Ceremony for new covid memorial in Eastbourne

The Tree of Reflection is located in Elm Grove Park at the rear of Park Practice in Broadwater Way. It can be found amongst an avenue of sakura cherry trees donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.

Mayor and Councillor Pat Rodohan hosted the ceremony on June 18 and there was also contributions from Cllr Jim Murray, representative of Hampden Park ward; Louise Neter, designer of the memorial; Caroline Ansell, the MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon; Councillor David Tutt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council; and Father Danny Pegg, associate vicar of Hampden Park and Willingdon.

The event concluded with a moment of prayer and an act of remembrance.

Councillor Murray said, “This is a wonderful sculpture that provides a space for people to remember loved ones they have lost through the terribly difficult times brought about by covid and to recall the great support given by people locally.

“Many thanks to all those who contributed to making The Tree of Reflection a reality.”

Councillor Rodohan said, “The Tree of Reflection is a beautiful design that fits in perfectly with its surroundings.”

Afterwards Councillor Murray said, “It was a moving ceremony that captured the grief many of us have experienced losing loved ones together with heart-warming messages of how our community rallied to help those in need during this difficult time.

“With the darkest days of the pandemic thankfully behind us, I hope people take the opportunity to visit this wonderful memorial to think about their own reality of living through Covid and remember those we have lost.”

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