News Covid-19 Remembrance Memorial

Ahead of the National Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday 9 March 2025, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has created a digital Remembrance Memorial for residents to submit commemorations to their loved ones.

Across the borough of Maidstone, 633 people sadly lost their lives to Covid, and the Council has created this free resource on its website to acknowledge those no longer among us and create a lasting legacy.

Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Leader of MBC, commented on the Remembrance Memorial, saying:

The effects of Covid impacted us all; not only those who sadly lost their lives, but also the loved ones who are still here in mourning. As we approach the anniversary of Covid-19, I encourage everyone who lost someone dear to them to reflect on those individual lives and pay tribute to them in this enduring resource.

The digital Book of Condolence is available here: https://maidstone.gov.uk/book-of-condolence and anyone can submit a memory dedicated to friends, family, colleagues and more. After submitting a commemoration or reflection, the messages will shortly appear on the website, subject to minor changes, and will form part of the permanent memorial.

Along with the online Memorial, the Council has taken part in planting a tree for every person that was lost during the pandemic, creating spaces of reflection and remembrance, and will grant Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the critical key workers that kept others safe.

More information about how the country is marking the Day of Reflection can be found here: https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/, along with resources and the option to submit other local events to take part in the campaign.

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