Bromley remembers 740 lost to Covid on one year anniversary of lockdown

More than 700 candles were lit in front of the Old Palace Bromley yesterday, where a service was held in memory of those who died of Covid-19.

Residents in the borough joined the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Hannah Gray, online in a short service to mark a National Day of Reflection.

On the anniversary of the first UK lockdown, at 8pm in the evening 740 candles were lit to represented a loved one in the borough who lost their life to Covid-19.

This tribute from the Civic Centre will took place virtually with residents watching through the website to reflect on the 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, with socially 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.