TRIBUTES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH AS JCB OPENS CONDOLENCE BOOKS

JCB has opened books of condolence to enable employees to pay their own special tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The books have opened at factories in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Wrexham and Foston, Derbyshire and will remain open until after the state funeral. At JCB’s World HQ in Rocester, the book of condolence in the main reception is also available for retired employees and members of the public to sign during office hours.

A JCB spokesman said: “Within hours of opening the books of condolence some very poignant tributes had been left to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The book of condolence at the World HQ will remain open until next week to allow as many people as possible to sign it.”

Among the first to leave a tribute was Quality Inspector Melvin Ireland, who joined JCB in 1995, the year Queen Elizabeth visited the World HQ. He said: “Your Majesty. I first met you in my first year here at JCB in 1995. I have never forgotten you since. You have given a lifetime of commitment to your country and the Commonwealth. God bless.”

JCB Aviation Operation Manager Chris Martison wrote: “It was a real honour and privilege to serve you as a member of the Royal Air Force for 22 years along with my wife Carol. God bless you ma’am.”

A contributor signing himself Jordan said: “Your Majesty, thank you for 70 years of diligent and unwavering service. May we never forget you, and may history remember you as ‘Elizabeth the Great’.”