We pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Posted on: 8 September, 2022

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

UCEM’s Chair of Board of Trustees, Amanda Clack, and Principal, Ashley Wheaton have sent their condolences to the Royal Family expressing how she will be remembered with affection, respect and admiration.

In their letter to His Majesty King Charles III, Miss Clack and Mr Wheaton expressed UCEM’s pride in the Queen being our Patron, stating: “Her Majesty will be remembered for her unwavering duty and dignified presence throughout the last seven decades. We were especially proud to have her serve as our Patron from 1977 to 1998. We hope that your own memories will bring you comfort during this time of grief.”

UCEM is now in a period of mourning until the day after the funeral, our office will remain open except for the day of the funeral.  A book of condolence for staff, students and alumni is available within Horizons.

Tributes

James Offen Chairman 1985-1990

In 1989 James met the Queen at the Game Fair in Stratfield Saye when sharing a stand with Strutt and Parker. The College (as CEM) at the time was asked to provide a display of a modern agricultural estate, a model was produced including a mansion, outbuildings, some woodland and a lake. James recalls it having a helicopter pad and that their stand was chosen to be visited by the Queen.

‘We were thrilled when we were told the Queen would visit our stand. All went well and the Queen showed great interest and asked questions about the challenges of modern estate management. Our only problem was that the Queen had been preceded, of course, by a security man and his sniffer dog. It was a hot afternoon and the dog drank the lake. I cannot recall if we were able to replenish it in time.’

Montanna 

1996 – Norwich Cathedral Maundy Money Service, Norwich, Norfolk

When I was 8 years old, the Queen and Prince Philip visited Norwich Cathedral for the 1996 Maundy Money Service as part of the Cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations. I attended to see the Queen in the crowd with my mum and brother. I was selected as one of the children out of the crowd to meet the Queen and give her flowers. I am a huge fan of the royal family and have adored the Queen for my entire life. This was a very special moment for me.