THE BELL at Stratford’s Holy Trinity church will toll in memory of each district resident who has died of corona, on the anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown.
Today (March 23) has been dubbed as a National Day of Reflection – a move organised by national hospice charity Marie Curie and supported by The Church of England. It aims to bring people together in reflecting on the collective loss, supporting those who are bereaved, and hoping for a brighter future.
Rev’d Patrick Taylor said: “The church will be open from 11am for those who wish to come and light a candle or say a prayer to remember someone they know who has been affected by the pandemic. Then at noon we will toll the bell to remember each person who has died in the Stratford-upon-Avon district. We stand together with everyone who is grieving as we commemorate this tragic loss of life.”
The bell will be rung some 300 times, each toll marking those whose death was a result of covid. A minute’s silence is also being held at the church, and across the nation, at noon. A number of landmarks will be illuminated across the UK and people are also encouraged to light up their doorsteps as part of the national day.
