A BELL rang out 99 times across a South East Cornwall valley on Friday evening – once for every year of the life of a “remarkable man who achieved so many marvellous things”.
It was just one of many ways in which local people have paid their respects and expressed their deep sadness at the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
In Herodsfoot, parish councillor Trixie Gordon came home from her shift as a district nurse and sped up to the church on the hillside, determined that the bell would toll to unite the parish in its reflection and its mourning.
In each of the towns around the district, flags were lowered to half-mast.
“Prince Philip was a remarkable man who achieved so much in his 99 years,” explained Ian Gordon.
“This included supporting the Queen and the Royal Family, the people of the UK and the Commonwealth, and his achievements with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“Here in Herodsfoot, we are a thankful village – we lost no men in the first and second world wars. Prince Philip survived the war and went on to achieve marvellous things.”
As a committed supporter of all kinds of sport and a participant in many, the Duke of Edinburgh set out to encourage and promote sports in every arena from the Olympic Games to county cricket clubs and youth sailing expeditions. Among the various organisations to receive his backing was the Cornwall Rugby Football Union.
Ian Gordon, who is secretary of the county fan’s organisation, said: “Prince Philip was a patron of the CRFU. All at Trelawney’s Army will miss him greatly.”
In Looe, Mayor Cllr Martin Gregory also paid tribute to the lasting, positive impact of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a scheme founded in 1956.
Cllr Gregory said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme has positively impacted on many young lives, and this unyielding dedication to develop aspirations in the young in the United Kingdom, and throughout the commonwealth, leaves an indelible legacy of which I am sure he would be proud.”
Looe would be paying tribute in many ways, said the mayor.
“My thoughts, as I am sure yours will be, are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family on losing a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“Prince Philip was widely respected for his active and dedicated service to the country and for his steadfast support to the Queen throughout her reign.”
Residents in Looe have been invited to leave floral tributes (without cellophane) at the area around the war memorial.
“Those flowers will be collected, composted and a memorial tree planted on behalf of the town as a living tribute to HRH Prince Phillip’s life and work,” said Cllr Gregory.
A funeral service for Prince Philip will be held tomorrow (April 17), in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and there will be a national minute’s silence at 3pm, as the ceremony begins.
With the country currently in a period of mourning, books of condolence have been opened in South East Cornwall where members of the public can leave their tributes, both digitally, and in hard copy.
The Royal Family asks people to consider donating to charity in place of leaving flowers.
Just before Saturday’s funeral, at 2.45pm, Andy Queen, who has been ringing since 1967 and has trained people for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, will be ringing 99 tolls with muffled bells at St Martin’s Church, Liskeard, organised by tower captain Jenny Stott.