OUR edition for Monday, September 1, 1997 should have been dominated by fairly routine local news.

An empty bus being returned to its depot had lost its roof when the driver took it beneath the notorious low bridge in Whitehouse Road.

A group of military veterans gathered for the dedication of a plaque commemorating the fallen of World War Two in Queen’s Park.

Nationwide Building Society had added £2,000 to the £3,000 already raised by the public toward a new electrocardiogram machine at Princess Margaret Hospital.

All of those stories appeared in the newspaper, but they were toward the back of a special black-edged 6am edition overwhelmingly devoted to the most famous woman in the world, who had died a little over 24 hours previously.

There was no headline above the double-page cover photograph, simply her name.

Inside we gathered the tributes, memories and stunned reactions of people from all walks of life.

“Throughout Swindon,” we said, “people reacted with shock and horror as news of Princess Diana’s death sank in.

“And they moved swiftly to show visible signs of their grief and respect for the princess.

“Flags flew at half-mast at the Civic Office, the fire station, the RAFA Club, Arkells Club and on various other buildings.

“At the Great Western Designer Village – normally bustling with Sunday shoppers – music was switched off and a minute’s silence was held at midday as a tribute to Diana, Dodi Fayed and the driver who also died in the crash.”

Swindon Mayor Maurice Fanning described himself as devastated by the tragedy and added: “All of our hearts go out to her children and family.”

The Cenotaph in Regent Circus became a gathering point for people to console one another and lay flowers, and many shops and businesses closed as a mark of respect.

A book of remembrance was opened at the Civic Offices.

South Swindon MP Julia Drown, on holiday in India, called the Adver office to pay tribute and share a memory of meeting the princess at the opening of an old people’s home in Oxfordshire.

“She charmed everyone,” Ms Drown said.

Former Swindon MP Lord David Stoddart said: “It is such a terrific loss. She was a lady who commanded so much respect, and her charity work was invaluable.

“The first time I met her was at a Prince of Wales Trust charity event in London.

“The second time was at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 1991.

“On both occasions I found her to be a kind, warm and caring person.”

Coun Derique Montaut said: “She brought great strength to the royal family and I think her touch will add strength to the future king.”

We also spoke to churchgoers including 16-year-old Jan Wisocki, of Gypsy Lane, Gorse Hill, who said: “She was a good person who did a lot of work for good causes, especially her work in trying to ban landmines.

“I just don’t want to think about how her children are feeling.”

Canon Owen Barraclough, of Christ Church in Old Town, said: “It is an appalling personal tragedy for Diana’s family, the royal family and especially her two sons.

“The tragedy is also a great personal sorrow for the Fayed family, who have lost a son, and the family of the driver.”