Latest news with #DayofReflection
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
New Perthshire Covid memorial hoped to spark reflection
Finlay told The Herald about his vision for the new memorial, which drew on the folly tradition that can be seen throughout Highland Perthshire. He pointed to sites like The Hermitage near Dunkeld as key sources of inspiration. 'Follies', which are ornamental structures which have been designed to evoke historical buildings or scenic landscapes, were common in the 18th and 19th centuries at estates across the UK. 'In one way I thought I was done with Covid, but then I met the team planning the memorial in Perthshire', Finlay said. 'There's a proud tradition of capturing these scenic Highland themes on 'follies', of seeing the wild as beautiful. 'This inspired me to make a contemporary response to the Perthshire tradition. I wanted to create a space that doesn't insist on the event of Covid, but encourages people to reflect and remember.' The 'folly' tradition inspired Finlay's work. (Image: Alec Finlay) The memorial consists of a series of trellises which are designed to evoke five mountain skylines: Schiehallion, Farragon Hill, Meall Tairneachan, Ben Vrackie, and Beinn a' Ghlò. Finlay told The Herald: 'It's a space for people affected by Covid, and it also reflects how the past of Castle Menzies is being renewed. Through our work, we were able to enlarge an existing historical garden and give it a new sense of purpose.' 'The artwork itself is made of larch, which is the most well-known type of tree in Highland Perthshire.' More on Covid-19 remembrance COVID-19 'Day of Reflection' to be held to mark five years since pandemic Five lives, five years: How Covid changed Scotland forever "Robert Carlyle broke down. I did too." Alec Finlay on making Scotland's Covid Memorial How Scotland's Covid Memorial is beginning to help heal Originally built in the 1500s, Castle Menzies was restored by the Menzies Clan Society during the 20th century. As part of the installation, five cherry trees were planted on the grounds of the castle, the first step in restoring a historic orchard which was planted on the site. While the site has been open since last summer, Finlay wanted to take time to celebrate the community behind the memorial. A small ceremony was held on the 18th of May at the castle. 'We collected memories from people using the simple formula 'I remember', and read those out at the ceremony', Finlay said. 'We then buried them in a wooden kist with white roses.' Roses were buried atop a wooden kist (Image: George Logan).Several speakers read poems and memoires at the event; including Finlay, Edinburgh-based poet Ken Cockburn, and Perthshire author Morag Anderson. Finlay contracted Covid the week before lockdown began and still suffers from Long Covid. He says his artwork helps to keep the issue at the forefront of the public's imagination. 'I'll never forget the two million people who were changed by Covid', he said. 'The government has not done enough. 'We need to come to terms with the trauma. This can take the form of works of art and fiction.' Finlay worked alongside The Herald and other stakeholders to create Scotland's Covid memorial in Pollok Country Park, which was completed in the spring of 2023. Herald readers raised more than £240,000 in support of the memorial, which was backed by the Scottish Government and leading entrepreneurs Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey. Members of the public gathered at the event. (Image: George Logan) The memorial, which consists of 40 'rune-like' wooden tree supports lined along a woodland path, is intended to serve as a space for solace and quiet contemplation. Finlay and his team solicited 'I remember' statements from members of the public, asking them to recall moments and memories of their loved ones. At the time, he said: 'My inbox has been like a burn flowing and then, some days, there are waterfalls, where it fills up. 'Each person's memory helps to make the individual experience of the pandemic real – sometimes tragic personal losses are expressed in simple almost mundane memories, which are moving – bad Dad jokes, shared walks, the texture of a wall – while others strike to the heart – the fears we've all sometimes felt, a son lost too early, a beloved mum now gone.' Five years have passed since the pandemic began, and while many have moved on with their lives, Finlay says it is imperative that people do not forget what happened. He notes: 'We're still within the shadow of the pandemic. The beauty of art is that it can bring that time back into public discourse. 'It's like living through a war. We are now in the post-war reconstruction period, and it's going very poorly.' Indeed, for those who have experienced Long Covid, or the death of a loved one, or the various issues caused by social isolation, the trauma is far from being reconstructed. Finlay hopes that his work can give voice to these individuals, and play a part, no matter how small, in helping them heal.
Sky News
09-03-2025
- General
- Sky News
COVID Day of Reflection: When is it and what events are happening to mark five years since start of pandemic?
Five years on from the start of the COVID pandemic, the UK will mark a nationwide Day of Reflection. The deadly virus shut down the world after it began to spread from Wuhan in China at the beginning of 2020. Between March 2020 and July 2022, an estimated 180,000 people died after contracting COVID in England and Wales, according to figures published by The King's Fund thinktank. To commemorate the unprecedented period, an annual day of reflection was one of 10 recommendations set out by the UK Commission on COVID Commemoration back in 2023. This year, events around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been organised by local councils and community groups to mark the fifth anniversary. Here is everything you need to know about the day, and how to get involved. What is the Day of Reflection and when is it? This year's COVID Day of Reflection is on Sunday, 9 March. The UK government said the day will be an opportunity for the public to remember those who lost their lives, as well as reflect on the impact the virus had on daily lives, and pay tribute to all frontline workers. What events are going on? Governments and local councils from across the four nations have announced they are taking part in the Day of Reflection. In London, a procession is planned along the National COVID Memorial Wall in Westminster. At the far end of the wall there will be a brief ceremony and guests will be invited to cast flowers into the Thames from Lambeth Bridge. Also in the capital, special evensong services will be held at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which will include readings, music, and prayers. The event at St Paul's is for ticket-holders only. At Euston station, a minute's silence will be held at midday. An invite-only event is also planned to take place at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Author and poet Michael Rosen will speak at the event and soprano Lesley Garrett will perform. Manchester Cathedral will host a special prayer service, honouring and reflecting on the unique challenges faced by the Black, Caribbean and African community during the pandemic. In Wales, the yellow heart memorial, made up of yellow stones on the side of a mountain in the village of Bwlch, will be restored, while families who lost loved ones during the pandemic will gather to plant trees in the Ynys Hywel COVID memorial woodland. In Scotland, a wreath will be laid at the memorial bench behind Pollock House in Glasgow followed by a release of doves. In the northern town of Wick, a film documenting how people in the Scottish Highlands experienced the pandemic will be premiered. In Northern Ireland, Belfast City Hall will light up yellow to remember those lost during the pandemic. A reflection concert will also be held at 2 Royal Avenue in the city centre, where singers from The National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast Rock Choir and 11-year-old social media sensation Isla Loves will perform. Numerous grief support groups have also been set up in locations across the country. A full list of planned events can be found on the government website here. What has the government said? Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Day of Reflection is an "opportunity to remember the friends and loved ones that we lost, as well as the sacrifices that so many people made". She said people could take part by attending or organising a community event, or remembering in their own way at home. 3:17 Chair of the COVID Commemoration Commission Baroness Morgan of Cotes added: "As each year passes since the height of the pandemic it can feel as if COVID is more and more of a distant memory. "And yet I know from the conversations the UK COVID Commemoration Commissioners had, that those who lost loved ones appreciate a day when many others will also remember those who lost their lives with them."
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
South East remembers dead on Covid reflection day
People across the South East are gathering for a day of reflection to mark five years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK. At least 232,000 people in the UK died during the pandemic with Covid-19 listed as one of the causes on their death certificates. There are nine official Day of Reflection events taking place across Kent, Surrey and Sussex on Saturday. "We hope to offer communities across the country the opportunity to join together in commemoration of those who lost their lives," the government has said. In Maidstone, 633 trees are being planted in various locations - one for each person in the borough who died during the pandemic. There will also be events held at Jeskyns Community Woodland, Bedgebury Forest and Hope All Saints Sculpture Park and Memorial Garden in Romney Marsh. In Surrey, people are invited to spend time reflecting in Alice Holt Forest, sign a book of remembrance at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, view the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council building being illuminated or join services at St Mary's Church in Sutton Green and Guildford Cathedral. There will also be a series of events taking place in Eastbourne, starting at St Mary's Church. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Memorial trees to be planted to mark Covid deaths Covid inquiry: The UK pandemic in numbers
BBC News
09-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
South East Covid reflection events to remember 227,000 dead
People across the South East are gathering for a day of reflection to mark five years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the 227,000 people in the UK died during the pandemic with Covid-19 listed as one of the causes on their death are nine official Day of Reflection events taking place across Kent, Surrey and Sussex on Saturday."We hope to offer communities across the country the opportunity to join together in commemoration of those who lost their lives," the government has said. In Maidstone, 633 trees are being planted in various locations - one for each person in the borough who died during the will also be events held at Jeskyns Community Woodland, Bedgebury Forest and Hope All Saints Sculpture Park and Memorial Garden in Romney Surrey, people are invited to spend time reflecting in Alice Holt Forest, sign a book of remembrance at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, view the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council building being illuminated or join services at St Mary's Church in Sutton Green and Guildford will also be a series of events taking place in Eastbourne, starting at St Mary's Church.
Sky News
08-03-2025
- General
- Sky News
COVID Day of Reflection: When is it and how to mark five years since start of global pandemic
Five years on from the start of the COVID pandemic, the UK will mark a nationwide Day of Reflection. The deadly virus shut down the world after it began to spread from Wuhan in China at the beginning of 2020. Between March 2020 and July 2022, an estimated 180,000 people died after contracting COVID in England and Wales, according to figures published by The King's Fund thinktank. To commemorate the unprecedented period, an annual day of reflection was one of 10 recommendations set out by the UK Commission on COVID Commemoration back in 2023. This year, events around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been organised by local councils and community groups to mark the fifth anniversary. Here is everything you need to know about the day, and how to get involved. What is the Day of Reflection and when is it? This year's COVID Day of Reflection is on Sunday, 9 March. The UK government said the day will be an opportunity for the public to remember those who lost their lives, as well as reflect on the impact the virus had on daily lives, and pay tribute to all frontline workers. What events are going on? Governments and local councils from across the four nations have announced they are taking part in the Day of Reflection. In London, a procession is planned along the National COVID Memorial Wall in Westminster. Also in the capital, special evensong services will be held at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which will include readings, music, and prayers. The event at St Paul's is for ticket-holders only. At Euston station, a minute's silence will be held at midday. An invite-only event is also planned to take place at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Author and poet Michael Rosen will speak at the event and soprano Lesley Garrett will perform. In Wales, the yellow heart memorial, made up of yellow stones on the side of a mountain in the village of Bwlch, will be restored, while families who lost loved ones during the pandemic will gather to plant trees in the Ynys Hywel COVID memorial woodland. In Scotland, a wreath will be laid at the memorial bench behind Pollock House in Glasgow followed by a release of doves. In the northern town of Wick, a film documenting how people in the Scottish Highlands experienced the pandemic will be premiered. In Northern Ireland, Belfast City Hall will light up yellow to remember those lost during the pandemic. A reflection concert will also be held at 2 Royal Avenue in the city centre, where singers from The National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast Rock Choir and 11-year-old social media sensation Isla Loves will perform. Numerous grief support groups have also been set up in locations across the country. A full list of planned events can be found on the government website here. What has the government said? Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Day of Reflection is an "opportunity to remember the friends and loved ones that we lost, as well as the sacrifices that so many people made". She said people could take part by attending or organising a community event, or remembering in their own way at home. 3:17 Chair of the COVID Commemoration Commission Baroness Morgan of Cotes added: "As each year passes since the height of the pandemic it can feel as if COVID is more and more of a distant memory. "And yet I know from the conversations the UK COVID Commemoration Commissioners had, that those who lost loved ones appreciate a day when many others will also remember those who lost their lives with them."
