Epsom & Ewell Borough Council supported the national Day of Reflection, led by end of life charity Marie Curie on Tuesday 23 March 2021, to mark the anniversary of the UK’s first Covid lockdown. 

The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Humphrey Reynolds along with the Mayoress visited Ewell, Stoneleigh and Epsom Market Place where yellow ribbons were wrapped around trees. They joined the nation in a minute’s silence at noon at Epsom Market Place, accompanied by the Chaplain from St Mary’s Parish Church, Russell Dewhurst who gave a short message. 

Reflecting on the past year, the Mayor, Cllr Humphrey Reynolds, in a short video message to all residents said, “All of us have been affected by coronavirus in some way. Our families, our friends, our neighbours. Even the people we work with. Lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Yet through it all, we’ve come together. 

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our front-line workers, key responders and all the volunteers, across Epsom and Ewell (and beyond), for the dedication, compassion and commitment they have shown. It has been no easy task. They have supported our community. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty. And kept our most essential services running. To all of you, Thank you. 

“My Mayoral year is almost at an end and as I look back, I prefer to dwell on the good things that came out of this extraordinary period - communities, neighbours, friends and families coming together more than they have in the past, often to support the most vulnerable in our borough. 

“Today, 23 March marks one year since the first UK lockdown.  It is an opportunity to take a moment and reflect.  To remember those we have lost, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.” 

To watch the Mayor’s video message online see: https://youtu.be/NohrI9LdrKA     

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection visit the Marie Curie website: www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection.

Top image: The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Cllr Humphrey Reynolds and Mayoress at Epsom Market Place accompanied by Chaplain Russell Dewhurst from St Mary’s Parish Church observing the national minute’s silence at 12noon.

2nd image: The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Cllr Humphrey Reynolds and Mayoress in Ewell

3rd image: The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Cllr Humphrey Reynolds and Mayoress at Stoneleigh Broadway