Lincoln's International Bomber Command Centre to remain closed on Queen's funeral
In respect of the Queen's funeral, the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln will remain closed on Monday, despite often opening on bank holidays
The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln have decided to remain closed on Monday the 19th of September in respect of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II funeral day. Supplying the community with books of condolence and floral tributes for those that have memories of the Queen they would like to express.
Throughout the Queen's reign, she has remained a committed and informed champion of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945 as a driver and mechanic herself - being the first female member of the Royal Family to join the armed services full time.
The International Bomber Command Centre have shared that it is a solemn time, offering the community to come and write in their book of condolence and lay flowers in the Jubilee Grove which was planted as a celebration of the Platinum Jubilee held earlier this year.
These tributes have been collated since Friday and will continue to be offered until the final day of national mourning. Located in Lincoln, the CEO of the centre is eager to have people remember the Queen at a place centred around remembrance.
On twitter the International Bomber Command Centre has said:
"As a tribute to The Queen's life we will be offering visitors to the IBCC on Saturday 17th September (10.30am-3pm) the chance to write or draw their own message of condolence on paper leaves. These will be laminated and hung on the branches of the trees in Jubilee Grove."
The Jubilee Grove area was planted as part of The Queen's Green Canopy scheme for Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
The CEO Nicky Van De Drift tells us what the Queen meant to her:
"She was strong, true, honest, dedicated, hard working - we saw that, you know, two days before she passed away she was still working. But I think, you know, if you are going to live your life well, she is a fantastic role model for that."
When discussing the closure on Monday, which as a bank holiday, would often mean the centre would remain open, Nicky said:
"I don't think you couldn't not actually, she held such a special place in all our hearts and I think one of my team described it brilliantly, she said 'I'm feeling sad and discombobulated' and I think that's just such a perfect phrase. You know, we will never see a Queen in our lifetime again, and to mark her dedication and constancy is really important."
READ MORE: It's National Bomber Command Day
As for King Charles III, Nicky says that it is an honour to have him take the place of his mother:
"It'll take some getting used to I think, but I think he will make an excellent King. I respect him emmensley and he's been brought up for this role specifically. But yes, I think it's going to take a while to get used to and I think particularly things like the national anthem, um, I expect we'll see a couple of errors going on, with the words, in that."
The International Bomber Command Centre a facility that serves as a point for recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command.