A commemorative service was held at the Hope Bell in Queen’s Park, Loughborough, on Sunday (8 March) to mark the national Covid-19 Day of Reflection.
Residents, community representatives and local organisations gathered to reflect on the impact of the pandemic and remember those who lost their lives.
Picture credit: Charnwood Borough Council
The Hope Bell stands as a lasting tribute to the NHS, key workers and the many people who supported one another during the pandemic.
The service, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, included readings and a moment of quiet reflection. At the conclusion of the event, the main Hope Bell was rung to mark the significance of the day.
The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, said: “Thank you to everyone who attended what I thought was a thoughtful and poignant event. It was encouraging to see the community come together.
“The Day of Reflection is an important reminder of what we have been through and the resilience shown locally.”
Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The service offered an opportunity to pause and remember all those who were lost, while acknowledging the dedication shown by NHS staff and all key workers.
“It is also the perfect setting, as the Council created the Hope Bell as a place for reflection to mark occasions like these.”
Speakers at the service included the Mayor and Cllr Miah, as well as Cllr Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s lead member for communities and neighbourhoods; George Ballentyne from the Loughborough Council of Faiths; and Insp Charlotte Dickens, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Commander.
The Covid-19 Day of Reflection forms part of a national programme led by the UK Government, giving communities across the country an opportunity to remember those who died during the pandemic and recognise the efforts of those who supported others through it.
