Covid-19 Memorial opens at Howe Bridge Crematorium
A Covid-19 Memorial at Howe Bridge Crematorium, South Lancashire, is now available for the public to visit.
The memorial was officially unveiled with a special ceremony on Tuesday 13 July at the crematorium, which is run by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 facilities across England, Scotland and Wales.
Just over a year ago, Westerleigh Group announced plans to create permanent dedicated memorials within the landscaped Gardens of Remembrance at most of its sites for people to visit and commemorate loved ones who died during the pandemic.
The memorials also provide focal points for people to remember, reflect on and pay tribute to NHS key workers and whole communities who pulled together during the crisis.
At the heart of each tranquil memorial is an all-polished black granite obelisk surrounded by wildflower planting incorporating all the colours of the rainbow, which became a common symbol of hope during the pandemic.
Westerleigh Group invited people of all ages and backgrounds to create a design for the stones, and six winners were chosen, one for each of Westerleigh Group’s regions.
The obelisks at the memorials in the North of England feature a design which was created by Rachel Almond, aged 39, a part-time teacher and part-time artist who bought some watercolour paints to learn a new skill during lockdown.
Her design features forget-me-knots. She learned about the competition just a few weeks after her aunt’s funeral, where everyone was given a pack of forget-me-not seeds to plant and that was her inspiration.
The design has been etched onto the memorial stones at Westerleigh Group’s Babworth, Gedling, Great Glen, Vale Royal and West Lancashire crematoria as well as Howe Bridge.
Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “I’m proud that our Covid-19 memorial is now open for people to visit.
“So many communities have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, many families have lost loved ones, and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to them, first and foremost.
“We felt we needed to do something not only to remember those who passed away but also to honour others who did so many positive and selfless acts to support people and bring their communities closer together.
“These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”
Members of the public are welcome to visit the Covid-19 memorial at Howe Bridge Crematorium. Please visit www.howebridgecrematorium.co.uk for opening hours.
