Stone Town Council opens reflective Covid-19 commemorative orchard

An orchard has been opened in Stone to commemorate people who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic and those who worked tirelessly to support their communities.

Six cherry trees have been planted and a new bench installed at Crown Meadow to provide an area of reflection for residents and visitors.

On Tuesday, the 10th of October, Stone Town Council hosted a ceremony where the bench was unveiled. There was also a dedication and blessing by the Town Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Jim Cartlidge.

Article continues after this message

Mayor Jim Davies said:

“When I look back at February 2020 it reminds me of the sense of foreboding that comes in the opening lines of HG Wells’ War of the Worlds – three and a half years ago we could see the glimmers of impending doom. A short time later the enormity of the pandemic hit as the first lockdown was imposed on March 23rd.

“Did any of us have any idea that would be going on not just for the next couple of years? We still have the impact with us to some extent today.

“This evening we reflect on those troubled times and remember all those whose lives were cut short. We also remember with gratefulness all those who were prepared to take risks to continue to provide essential services, from health professionals to the volunteers manning the Stone Helpline, to unsung heroes.

“We remember those whose lives were affected intrinsically, in particular children whose schooling was seriously disrupted, small businesses and the self-employed. We remember the care home residents who were forbidden from meeting their loved ones except through a window.”

Councillor Robert Townsend, Chairman of the Council’s Environment Sub-Committee, who unveiled the bench with the Town Mayor. said:

“The town council is pleased to be able to provide this dedicated place of rest and reflection for the people of Stone, enabling them to take time to reflect on the severe impact the pandemic had on the local community and all the good work undertaken during that time, as well as on the lives that were lost.”