Telford College has paid tribute to the ‘remarkable service’ of the Queen on the sad news of her death.
Graham Guest, principal and chief executive, said: “She gave her entire life in tireless service of our country, and was a reassuring constant for generations of people through times of challenge and change.
“She has been a continued presence in all of our lives, setting an example to others and always conducting herself with integrity, grace and poise.
“In a radio speech for her 21st birthday, she pledged her service to the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, and never once did she betray that promise.”
Mr Guest added: “For many, the Queen’s visit to Telford in 1981 and again in 2003 are among local people’s most special memories.
“But her crowning achievement will be the mark which she has left on everyone’s lives – not just through what she did, but the way in which she did it.
“The Queen put the ‘great’ into Britain, and everyone owes her a huge debt of gratitude.
“On a personal level I was fortunate to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, and was also on the banks of the Thames for the diamond jubilee in 2012 when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh braved such horrendous weather to be part of the flotilla.
“This was a typical example of the loyalty, dignity and service which defined the whole seven decades of her reign, making her so loved and respected across the world.”
The college is flying its flags at half mast as a mark of respect, and will be making further announcements in due course about other commemorative plans.
