Covid reflection day to be marked in Dorchester

Dorset Council is marking the sixth anniversary of the start of the Covid pandemic on Sunday 8 March, the National Day of Reflection across the UK. An informal gathering is to be held at Memorial Corner, outside County Hall in Dorchester, at 10am.

Cllr Stella Jones, chairman of Dorset Council, will be at the Memorial from 10am–10.45am to reflect and speak with attendees. She warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to join her during this time. She will offer a brief reflection, after which a one-minute silence will be observed. This will be followed by remarks from HM’s Lord-Lieutenant’s representative, Colin Weston, and subsequently from Shelley Rose, representing the Verwood Covid Community Group.

Memorial Corner, which incorporates the existing War Memorial area, was fully renovated and extended in 2022 to include 11 dedicated panels honouring front-line workers who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. The renewed space features improved accessibility, new seating, and refurbished walls, steps and planters — providing a calm and respectful place for remembrance.

Representatives from across sectors and communities, along with members of the public, will be attending.