A TRIBUTE
A tribute to Her Majesty , Queen Elizabeth II
By Anita Jaynes
The Queen may have now been laid to rest , but we couldn ’ t produce this edition of The Business Exchange without a tribute to Her Majesty .
As a local business magazine , we often put the spotlight on our area ’ s inspirational business leaders , but in my opinion the Queen ’ s exemplary leadership is unrivalled on a national and international scale . For over 70 years she was the embodiment of resilience , who during some of our darkest days gave light , most recently during the coronavirus pandemic . A voice of calm to rally the nation in a time of need . The Queen was true to her word , right until the end and worked hard to honour a pledge she made when she was just 21 . “ I declare before you that my whole life , whether it be long or short , shall be devoted to your service .”
Like us all , I ’ m sure she had bad days , but she always
turned up , delivered , and often brought humour to the table to lighten the mood and raise spirits .
At times her work must have felt never-ending . She had links , as Royal Patron or President , with over 600 charities , military associations , professional bodies and public service organisations . Her patronages and charities covered a wide range of issues , from opportunities for young people , to the preservation of wildlife and the environment . Her devotion to our country and the world was unwavering .
Here we share just a few tributes from our Swindon and Wiltshire community .
Photo by Wiltshire photographer Paul Stallard on the Queen ’ s visit to Devizes in 1990 to mark the restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal . www . candidpictures . co . uk
“ I wouldn ’ t say that I am a Royalist , however I didn ’ t realise until the Queen passed away that she held such a large space in my heart . A constant in all our lives , in the background , dedicated to our country and Commonwealth , she was the face of Britain and served us unquestionably with the utmost dignity and grace for 70 years .
" One of my earliest memories of childhood was the street party held in commemoration of the Queen ’ s Silver Jubilee in 1977 , I was five years old . I still have the cup and coin somewhere .
“ I ’ m not sure if the emotional connection is greater having lost my constant , my mum , two years ago , but our country has lost its constant too . “ Obviously there is progression and we now have a new King , but I don ' t quite feel the same way about that . Thank you for your devoted service Ma ’ am , you did us proud .” Steve Munson , Studio Creative Services
“ The passing of Queen Elizabeth II isn ’ t necessarily a shock - at 96 years of age and after an incredible seven decades on the throne , we all knew that this day would come eventually .
“ Yet the prevailing mood across the nation since the news broke has been one of both incredible sadness and awe for all that our remarkable Queen achieved throughout her reign , and the indelible mark that she has left upon our nation . Most of us have never known life without the Queen , our national identity is intrinsically linked to her iconic image , and as such the loss is going to be felt much more keenly in the weeks and months to come than it would for other public figures . It ’ s especially challenging after such a long period of uncertainty and change in our country . I , for one , am grateful to have been alive during the reign of such a truly inspiring world leader and faithful servant for our country ." Ben Veal , Founder , Second Mountain Comms
“ I grew up in a household with mixed feelings about the Royal Family . However , as I ' ve gone on in life , I ' ve realised what a valuable role they can play in our society as a constant , as a sign of history and heritage and as a marketing asset for our country .
“ With the Queen , she has been in the background of my life all of my life and I have always admired her for her commitment to her role - a role she didn ' t actually choose .
“ Yet she has shown leadership and consistency throughout her life and has done so in public with grace and dignity . My thoughts are with her family as it ' s hard to lose a loved one whatever age they may be . I also have been privileged to meet King
Charles twice in my professional life and I ' ve found him to be friendly , kind and interested . As a King I think he brings hope of a more modern era for the Royal Family .” Fiona Scott , Scott Media
4 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk
" Queen Elizabeth , to me , is one woman who us women should aspire to be . Giving her whole life to her country , she has served our nation selflessly and tirelessly for 70 years . She has also supported her own family through thick and thin . I don ’ t think there will ever be anyone that could fill her shoes , an inspiration to all . She will be the piece of puzzle missing from our country .” Val Huxley , Director , People against Poverty
“ Queen Elizabeth II was head of the Armed Forces , our Commander in Chief . As such I felt a very close relationship with her . She lived a life I wanted to emulate , highly moral , a trailblazer , hardworking , and throughout it all she did it with a welldocumented sense of humour . She will be sorely missed , and I personally have felt her loss acutely . RIP your Majesty . You couldn ’ t have worked harder .” Major Olivia Madders , XO , Med Branch , ARITC