A QUIETNESS spread across the country as people of all nationalities, faiths and ages began to mourn the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

In 1947, on her 21st birthday, the Queen pledged her life to the service of her people. She made many sacrifices and faced many challenges during her 70 years as Queen, but always conducted herself with strength and dignity.

She was a perfect role model and gained much affection and admiration with her warmth and humour, not just in this country but across the world.

Her Majesty the Queen touched so many people’s lives in so many different ways and will be sadly missed throughout the world.

Nora Parminter

Here are some tributes from people in the Crediton area:

“I went to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2017 and the Queen walked right in front of us. I also went to Exeter Cathedral for the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations where I signed a book which had been all over Devon. Corporal Warret told me that I was the last person to sign the book before it was to be presented to the Queen. I also saw the Queen in Exeter and she came right up to the railings where we were stood.”

Margaret Phillips.

“She was a wonderful Queen and a good example on how we should conduct ourselves. She will be sadly missed.”

Glenys Bedford

“I honestly think she was the best monarch and diplomat we have ever had. It was a sad day, but when the statement about her health was released I didn’t think it would be long. She will be sadly missed, not just in this country but all over the world.”

John Brooks

“We are very sorry to hear of the death of the Queen. She had a long and lovely reign and was a very good Queen. It’s very sad and I think everyone must feel the same. She was well loved all over the world.”

Norman Pottle

“It’s the end of an era for people of my age and the beginning of an era for younger people. I can remember when I was at primary school and the teacher crying as she told us that the King had died. The Queen dying will certainly make a difference - I hope Charles can live up to it.”

Adele Cox

“Very sad news. It’s the end of an era. We were so fortunate to have had this amazing Queen who did so much for this country and the Commonwealth. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband.”

Val Barker

“Oh it’s so sad. She certainly looked after her country and she has been through so much with some of her family.” Joan Farley

“I think it’s really sad, she was a lovely lady.” Christine Harrison

“I‘ve recently seen a photo of the 1953 Queen’s Coronation celebrations in Crediton and spotted a myself and my sister.”

Betty Nunn

“I remember standing on Crediton High Street in May 1956 when the Queen passed through on her way to Eggesford Forest to plant a tree to mark the one-millionth acre of Forestry Commission planting. I was about five or six at the time was attending a school in Searle Street. We all came out and stood by the Old Town Hall waving our flags as she passed.”

Julie Cole

“I remember being presented with a Coronation mug at the old Nissan huts when I was at Hayward’s school.”

Charles Strong

“I’ve been listening to the radio as seeing it all on television was making me too upset. It brought back too many memories. I’ve never known any other monarch. The Queen was a wonderful, wonderful lady.”

Diana

“It’s an awful shock that she was seeing in the new Prime Minister a few days ago and now she’s gone. I can feel the whole country has gone quiet. She has always been there - I’ve never known another monarch. It’s amazing that at 96 she was still working for the country. I’m hoping that we can find a way to pay our respects as a school (QE).”

Ash Gill