One year since the first national lockdown began.

MBC News Logo Size

March 23 marks one year since the nation saw its first lockdown commence.

The council will be commemorating this by paying tribute to all those who lost their lives to the pandemic and honouring those key workers, volunteers and community groups who have given so much to the community.

Flags will fly at half-mast at the council’s Parkside offices and the building will be illuminated in blue light in recognition of the work of the NHS and carers throughout the pandemic.

The council will also create a memorial glade within the Melton Country Park to commemorate this key milestone.

Mayor of Melton Malise Graham said: “The Country Park memorial glade will be a quiet space, in a beautiful location, surrounded by a copse of trees planted in the shape of a rainbow. It will be a place of remembrance and reflection for those who tragically lost their lives and to honour and recognise the contribution and sacrifices made by key workers, volunteers and communities.”

Melton’s memorial glade will begin to be planted in the Country Park next week. The copse will initially consist of 15 Amelanchier trees which provide flowering in spring. Additional planting of shrubs will complement the trees and two benches will be installed allowing visitors to sit in the space throughout the year.

Reverend Kevin Ashby will also be holding a service that the public can watch via a live stream from 6pm on 23 March. For the live stream link and service sheet please visit the Melton Team Parish website: www.melton.leicester.anglican.org

There will be a national one-minute silence taking place at 7pm on Tuesday 23 where people are encouraged to light a candle or hold socially distant candlelight vigils outside their homes.

 

 

~ends~

 

 

For more information please contact:

Communications@melton.gov.uk

16 March 2021