How Calderdale is set to mark the first Covid cases in the borough and national lockdown

Calderdale is paying tribute to all the residents who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19, to mark the one-year anniversary of the first local cases of the virus and the first national lockdown.
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Today marks a year on from the first day of lockdown and followed shortly by the first tragic deaths in the borough from COVID-19 – Calderdale Council will fly the Union flag at half-mast at Halifax Town Hall as a mark of respect.

People throughout the borough are invited to join a one-minute silence at 11am that day to commemorate everyone who has faced the devastating impact of COVID-19, says the council.

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A service of remembrance will take place at Halifax Minster, where candles will be lit to honour each of the lives that have been tragically lost as a result of COVID-19.

Revd Hilary Barber, Halifax MinsterRevd Hilary Barber, Halifax Minster
Revd Hilary Barber, Halifax Minster

The Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Dot Foster (Lab, Sowerby Bridge), will join local faith and community leaders to light the candles.

For COVID-safety reasons, it is not possible for the public to attend the service, but it will be available to watch as part of a commemorative film on Tuesday, March 23, from 10.45am, in the run-up to the minute’s silence at 11am.

The film will be on Calderdale Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages and on its YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/00BCO7AS3OA

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Coun Foster said the last 12 months have been incredibly difficult.

“We have all felt the impact of the pandemic in some way, and many have faced the added heartbreak of losing family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues.

“Although it’s still not possible for communities to gather to pay our respects, I will be leading the lighting of special candles at the Minster on behalf of the entire borough, passing on our deepest condolences and thoughts to everyone affected and remembering all those who have sadly lost their lives,” she said.

Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said the anniversary of the first local cases of COVID-19 and the first national lockdown is a time to pay tribute to the many lives tragically lost.

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“It is a time to reflect on the widespread devastation and sacrifice, but also on the kindness and resilience that make Calderdale so special.

“A time to say thank you to all the residents who continue to look out for each other, our amazing health and care workers who always go above and beyond, the volunteers, key workers, businesses and community groups who put themselves at risk to help others, the schools that keep our children and young people educated and countless others who are all playing a part.

“The vaccine programme and the cautiously optimistic roadmap out of lockdown bring hope and light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.