Local couple makes the news in Scotland upon Queen’s death

Living life to the rhythmic lapping of the water on the banks of Homestead Dam, Derek and Joyce Dingwall have been enjoying a slower pace of life.

This is after celebrating 50 years of marriage and a whirlwind adventure of moving to Benoni from Scotland in 1968.

Their lives, however, changed at the beginning of 2020 when Joyce was diagnosed with stage four cancer and had to undergo extensive treatment.

Isolated from their loved ones, most of whom still live in the United Kingdom, due to Covid-19 lockdown regulations, Derek spent his days at his beloved wife’s side as she bravely and, ultimately, triumphantly fought the disease.

When the Dingwell’s received news that Joyce was cancer-free the couple decided to embark on a ‘thanks-giving’ trip to Scotland, to visit family and to show gratitude to everyone who supported her during her sickness.

Little did they know that their trip would coincide with the death of Queen Elizabeth II and that a series of unplanned events would see them being able to show their respects to the beloved monarch.

“The queen has been omnipresent throughout our lives and her sudden passing felt truly personal. It was like a member of the family was gone,” said Derek.

“When the news of her death was announced it felt like a sombre cloud enveloped the entire kingdom.”

As the couple continued with their journey, they became one of the first to sign the Book of Condolences, one of many that had been placed in public areas throughout the UK.

“We were at Callendar House on the day of Her Majesty’s passing when we signed the book,” said Joyce.

“Seeing that we were the first to sign, a reporter from the local newspaper, the Falkirk Herald, was there to snap a picture of us. Never did we expect that while showing our respects that our picture would become the featured photo of the article.”

Scoffing at the fact that she was snapped in her trusty rain jacket, Joyce said that she would have liked to look a little more respectable in the photo.

On September 11, before leaving Aberdene, the Dingwall’s parked their rental car next to the side of the road on the outskirts of the city, where droves of mourners had converged to catch a glimpse of the hearse transporting the queen’s casket back to England.

“We found ourselves with a small group of locals, the 90-minute wait felt fleeting as we spoke with fellow-countrymen and women, sharing our memories of the queen,” said Derek.

“The atmosphere was jovial as everyone celebrated her colourful life.”

The final leg of the couple’s trip saw them being glued to their London hotel room’s telly, watching the live broadcast of the royal funeral, on September 19.

“It was as emotional to us as it was to everyone else. To see all the traditions being seamlessly incorporated to celebrate the queen’s life was truly spectacular,” said Derek.

“Even in her death, she united the islands and its rich heritage was showcased.”

As the sun set and the streets cleared, dressed again in her baby blue rain jacket, Derek and Joyce decided to visit the St George’s Chapel in Windsor to see the many wreaths and bouquets at the gates.

“As we were wandering around, a priest invited us into the chapel to take part in the Evensong,” he said.

“It was once again an opportunity that not only signified the end of our journey but also that of the queen. Before leaving the grounds, those in attendance were given the opportunity to go down to the site where her body had been interred only hours before.

“The Ledger Stone bearing the names of her father, mother, Prince Phillip as well as hers had already been inscribed on the marble surface and placed over her final resting place.”

What started off as a holiday to celebrate healing and faith became a trip of historical proportions, which Joyce and Derek agree was a privilege to have been part of.

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