REMEMBERING LOVED ONES AT TOUCHING COVID VIGIL

BY KIM MAYO

ATOUCHING Covid Remembrance vigil was held at the Tree of Hope next to the Bexhill War Memorial on March 19.

Hordes of dignitaries and residents, including Bexhill mayor Paul Plim, gathered to pay their respects to those who were lost during the pandemic.

The ceremony started with music provided by the Living World Church Singers followed by a welcome from Councillor Lynn Langlands.

Attendees included Deputy Lieutenant Graham Peters, the chair of Rother District Council Kathy Harmer, the chief executive Malcolm Johnston, the mayor of Battle Vikki Cook, Abdul Azad from the Bexhill Masjid and Islamic Centre and Chris Cole representing Churches Together.

There was a mood of quiet contemplation throughout as many reflected on the loved ones who were lost during the gruelling lockdown which lasted for the best part of two years.

Many were unable to visit their families and loved ones during that time, a period of alienation which proved extremely difficult to bear.

Therefore, the COVID Remembrance service provided the perfect opportunity for reflection, albeit tinged with considerable sadness.

Of course, life goes on as it must but the profound effect COVID and the subsequent on us by the pandemic, it is vital that events such as this one are held on an annual basis.

Those we have lost must never be forgotten. It was a tragic period in our history which one can but hope is now firmly behind us.