Residents, businesses and communities are invited to join aCovid Day of Reflection on Friday 7 March 2025, five years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
Communities will be encouraged to gather at one of the Borough’s five Covid Memorial sites to pause and reflect on those lost during the pandemic and consider the lasting impact it has had on North Tyneside.
It will provide an opportunity to pay tribute and offer thanks to those individuals and organisations who worked hard throughout the pandemic to stop the virus spreading further, treat those suffering as a result and supported the most vulnerable in our communities.
At the central site, located at the Silverlink Biodiversity Park, in Cobalt Business Park, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE will mark the occasion with a short speech before laying flowers at 12 noon.
A representative from the Council will attend the other four memorial sites and lay flowers on behalf of North Tyneside, allowing residents to visit an area in their community.
Seeded remembrance cards will be available at each site, on the day, for residents to take away and plant at home, or a in a space that has special meaning to them and their families.
North Tyneside’s Covid-19 areas of reflection are for people to visit to remember the loved ones that they tragically lost during the pandemic, as well as offering a space to reflect on the impact on our communities and the ways in which people came together to support one another.
They are designed around the theme of a compass, with each site having a unique central design that represents the local residents and community, they are connected by the Boroughs historic Wagon Way network.
The locations and themes are –
- Killingworth Lakeside Park – George Stephenson
- Redburn Dene Park (North Shields) – fishing
- Souter Park (Whitley Bay) – lighthouse
- Wallsend Hall grounds – shipbuilding
The design at Silverlink Biodiversity Park features a sun to complement the existing sundial sculpture, the stairs of which the site sits at the bottom of.
Dame Norma Redfearn, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, will lead the event at the Silverlink site and said,
“Five years ago our Borough changed forever and the impact of the pandemic is still felt across North Tyneside.
“It is important that we take this opportunity to pause, to remember those we tragically lost and to reflect on the incredible support that was offered by so many people in our communities. The brave front line services who supported our most vulnerable residents, the nurses, doctors, health workers, council staff, volunteers and everyone who played a role in protecting our Borough.
“All of our lives changed five years ago. From shielding and staying home to businesses adjusting how they worked, our brave blue light services delivering in the face of extreme pressure, and volunteers stepping in new ways, we all played a part in tackling the virus.
“I would encourage our residents to come along and join me as we reflect on the pandemic, thank those who work tirelessly to support out Borough as we look forward to a brighter future for North Tyneside.”
The remembrance sites are in parks and green spaces, anyone who is attending is encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, including suitable footwear.
If significant weather alters plans, they will be communicated immediately via the Council’s Social Media channels.
For further information regarding the sites, their history and detailed location information can be found on the Council’s website.
ENDS.