ONE YEAR ON: National Day of Reflection marked in Wigan town centre

A minute's silence took place at noon in the town centre on Tuesday to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and pay respects to those who have died with Covid-19.

The Rector of Wigan, Rev Will Gibbons, led the service while staff from Wigan Music Service played.

The flag outside the Wigan Life Centre flew at half mast.

Council and political leaders, including the Mayor of Wigan Coun Steve Dawber, the local authority chief executive Alison McKenzie-Folan and Wigan Council leader Coun David Molyneux, took part in the ceremony.

They also gathered at the Face of Wigan sculpture where florists had left yellow narcissus flowers in tribute to those affected by the novel coronavirus.

Coun Molyneux, said: “In March 2020, I don’t think anyone could have predicted how long this pandemic would last, nor the havoc the virus would wreak on our lives and on the lives of those we love. The last 12 months have been extremely difficult, and it’s important we take the time to reflect and recover.

“Council staff, our public sector partners, community groups and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to keep residents safe and services running and for that we are incredibly grateful. Our residents have demonstrated their resilience with kindness, compassion, and a strong sense of community spirit.”

On Tuesday evening buildings and landmarks including the Face of Wigan, Hindley Town Hall, the Leigh Sports Village and Leigh Town Hall are being lit up yellow as an act of commemoration.

Wiganers can also leave tributes to those who have lost their lives during the pandemic in the borough’s Book of Remembrance.

To include a dedication, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Births-Marriage-Deaths/Deaths/Remembrance/Book-of-Remembrance.aspx

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