National Day of Reflection

Today the nation has marked the first anniversary of the Covid lockdown by holding a National Day of Reflection.

We do this to remember the over 125,000 people who have so tragically lost their lives to Covid-19 over the last year.

So many lives have been cut short with millions who have felt loss and grief.

The National Day of Reflection, which Marie Curie and other charitable organisations have driven forward, included a minute’s silence at noon and a candlelit vigil at 8 pm. It aimed to promote space to pause and think about this unprecedented loss that the country has faced.

As a Council, we have announced that we will be planting memorial trees to have a place where people can go to remember for years to come.

The trees’ proposed sites include Norfolk Square in Glossop, the Slopes in Buxton and parks and recreation grounds in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hadfield, Hayfield, New Mills Whaley Bridge, and cemeteries and war memorials in Castleton, Hope and Tintwistle.

The type of trees to be planted will include oak, lime, maple and beech, and other sites could be considered if there is interest from parish councils. The Council will be planting them during the next tree planting season in the autumn.

Now, as we look to the future, I hope the community spirit and support that has been seen in abundance during the last year can continue to shine through.

A huge thank you needs to be said to everyone who has worked and helped on the front line. From our volunteers to blue light workers, local government workers, shop workers, and anyone else who has played a part in keeping things going.

There will also be many of us who have struggled with our mental health from not seeing friends, family or doing our regular activities. Please remember #bekind