A SOMBRE and moving atmosphere took over Bournemouth town centre as mourning residents and visitors shared in the experience of seeing the Queen’s state funeral in the Lower Gardens.
Hundreds came together and watched the historic events from the capital.
Many took their seats on blankets, deckchairs and outdoor furniture, while others stood throughout the Westminster Abbey service.
Across the crowd, there were veterans proudly wearing their medals, families and friends gathered in small pockets fixed on the large screen.
At times the sound from the funeral screening felt like it was echoing around the gardens as the audience watched on in perfect silence.
The moving occasion saw those present come to their feet for the National Anthem before the Queen’s coffin was carried out of the church.
Bournemouth resident Geoffrey Oram, who served 25 years in the Royal Navy, said all of the armed forces involved in the service did a marvellous job.
“It is what everyone comes to expect,” he said. “I was born in the reign of King George VI although all I can really remember is the Queen. Duty first, family second and that is what she did.
“She could not have done anything more for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.”
Judith Oram added: “We wanted to join with everyone else. It made it more special to be part of a crowd. The service was beautiful.
“She has been there through all my life.”
Sarah Moran said the service was “really moving”. She added: “She felt like everyone’s grandmother and mum.”
Allison Jones and Sarah Thornley from Poole had a prime spot in front of the screen after arriving at around 10.15am.
Sarah said they wanted to come to the Lower Gardens to experience the historic day with other people. She said: “If we had watched it at home, it would not have been the same. By being here it feels like you were as close as you could be apart from being in London.”
“It was just lovely when the National Anthem was played and everyone stood up,” Allison said.
Moordown residents June and David Lines also made the trip down to the town centre to watch the funeral.
June said: “She was a Christian who wasn’t afraid to show the faith she believed in. The service was a Christian service.
“She was a good ambassador to all the other countries and everyone respected her.
“It was nice to come together and it was amazing to see all the other people. She will be greatly missed because she was just always there.”
David added: “I was pleased to be around people who wanted to mark the occasion properly.
“People joined in the hymns were the could and we all stood up for the National Anthem.”
He said her reign was “just remarkable”. He added: “She gave her life to it.”
Linda and Alan Osborne were visiting Bournemouth on a short break from Milton Keynes.
They said it would not have felt right to watch the service in their hotel and it was very patriotic.
“It was nice when people stood up for the National Anthem,” Linda said.
Cannock residents Gloria and Bob Archer were also spending a few days on the south coast.
Gloria said: “It was very beautiful and the atmosphere was great.”
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