Nation marks a National Day of Reflection one year on from the first coronavirus lockdown

The National Day of Reflection is organised by the charity Marie Curie to mark a year since the first lockdown, and is backed by government.

The public is asked to observe a minute’s silence at midday, and to shine a light on their doorsteps at 8pm.

Local organisations are backing the movement and asking residents to remember those who have died in the last year.

East Grinstead Town Council will mark the anniversary of the day that lockdown started by The Town Mayor, Cllr John Dabell, laying a wreath of daffodils and spring flowers at the Memorial Wall at Mount Noddy and just for the 23rd a bouquet will rest on the Covid remembrance bench by the McIndoe Statue.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Everyone is invited to pause to reflect during a minute’s silence at 12 midday and to come together later that evening outside our homes with a light and show support to people grieving the death of a loved one.”

Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “We need to take a moment to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen in the past 12 months and show support for everyone who has been bereaved – be that from Covid or any other cause. Many people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened. But there is an overwhelming need to come together, to remember, to grieve, to celebrate.

“On March 23, we invite everyone join together to hold a minute’s silence at 12 noon, take a moment to reach out to someone they know is grieving, and shine a light at 8pm.”

To find out more about the National Day of reflection, click here