‘Thank you, Ma’am, for everything’

Here, in his latest monthly column reflecting on the news over the past month, our Press and PR Executive Robin Johnson looks at the headlines.

Usually, this column reflects on the major stories in Derby and Derbyshire, which have made the headlines over the past month.

But in September, there really was only one story – the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Like many of you, the news of her death affected us all deeply here at Marketing Derby.

Personally, it affected me more than I had ever expected – a feeling shared by many I have spoken to.

That’s because in an increasingly uncertain world, the Queen was a constant in all our lives.

To know she was no longer there was not only upsetting but highly disorientating.

The way she devoted her life to the nation and the Commonwealth was an inspiration to many.

She was the embodiment of duty and service – our greatest ambassador and advocate.

Following the news of her passing, the tributes here in Derby and Derbyshire were warm and heartfelt.

For example, Derby Cathedral opened a book of condolence and held services of thanksgiving and reflection for her late Majesty.

In her lifetime, the Queen had been a great supporter of Derby and Derbyshire – and I recall with fondness covering her visits when I worked as a reporter at the Derby Telegraph

One such visit came in 2010, when Her Majesty visited the cathedral to distribute the Royal Maundy.

I stood in the doorway clutching my notepad, just a couple of yards away from her as she entered the cathedral and gave the warmest of smiles.

Being so close, you could feel that special aura around her, something almost indescribable.

During her lifetime, the Queen made numerous visits to Derby and Derbyshire.
Of course, we have her to thank for Derby being a city. In 1977, as part of her Silver Jubilee celebrations, she granted us city status and came in person to present the Letters Patent.

My mum and my older brother joined the crowds who went to see her – but I was too young at the time.

As a Derby County fan, another visit that sticks in my memory was when the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, came to officially open Pride Park Stadium.

What a fantastic day that was at a very aptly named football stadium.
Pride was just one of the many emotions I felt as I watched the Queen’s state funeral on television.

Why pride? Because despite this country’s trials and tribulations, it demonstrated that when we do things, we actually do them rather well.

As a nation, even as a city, we should never lose sight of that.

Now, we move forward under King Charles III, who himself is a keen supporter of business and entrepreneurialism, particularly among young people through the Prince’s Trust.

I remember a few years ago covering his visit to what was then the Bombardier train-making site, in Litchurch Lane.

His visit came at a particularly tough time for the company, which had been facing an uncertain future in Derby after missing out on some key contracts.

His presence provided a timely morale boost for the workforce – and I hope that, as King, he may be back soon as the factory flourishes under the stewardship of Alstom.

While the Queen may no longer be with us, her memory will remain, particularly with those companies and organisations who are proud holders of Queen’s Awards, including Marketing Derby.

It was fitting, that in her Platinum Jubilee year, a record number of Derbyshire firms and organisations secured Queen’s Awards.

Back in April, Cosy Direct, which sells ethical educational suppliers, Ward, a metal recycling and waste management specialist and Nimbus, which works to provide better accessibility for disabled people, were all named as recipients.

And in years gone by, many more Marketing Derby Bondholders have been recognised, companies such as HUUB, HSG UK (BH) and Willmott Dixon, to name but a few.

Her Majesty has left behind a remarkable legacy – and, as the longest reigning monarch, achieved a feat unlikely to ever be matched.

I often think about how this era we are living in now will be viewed in years to come.

I certainly hope that many years from now, pupils in classrooms up and down the country will be studying this very period in their history lessons and learning about this incredible lady.

I, for one, was certainly proud and grateful to have been an Elizabethan.

I think Paddington Bear spoke for many of us when he met the Queen for afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace as she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.

He summed our feelings up better than any President, Prime Minister or Royal commentator ever could when he simply said to her: “Thank you, for everything.”

Have a safe and productive October everyone – and I look forward to catching up again soon.