A memorial garden planned for a local crematorium, where people can remember loved ones who passed away during the coronavirus pandemic, has been described as an ‘amazing token of respect’.
The idea is to create a space where people can pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much to help others who were sick, isolated or vulnerable.
Colourful, seasonal planting representing a rainbow is in the pipeline for the garden at Gedling Crematorium, off Catfoot Lane, in Lambley. The imagery of a rainbow has become the symbol of hope throughout the pandemic.
Councillor Boyd Elliott, who represents the Calverton ward for the Conservatives on Nottinghamshire County Council, covering Lambley, described the plan as an “amazing token of respect” for those who died and to recognise the efforts of key workers.
“It will be reminiscent of everyone’s struggle in 2020 during the Covid pandemic,” he said.
The memorial garden is one of 34 to be created across England, Scotland and Wales by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner-operator of crematoria and cemeteries.
The focal point will be a stone memorial carved by Westerleigh’s stonemasons. Garden size and visuals have yet to be released.
Because the memorial gardens fall within the grounds of each site, there is no requirement to submit planning applications.
Work is expected to begin on the stone memorials in the autumn with garden landscaping taking place in spring next year, shortly before the memorial gardens are opened. More details will be revealed in the coming months.