Memorial to those lost in pandemic opened at crematorium - The Evesham Observer

Memorial to those lost in pandemic opened at crematorium

Evesham Editorial 11th Aug, 2021   0

A COVID-19 memorial at The Vale Crematorium in Pershore is now open for the public to visit.

The memorial was officially unveiled at a launch event at the Worcestershire site, which is run by Westerleigh group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 facilities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Just over a year ago, Westerleigh Group announced plans to create permanent dedicated memorials within its landscaped Gardens of Remembrance at most of its sites for people to visit and commemorate loved ones who died during the pandemic.

The memorials also provide focal points for people to remember, reflect on and pay tribute to NHS key workers and whole communities who pulled together during the crisis.




At the heart of each tranquil memorial is an all-polished black granite obelisk surrounded by wild flower planting incorporating all the colours of the rainbow, which became a common symbol of hope during the pandemic.

Westerleigh Group invited people of all ages and backgrounds to create a design for the stones, and six winners were chosen, one for each of Westerleigh Group’s regions.


The obelisk at the memorial in Worcestershire features a design which was created by retired nurse Angela Moran-Sharpness. Her design depicts a pair of forget-me-nots with foliage.

The design has been etched onto the memorial stones at Westerleigh Group’s Aylesbury Vale, North Wiltshire, Test Valley, Wessex Vale, West Wiltshire and West Berkshire crematoria as well as The Vale Crematorium.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”

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