In this country, it is a major historical event in our national life when a monarch passes away, but particularly so when it is someone who has been such an ever present and enduring part of our lives as Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty’s virtues of duty, constancy, modesty and self-restraint were ones that I think everyone in public life should admire and aspire to.

The Union flag outside the Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast and a book of condolence is available to sign in the Town Hall foyer during the period of national mourning, with additional books available at K2 leisure centre and The Hawth.

St John’s Crawley, the town centre civic church, will be holding a service of remembrance on Sunday 18th September at 6pm.  A one minute silence for the death of Her Majesty the Queen will also be observed on Sunday at 8pm across the UK.

Her Majesty the Queen visited Crawley a number of times during her reign.  In 1950, the then Princess Elizabeth opened Manor Royal.  Over subsequent years, Her Majesty the Queen officially opened Gatwick Airport and Queens Square. She also visited Langley Green Community Hall, Crawley Technical College, St Mary’s Church in Southgate and the George Hotel in the High Street, opened Holy Trinity School and visited the Town Hall.

In 1982, Her Majesty laid the foundation stone at St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley and in 1988 attended the opening of the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport.  In 2006, Her Majesty the Queen again visited Queens Square before heading to Thomas Bennett Community College, Varian Medical Systems and also Carey House sheltered housing scheme in West Green.

I was honoured to represent our town at Crawley Town Hall as we heard the Mayor Jilly Hart read the Royal Proclamation and to sign the book of condolence.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II served her country throughout her reign with integrity and distinction.  May she rest in peace.  It truly marks the end of an era and the beginning of the third Carolean age.

Cllr Michael Jones

Leader, Crawley Borough Council