The impact of the pandemic has been felt by everyone and Ealing Council’s COVID-19 commemoration project is an opportunity to recognise this and start the process of coming to terms with the past two years.
Your ideas and views on how to mark the impact the pandemic has had, and continues to have, on our borough are wanted by the council. And, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to respond, it has extended the date for ideas to be submitted to 10 May.
Many have already submitted their ideas and views.
Ideas received so far
At the moment the majority are in favour of using our borough’s parks, which have been identified as spaces that residents of all ages and from all communities really valued through lockdowns. Ideas suggested have spoken of providing spaces for reflection and meeting to remember with others or individually. The use of planting, water installations, seating and space to meet and take part in activities have all been mentioned.
Other ideas include the use of poetry and artwork from young people in the borough as a way of remembering but also looking to the future; a commemorative day when all come together to remember; and even a trail across the borough that ensures the pandemic is recognised as part of Ealing’s history. Others have suggested that, instead of a permanent memorial, any available funding be provided directly to those who have been impacted.
Send in your ideas
At the moment there are no plans on what form, or forms, any final COVID-19 commemoration may take. But if you would like to provide your views and/or ideas you should visit the Do Something Good website before 10 May.
If you provide your email address, the council can let you know what people have said and how it intends to respond.
Among the things the council asks you to consider when giving your views are:
• How can we show recognition of our collective experience of COVID-19?
• Is there an installation, a space for reflection, a mural or event that could serve as an acknowledgement of the pandemic, so that future generations can understand the impact on our community?
• How could we honour the loss and celebrate the spirit and resilience of the community through COVID-19?
