Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) is marking six years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK with a commemoration at Memory Wood.
The national Covid-19 Day of Reflection (8 March) remembers those no longer with us, recognises the impact the pandemic had across the county and how communities went above and beyond to support one another, coming together in the face of adversity.
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, joined pupils from Fulbourn primary school at Memory Wood, Fulbourn, to reflect on the pandemics’ impact and remember the resilience shown by all those across Cambridgeshire.
Planted in 2023 as the county’s Covid memorial and named by children from Fulbourn Primary School, the woodland now offers a space for remembrance. Some of the pupils from the school’s Environment Committee returned this week to take part in the commemorative event and see how the woodland has begun to grow.
The Day of Reflection provides an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary work of health and social care professionals, key workers, volunteers, researchers, community groups and everyone who made sacrifices to support others during the pandemic.
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, said at the event: “I am honoured to be joined by children from Fulbourn Primary School to reflect on the impacts of Covid-19.
Many, including children, were profoundly affected by the pandemic. The commemoration is an opportunity to pause, recognise the strength of our county, remember those who lost their lives and recognise the efforts of all those who worked tirelessly to keep people safe.”
Beci McCaughran, Headteacher at Fulbourn Primary School, said: “Our pupils were proud to name the Memory Wood three years ago, and are proud returning to see how it’s grown. Participating in the Covid-19 Day of Reflection has given them an opportunity to see that history is not just taught in the class, but unfolds around us through the lives of their own families and communities.
“By taking part in this commemoration, our children are honouring those who were affected, seeing how our county embodied resilience and witness how the community has continued to grow, like the Memory Wood.”
Residents are welcome to visit Memory Wood at any time for quiet reflection.
