Peterborough residents invited to remember loved ones lost during Covid at three remembrance events

City residents, who lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic, are being invited to “remember loved ones and share their experiences” at three poignant remembrance events next month.

The Mayor of Peterborough, councillor Alan Dowson, has organised the events to give people the chance to say a goodbye to their loved ones, with others.

Government quarantine rules, enforced at the height of the pandemic, meant many people were unable to say a proper goodbye to relatives and friends who died during lockdown.

Councillor Dowson said: “There are many families who suffered a loss during Covid and did not have the opportunity to say goodbye personally, due to the restrictions in place at the time.

“These events are a small attempt to compensate for that loss.”

Councillor Dowson knows about this very specific type of loss.

His wife passed away during the pandemic.

“I couldn’t say goodbye to my wife,” he remembers painfully, referencing the fact that, like so many others, he was unable to say farewell in the way he would’ve liked.

The first event will be a small remembrance service, which will be held at the Quaker meeting house on Thorpe Road, Peterborough on Sunday 16 April from 2pm until 4pm. Local classical singer Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues will also give a special performance. Spaces at this event will be limited to 25 (two people per family).

On Monday April 17 and Tuesday April 18, Councillor Dowson is inviting anyone who suffered a loss during Covid to join him for refreshments in the Mayor's Parlour at Peterborough Town Hall from 10am-12pm each day.

All guests will be invited to sign a book of remembrance, and write a message on a red heart which will be placed with others to create a memorial wall.

This is likely to be a striking visual reminder of the hundreds of people in Peterborough who lost their lives during the pandemic.

“Anyone who comes along will be guaranteed a warm welcome and a chance to remember loved ones and share their experiences,” Councillor Dowson said. “I look forward to welcoming people to all three events.”Anyone wishing to attend the events mentioned above should contact the Mayor's Office on 01733 452319, or email [email protected].