The state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19 drew residents together at Bordon Working Men’s Club.

Numbers increased during the afternoon as people who opted to watch the Westminster Abbey service at home went along to experience the procession to Windsor Castle and the committal service at St George’s Chapel with their friends.

The club in Alma Road was open all day from 10.45am and a buffet was laid on by secretary Mike English, who did the shopping, and his wife Jennie, who prepared the food.

Mike and Jennie, who bought a house in Bordon in 1984, both watched the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

Mike, 75, said: “We had a TV in 1953 which my father bought while we were living on an RAF station. I don’t remember much but I did see it. I’d like to say thank you to the Queen. She’s been amazing.”

Jennie, 76, added: “We didn’t have a TV but we went up the road to Mrs Parrott who charged us thruppence to watch it! I remember it well. I saw the Queen at Guildford after the Coronation. We stood there and waved our flags like seven year olds do.

“Today is very sad and very emotional but she’s an amazing Queen who’s done an amazing job and deserves everything she’s got.

“The pageantry was stunning. We do this so well. It’s amazing, incredible.

“She’s been here 70 years. We will never see the like of this again.”