Agenda item

To receive the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Project Officer

Members agreed that the proposed concept of a Covid-19 memorial and garden was beautiful, ‘Together, but Apart’ incorporating rocks situated two metres apart. One rock would symbolise those lost while the other recognised those who went above and beyond to help the community throughout the pandemic.

There was discussion over the inclusion of metal Cor-ten plaque to title the memorial, however it was deemed too expensive as exceeded the budget. Members agreed that the rocks should be the Heather slate boulders cut in two and the distance of two metres apart signified social distancing. An Eastgate bench should be placed in the centre, set back looking towards the church along with a low sign between the rocks facing the bench explaining the purpose of the memorial and  that the rocks are ‘together… but apart’.

It was agreed that planting could be confirmed after installation of the other component parts. The Town Clerk confirmed that the additional funding for the memorial could be sourced from the community infrastructure earmarked reserve.

Members agreed that this memorial was of great importance given the numbers of lives lost, particularly as this comes at the poignant time of November when we remember those lost in conflict around the world.

Resolved:

1.            That the report be noted and,

2.            That, the Covid-19 Memorial is progressed with heather slate stones placed two metres apart, with a bench and sign at the proposed site on The Leys Recreation Ground