A stunning memorial to commemorate those who have lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic has been unveiled in Bridgford Park in West Bridgford.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson led a ceremony earlier today (March 25) to mark the new feature in one of the Borough’s most popular parks as a place for all residents to remember and reflect on its impact, just over two years to the day of the first lockdown.
The 316 marine grade polished steel structure sits at over seven foot high and further symbolises the steel NHS workers, carers and key workers have and continue to show in the pandemic to be there for those in need.
It now sits yards from the iconic Bridgford Hall in the park with accompanying new benches and a garden area to also highlight the sacrifices residents played during such a challenging period in modern history and the memorial’s inscription reads:
Remembering all those affected by COVID-19.
This memorial commemorates those in Rushcliffe who lost their lives during the pandemic and the incredible efforts of all those who gave so much helping others.
Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Cllr Robinson was joined by representatives of South Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership, fellow Cabinet Members, Deputy Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Tina Combellack and councillors to unveil the new memorial.
Revd Tim Fox from West Bridgford and representatives of the Friends of Bridgford Park and Central West Bridgford Community Association also attended.
Cllr Robinson said: “The pandemic has been, and continues to be, the single most significant change many of us have experienced in our life-times and we know we will feel its effects and for many years to come.
“We have lost hundreds of people in Rushcliffe to this awful disease and our thoughts and prayers are with every family, every individual and every community who has suffered at the hands of this virus.
“This memorial is about remembering the loved ones we have lost and the dark days of the lockdowns that affected everyone. But most significantly the vulnerable, elderly and isolated in our towns and villages, and that it still affects.
“Crucially is it also a memorial acting as just one way in which to remember the incredible efforts of all those who gave so much helping others and that message is inscribed as part of this fitting new memorial in one of our most loved parks.
“It was also the steel of our residents in playing their part to protect others, that made such a huge difference to so many more not being affected by the disease.”
Cllr Robinson also cited the “light at the end of the tunnel at the end of 2020 and the introduction of the vaccination scheme” in an address to guests.
He referred to the Council’s Gamston Community Hall, just under two miles from the new memorial, where he said the authority was incredibly proud to support health colleagues in using the venue that subsequently delivered over 180,000 vaccinations to Rushcliffe residents.
He added: “It is testament to the teams there, many of whom were volunteers from other agencies, that means we are now protected even more from this pandemic. It means we can look ahead whilst never forgetting those we have lost.
“This memorial will be one place to remember them. We hope families and individuals can visit here, reflect and remember. It is a place also for us all to acknowledge what they endured and all those who were there for them in their time of need.”
