Infrastructure Intelligence editor Rob O’Connor invites readers to share their own happy memories of Her Majesty the Queen.

Well, what to say that hasn’t been said already?

The sad passing of the Queen will rightly dominate the hearts and minds of the nation for the coming days, weeks and months ahead. 

You don’t have to be an ardent royalist to appreciate the inspirational effect Her Majesty had on millions of people across the country. 

I grew up in one of the most deprived towns in the UK. And I remember her silver jubilee in 1977 when she drove past the end of my road – slowly making her way through a parting sea of cheering children, adults and senior citizens alike, as her car made its way up Whale Hill bank on its way to the mighty Eston.

Grangetown’s Birchington Avenue has never been the same since, but I remember the sense of excitement and unity she brought to the community – the same sense of unity she brought to the nation as the one consistent bedrock during 70 years of huge change.

As leading industry figures have said, the countless examples of infrastructure and the built environment named in her honour – the bridges, rail lines, parks and more – pay tribute to her service and contribute to her lasting legacy.

We hope to publish a fitting tribute in the November/December edition of our digital magazine and also online on our website in the coming weeks.

With that, we would be very happy to hear of anyone’s personal thoughts or experiences of what Her Majesty meant to them. 

Let’s share fond memories - and remember Elizabeth with a smile rather than the sadness that many people will be feeling at the moment.

In the meantime, our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty’s family. May she rest in peace. 

Rob O’Connor is editor of Infrastructure Intelligence.