National Day Of Reflection In Sussex

Local authorities and organisations across Sussex are marking the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday (March 23).

The date marks a year since residents in the UK were told to 'stay at home' for the first time as the pandemic worsened.

The end-of-life charity Marie Curie is at the forefront of the campaign, calling on people to "come together and reflect on our collective lost, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future."

Both Houses of Parliament will fall silent, with the backing of UK politicians including the Prime Minister.

The silence will be followed by a bell toll.

People are also encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance".

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Arun District Council, Burgess Hill Town Council, Chichester District Council, Horsham District Council and other local organisations are backing the move.

The Chairman of Arun District Council is inviting members of the public to join her via Zoom for a time of reflection.

Cllr Amanda Worne said 

“I would really love to hear from anyone who would like to be part of this reflection and wants to share their experiences.

"The idea is to spend time sharing experiences from the past year and remembering those we have lost and thanking those who have offered support. Please get in touch with me via email. It would be lovely to hear from you.”

The event begins at 2pm on 23 March and will feature guest speakers, Revd, Tom Robson, Father Mark Williams, Nigel Lynn and Cllr Dr Walsh and music by Cllr Inna Irskine.

Commenting on the National Day of Reflection, Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr Karen Burgess said:

"As you may already be aware, there is to be a National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 March in order to remember those who have passed away as a result of Covid. This date marks the anniversary of the UK going into lockdown for the first time.

"Here across the Horsham District, we are planning to support this day of commemoration by observing a one minute silence at 12noon and taking part in a doorstep vigil at 8pm, to both remember those who have died, and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.

"The campaign is spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, and the day will give our communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate anyone who has died during this difficult time and show support for those who are grieving."
 

We are joining the National Day of Reflection tomorrow, marking a year since the UK lock down and remembering the loss many of us have sadly experienced.

Find out more: https://t.co/kjJW09ykBQ pic.twitter.com/x1hSWD40Ee

— East Sussex FRS (@EastSussexFRS) March 22, 2021

NATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION
Join us in supporting the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 March, which marks a year since the start of the first UK Lockdown, to remember those who have died during the pandemic, support those who've been bereaved and hope for a brighter future pic.twitter.com/BXdoLXs2af

— Burgess Hill TC (@BurgessHillTC) March 22, 2021