More than 700 candles will provide the backdrop for reflection and remembrance in front of the Old Palace Bromley
Residents in the borough joined the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Hannah Gray, online in a moving short services to mark a National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 of March, to light a candle, while 740 candles were lit in front of the Old Palace at Bromley Civic Centre.
On this day, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, at 8pm in the evening each one of the candles represented a loved one in the borough who lost their life to Covid-19. Behind the statistics, every death has been devastating for those left behind.
This tribute from the Civic Centre will took place virtually with residents watching through the website to reflect on our sad losses and light candles in remembrance.
Bromley’s Mayor, Cllr Hannah Gray said: “It is extremely important to me that here in Bromley on this day of National Reflection we remember and send our commiserations to our residents and beyond for the many lives cut short by this dreadful pandemic.
“I hope that this act of kindness and shared remembrance will in some way be a small comfort at a time of national mourning for those who have lost loved ones prematurely to Covid-19. This is a time to come together once more, albeit it in a safe virtual way, to help and support one another through the grief.
“Each one of the 740 candles we are lighting represents a life cruelly extinguished before its time. This day will give us all an opportunity to reflect that behind the statistics are individuals and their family, friends and acquaintances who, in many cases, have been unable to grieve properly and deserve our acknowledgement for their fortitude at this difficult time.”
The short service was led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Major Angela Strickland, in the presence of social distanced guests including the Deputy Mayor, the Leader of the Council, and Bromley Council's Chief Executive with words from the Mayor's Chaplain and and the lighting of candles by the Mayor’s office.
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Note to editors:
Support and resources to help if you are grieving:
If you are struggling with grief of need support, you can find free bereavement resources on the National Day of Reflection website
For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark, Communications Executive, on 020 8461 7911 or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk