A SHADOW of sombre remembrance was cast over the Easter celebrations in Swindon, as people paid their respects to the Queen Mother, who died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday.

Prayers were said at services across the town.

Outside Christ Church, in Old Town, the Union Jack flew at half-mast. And yesterday's congregation stood to sing the National Anthem at the start of the service.

Rev Guy Donegan-Cross asked church-goers to remember the Queen Mother and her family in their prayers as well as local people who have recently lost friends and relatives.

He said: "On this Easter Day we recognise that death has no dominion and yet we pray for those who grieve especially for the Queen Mother and all those we know in mourning today."

Michael Doe, Bishop of Swindon, said the death of the Queen Mother marked the ending of an era.

He said: "Her life spanned the last century: born in the very different age of empire and deference, living through two world wars, playing a major role in the second to maintain the spirit of the nation, and having to come to terms in more recent years with the changed role of the Royal Family.

"Through all of this, she maintained her strong commitment to public responsibility, and in this she was nourished by her deep Christian faith."

On a personal note he remembers a time, shortly before moving to Swindon, when the Queen Mother came to Portsmouth for the consecration of the newly completed Cathedral.

He said: "As we walked her out at the end of the service she slipped and fell, but quickly brushed aside any attempt to help her.

"And you felt that even if she had broken her leg, she would have walked out unaided and fulfilled her duty."

Sending out his prayers to the Royal Family, he said the love of the whole nation was with them in their time of sorrow.

He said: "Even when someone dies at a good age, even when it could be said to be expected, death comes as a shock and touches our deepest selves. May she rest in peace."

The leader of Swindon's Catholic community, Monsignor Richard Twomey, said there were special prayers at all yesterday's Easter services.

He said: "I think she was a very gracious lady who exuded a lot of charm. I had a great respect for her because she always held her counsel to herself and always spoke only kindness about people and never did anything which would cause hurt.

"We will be arranging a special mass to thank God for the gift of her life."

The Queen Mother was, of course, renowned for her love of the countryside and outdoor pursuits.

She had a passion for horses and visited the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival each year, although unfortunately she did not make it to this year's event due to ill health.

Willie Carson, former champion jockey, paid tribute to the Queen Mother's dedication to horse racing.

He said: "She was an ambassador to the world of racing. She loved it, especially the National Hunt Festival."

Willie Carson remembers riding one of her flat horses at Chester and failing to win.

He said: "I was lucky enough to ride one of her horses. The horse wore the Queen Mother's colours light blue with a black velvet strap and silver tassel. But unfortunately it didn't win."

Honouring her character, he said she was one of the greatest ladies of the last century and certainly knew her animals.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) described the Queen Mother as the "lynch pin of the Royal Family. The Queen Mother was always there throughout my life. I saw her as being indestructible. She was a true, authentic royal and will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathies go out to her family.

"But we all feel the loss, not just her family. She was the nation's grandmother that's the best way to remember her."

Lynn Vardy, Mayor of Highworth, agreed: "This loss is very sad for us all, whatever the generation. She touched the entire century and was the epitome of values we should all strive to achieve in today's modern society. Although her death was inevitable it touches everyone and she will be sorely missed.

"My heart goes out to the Queen who has lost two of the people most dear to her in such close succession," she added.

Julia Drown, MP for South Swindon, said: "She was a very strong woman who will be remembered particularly for her support during the war years but also for her actions throughout her life.

"I think the thing that really shines through is her sense of duty and the strength she gave to the King and then to her daughter. She will be very fondly remembered."

Swindon Council Labour leader, Sue Bates, (Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) said: "Obviously this is an extremely sad piece of news. She served the country loyally for 81 years. The Queen Mother portrayed stability, particularly during the Second World War.

"She had an unforgettable style and was a truly unique woman. Her presence will be missed by all generations."

The Queen Mother also had strong military ties and was president of the women's section of the Royal British Legion. Ken Hall, county chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: "I have seen the Queen Mother on several occasions and she always wore a smile. She was a truly wonderful lady."

His first encounter was at the Windsor Castle parades in 1977 when he held the county standards with pride. He said: "It was an honour to attend. And even more enjoyable because the Queen Mother looked so cheery."

He also met her at Westminster Abbey for the 75th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

"I could have reached out to touch her. Again she was full of warm, genuine smiles," he said.

Ken Hall also remembers her frequent visits to stay with Captain and Lady Spicer at Spye Park near Corsham. He said: "She was a very active woman and loved the Cheltenham races. When she was visiting she often stopped by at our local church."

Annie Peet, 84, feels particularly close to the Queen Mother because they share the same birthday.

Annie has only been living in this country for two years, when she emigrated from Australia to be nearer her only surviving relative who lives in Lechdale.

Annie, now a resident of Grove Hill Residential Home in Highworth, said: "It is very sad. She embodied good old fashioned values and will be sorely missed."

Wiltshire county council leader, Peter Chalke CBE, said: "It's a very sad day, I think she was really the nation's grandmother. She was a wonderful woman and what an example to everyone."

Swindon-based Arkell's Brewery marked the Queen Mum's 100th birthday in 2000 by brewing a special ale in her honour. Bottles of the brew bore the message Happy Birthday Ma'am and a barrel was delivered to her home, Clarence House.

Brewery spokeswoman, Nicky Godding, said: "Everyone at Arkell's is very sad to hear of the passing of the Queen Mother. She did an awful lot for the country over her 101 years.

"We tried to recognise the amount of time and work she did for the country by brewing her 100th birthday beer."

The people of Swindon will be able to pay respects to the Queen Mother when a book of condolence is opened by the Evening Advertiser at its offices in Victoria Road on Thursday. The book gives readers the chance to leave personal messages of tribute and sympathy.

It will eventually be passed on to representatives of the Royal Family.

The Evening Advertiser's offices are open from 8.30am until 5pm on weekdays.