’s passing.
A note on Paddy Power’s door insinuated that they shut yesterday evening as the news was announced.
Football matches and other sporting events around the country have been postponed this weekend in light of the news.
The branches are set to reopen as usual on Saturday morning.
Nottingham Road Community Fire Station flag at half mast out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II
Flags are at half mast at the Derby Council House. Inside the council house, members of the public can leave messages in the book of condolence. Fencing has been placed outside for the public to queue over the coming days. Corporation street has been closed off to traffic.
Councillors were quick to act when Derby City Council’s planning committee met on Thursday evening (September 8).
The meeting had some significance as a vote was set to take place on plans for a children’s home in Chaddesden which saw more than 100 people sign a petition against it.
Members of the public were also in attendance due to the controversial nature of the planning application.
Two residents had spoken out during the meeting against the plans – with one reduced to tears - and the applicant representatives also had their say with a discussion and vote set to take place.
But then Conservative councillor Matthew Holmes was seen handing a note to the meeting’s chairman, Conservative councillor Ged Potter, at around 6.30pm.
Councillor Potter then passed the note to a senior council officer before Councillor Holmes and Labour councillor Joanna West called for a sudden adjournment given the news that Her Majesty The Queen had died.
Councillor West said: “In light of very recent news, can I suggest the committee takes a short adjournment?”
Councillor Holmes then added: “I think we need to adjourn chair.”
After a ten-minute adjournment Councillor Potter said: “Ladies and Gentlemen let’s have a minute’s silence. The news is The Queen has passed away. Thank you.”
It was agreed that the planning applications which were yet to be discussed will be held when the planning committee meet again in October.
These applications included: Change of use from dwelling to children’s care home – Chaddesden Park Road, change of use from dwelling to a six bedroom (eight occupant) house – Carlton Road, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of seven houses – Littleover Manor, demolition of dwelling and erection of two houses – West Park Road and variation to conditions of demolition of existing retail building – Rykneld Road.
A spokesperson for the Matlock Bath Illuminations has said: "In line with national protocol in regard to advice around events immediately following the death of a Monarch, Derbyshire Dales District Council has made the decision to cancel the planned opening weekend of Matlock Bath Illuminations this Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 September.
"Anyone who has pre-booked will get a full refund and we are appealing to accommodation providers to show understanding in these exceptional circumstances when talking to visitors who have booked rooms locally to attend the event.
"The national protocol advice comes from the National Association of Civic Officers.
"A decision will be taken early next week on the planned second weekend of the Illuminations - 17 and 18 September. For the time being advance bookings for that weekend have been suspended.
"People who have booked for the opening weekend don't need to contact the Council - refunds will be made automatically by Ticket Source but may take up to 14 days.
"The District Council apologises not only to those who had pre-booked for this weekend and local tradespeople but also to the scores of stewards, stall holders, council staff, electricians and boat builders involved in one of the region's most popular autumn events."
The Mayor of Derby, Robin Wood, has signed the tribute book in the Council House. The messages will be included in a final book that is put together.
Year 6 from St Joseph’s in Normanton is here on a pre-planned school trip, where they visited the Cathedral.
People are already beginning to write their messages in the book inside the Council House.
Jill from Chaddesden said: "I came here because I wanted to pay my respects, it’s a very sad occasion. I wasn’t expecting it because we saw that lovely picture of her smiling with the new Prime Minister."
Temporary fencing has been placed outside the council house as the authority expects many to sign a book of condolence in the coming days.
A book for residents to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, with a prayer that reads: "Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant, Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty.
"Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."
Joan Hickling from Hilton said: “It’s what being English is. It’s what our country stands for.
“She’s always been there, all our lives. I feel lost.
“We’re going to tutbury castle, which she owned and where she planted a tree in 1956, to lay flowers later.
“I cried all night.”
Jane said: “we are very sad. We thought we’d like to come and light a candle and lay some flowers.”
Kathleen: “we were both war children. I remember the times she spoke in the war on the radio.”
Another man, Pete, held back tears as he spoke of what for Queen meant to him.
“I’m just devastated. I’ve lit a candle. Stood and said a prayer over her picture.
“I couldn’t believe it yesterday. I was at work, driving around.
“She’s been a constant all through my life. It’s like losing a grandparent.
“I thought she was wonderful. I don’t think we’ll see anything of her like again. She lived a certain way. She lived to a set standard all her life. Every time we needed her she was there fronting on the TV or the radio.
“She cared about all of us, and the country grew because of her.”
The Mayor of Derby, Robin Wood, paid his respects to Queen Elizabeth II by leaving flowers behind Derby Catherdral on the green. He also has to cover the medallion on his chain in a black cloth in a sign of respect.
Alan Jenkins, 69, met the Queen when she came to Derby in 1977 for her silver jubilee.
“I was in town and an official asked me to stand in front of Bennett’s on Iron Gate to make the numbers up.
“He told me, if the Queen speaks to you, you answer with ‘Ma’am’.
“Then he said: 'Don’t stick your hand out to shake her hand' “So I stood in the queue and she was shaking people’s hands and stopping.
“And then, she slowed down. And I just put my hand out. And she shook my fingers.
“She said: ‘Do you work here?’ “I said: ‘No ma’am’
“She said: ‘Oh, I see,’ and carried on walking.
He said Her Majesty has always meant a lot to him. “I thought she was lovely. She gave her best, didn’t she? With dignity. And everybody had that respect for her.”
Lynne Metcalfe, from Weston-on-Trent, was five when the Queen was coronated in 1952.
“I shed a tear last night. I was at home with my husband. I came on the bus this morning. I felt I needed to come and do it.
“She’s been a stalwart. I think she’s been wonderful, I really do. It’s that beautiful smile. She was still smiling on Tuesday, when she met Liz Truss.”
73-year-old Peter Childs, who is ex-Army said: "It’s a sad day. It all happened so quickly. It was only a couple of days ago she was up and about… I think I’ll pop into the cathedral later for the prayers."
Andrew Naylor, 38, “given her age it’s expected but it’s still a shock… it’s very sad”
Mark Ashford, 60, had come into town with his wife specifically to pay his respects to Her Majesty.
“It feels like I’ve lost a grandmother. It’s weird.
“For me, the only stability that the country’s had in many a year. She’s all I’ve ever known.
“Every time you look at her, every picture you see of her, she’s got that joy, that smile.
“I was at work when I found out. I just stood there for about five minutes, staring into space.”
The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor John Sewell, says the borough’s residents share the deep sadness felt by the nation at the passing of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II.
Following the announcement of the news, the Mayor said: “On behalf of Erewash Borough Council and all our residents, may I say that we share the nation’s great sense of mourning. Queen Elizabeth had a long and remarkable life and will forever be remembered for her grace, her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service.
“This is a very poignant moment for the UK and the Commonwealth – and, indeed, the world – and we know residents in this borough will have their own special memories of the Queen, many from the countless royal visits she carried out in this country over the last 70 years.
"Queen Elizabeth II ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history and witnessed many key moments in history during her extraordinary reign. She was an important figurehead during times of enormous social change and travelled more widely than any other British monarch.
“Rest in peace your majesty.”
"JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford today paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.
"Lord Bamford said it was with “huge sadness” that he had learned of Her Majesty’s death yesterday. Today JCB’s 11 UK factories will fall silent at 11 am as a two minutes silence is held in honour of the life and service of the late Queen.
"Lord Bamford said today: “Her Majesty’s service and devotion to this country over more than 70 years will never be surpassed. We have been truly fortunate to have Queen Elizabeth as our head of state. It was my pleasure to welcome Her Majesty and HRH Prince Philip to JCB in 1995 when our company was celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is a day which will live long in the memory for many of us.
"I will be writing to His Majesty the King to express condolences on behalf of the company and my family.”
Flags at all JCB’s factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham are flying at half-mast in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
A spokesperson for trentbarton has said: "The whole trentbarton family is saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history.
"We know that our customers will share the heartfelt admiration we all feel for her as our monarch and as the head of her family.
"Her passing will no doubt be the one topic of conversation on our buses today, as our drivers and their customers together come to terms with our national loss.
"Our drivers will be invited to wear a black tie as a mark of respect today and during the period of national mourning.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very sad time."
A service of prayer and reflection on the death of the Queen will be held in St Paul’s Cathedral at 6pm.
The Prime Minister and Lord Mayor of London are expected to attend the service which will be broadcast on the BBC.
The audio of the King’s televised address to the nation will be played inside the cathedral if it coincides with the service.