Everyone within the Basildon borough has been affected by Covid-19 in some way – key workers providing vital services, volunteers who have supported vulnerable residents or those kept apart from family during lockdown.
Tragically, some of us have lost loved ones this year, not just to the virus – but the pandemic has meant that we haven’t been able to say goodbye in the traditional way or gather with family and friends to remember and pay our respects to those we have lost.
Earlier last week, Basildon Council held a virtual Civic Service of reflection, remembrance and recognition with the aim of recognising the tireless efforts of our NHS and key workers, the power of community from neighbours helping neighbours to our food banks, as well as a chance to remember lost family members and friends.
Ahead the service, the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor David Burton-Sampson invited people to send either a photo or memory of their lost loved ones if they wanted them to be part of the service.
The Mayor of Basildon, Councillor David Burton-Sampson, said: “Usually the Civic Service looks to the year ahead but I decided it is impossible to look forward without acknowledging and reflecting on the past six months.
“Whilst our service on Monday had all the intended sentiment and was both moving and uplifting, there were some technical issues that meant we weren’t able to share everything we wanted to on the night.
“Even though technology let us down, technology has also meant that we have been able to edit the service so that it can be seen as it should have been, which is important because I know that families were watching to see the remembrance video and their loved ones name.
“I hope that people will take this opportunity to watch the service which is an appropriate way of remembering, reflecting and recognising the events of the last six months. It also highlights how people living and working in the borough have pulled together and supported one another”.
The virtual Civic Service is now available to watch in full on the council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/basildoncouncil
To give everyone an opportunity to share their reflections, an online webpage has also been created where people can leave their messages. Messages could be to celebrate our key workers and volunteers or to share your personal reflections on the coronavirus pandemic. You can submit your message using this online form www5.basildon.gov.uk/covid19
