Ipswich falls silent to watch the Queen's funeral on the big screen

In the morning, ex-military serviceman Guy Murray visited Ipswich Town Hall to write a few carefully chosen words from poet Seamus Perry in the book of condolences: "Often the true immensity of love is learned through realising the enormity of its absence."

Guy watched on as the Queen's funeral procession made its way toward Westminster Abbey, sharing his grief with fellow members of the Ipswich community.

"In being here, I don't feel as if I'm alone in my grief," he said.

"It's about being part of something, talking to other people and seeing what Her Majesty meant and still means to people.

"I can't say thank you enough for what she has given to the British public and the Commonwealth over many, many years."

Guy worked for the Ministry of Defence for the British and American Armies during Operation Telic in Iraq between 2008 and 2010.

For the ceremony, he chose to wear the Iraq Medal he was awarded for services during this time, a campaign medal bearing the name and likeness of Queen Elizabeth II.

Not the only decorated ex-serviceman, 64-year-old Trevor Woodgate also swore his allegiance to the late Queen when he joined the army in 1975.

"I was gutted when I heard the news, it's just one of those things that you never want to hear," said Trevor, who hails from Dedham but now lives in Ipswich.

Trevor commented that he was also reassured by the presence of a community spirit at the Cornhill, saying: "You can sit at home and watch it on the television, but it's just not the same.

"Being here, it's helped me realise that it's not just me, everyone feels this way."

Another ex-serviceman, Stephen Black, served with Prince William and Prince Harry and also paraded for King Charles and the Queen during his full 24 years of service.

He attended the Cornhill event wearing medals from his tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraz, alongside his two Jubilee medals and Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.

Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2coffee charity, believes turning out to watch the funeral was the "minimum" he could do, having served Queen and country for 12 and a half years in the military and prison service.

"You can see that the streets are quiet. I think most of those who are not here will be watching it home, making it an emotional day for the entire country," he said.

Sharing in his sadness with fellow Ipswich residents, Nigel added: "The Queen is seen as an immortal figure and her sad death should make us all value life that little bit more."

Fellow Ipswich businessman Antonio Bellini, who owns the Italian Shirt Shop on St Nicholas Street, was also in attendance.

"I desperately wanted to be there," he said, gesturing at the proceedings playing out on the screen. "But it's over capacity, so we'll be going next weekend instead."

Antonio said he feels "very lucky" to be able to watch the funeral on the big screen, adding: "It's a period of national mourning, so it's nice to be with other people."

Echoing these sentiments, Ipswich mayor John Cook said: "Whether it's a happy occasion or a sad occasion, these are the things we must share together. It's important that it's done right."

He added: "We felt it was right, for this very sombre occasion, to give people the chance to come together communally to view the Queen's funeral.

"We've also got to remember that there are people who live alone who may prefer to be with other people today."

The mayor has experienced this sense of community first-hand, as he managed to help a neighbour who doesn't have a television in giving her a lift to the town centre screening himself.

As the bells chimed for twelve o'clock to mark the end of the Queen's Westminster Abbey funeral, people arose from their chairs and the crowd began to disperse.

Some were sharing their sadness by swapping stories with family and friends, and many returned home to reminisce on 70 years of their Queen's great reign.