Remembering the impact of the pandemic for Covid-19 Day of Reflection

Special memorial trees were planted at Beaumont Park in Hadleigh and in Green’s Meadow, Stowmarket for the national Covid-19 Day of Reflection this Sunday (March 9) – marking five years since the pandemic and its impact on families, businesses, and communities.

The cherry trees are hoped to provide a lasting legacy, commemorating lives lost or forever changed by the pandemic, as well as honouring the dedication of our districts’ key workers and community volunteers who worked tirelessly to support others.

Cllr Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council said:

“It seems almost strange now to look back on those early days of the pandemic and the fear and uncertainty it brought.  We remember those who died, and people whose lives have been irrevocably changed as a result of Covid-19.  But we also remember those who bravely stepped up despite the unknowns, setting aside their personal challenges to support their neighbours and communities through those difficult times.”

Teams at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils worked throughout the pandemic, keeping essential services going such as regular waste collections and street cleaning for public safety, supporting NHS colleagues in setting up and running vaccination centres, sharing public messaging, supporting local foodbanks, and delivering emergency food parcels to isolating households.

More than 7,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk were matched with emergency assistance from volunteers through the Home But Not Alone helpline; 3,800 businesses contacted as part of the distribution of business relief grants; and emergency accommodation found for everyone at risk of homelessness, as well as key workers needing to isolate and those leaving hospital but unable to return home.

Cllr Laura Smith, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities said:

“Regardless of politics, every local council was doing its best to support and protect its residents.  We remember, of course, the incredible work of our NHS and care home colleagues, but I’d like to pay tribute to the dedication of all key workers during that time – including our own officers – and also recognise the efforts of those many volunteers and grassroot organisations that demonstrated the true strength and resilience of our communities during a crisis.  Our thoughts are with you all, as well as those still affected by the impact of the pandemic to this day.”

Further information is available on the councils’ websites for any local organisations also wishing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Covid-19, including details of a free parish planting scheme, where communities can apply for trees, hedgerows and wildflower seeds.  Find out more at Covid-19 Day of Reflection - Babergh District Council and Covid-19 Day of Reflection - Mid Suffolk District Council.