Region remembers Covid victims as minute's silence marks National Day of Reflection
People have come together on the anniversary of the first lockdown to reflect on the past year and remember those who have died from Covid-19.
Residents from across the Black Country and Staffordshire attended church services, where a minute's silence was held at 12pm amid the pandemic.
People have also been asked to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles or torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance" across the country.
The commemoration – named the National Day of Reflection – was set-up by end-of-life charity Marie Curie to give the nation a moment to reflect a year on.
Lichfield Cathedral invited people in to mark the minute's silence and confirmed the cathedral bell would be rung for a short period at the start of each hour until 6pm.
People were also allowed to spend some time in the cathedral where they could quietly reflect and also light candles in memory of their loved ones.
The Very Rev Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said the service allowed people to "take a moment" and reflect and to give thanks to the health and social care services.
He added: "There will be tough times still to come, but know that whatever matters to us, matters to God."
Diane Tilley, chief executive of Lichfield District Council – which will have its Frog Lane office lit up in yellow – said: "The resilience and community spirit demonstrated by the people of Lichfield District over the past 12 months has been truly remarkable and we would like to offer our thanks to everyone for the efforts they have made to support each other."
Disruption
In Stafford, Stafford Castle, the Shire Hall and the Gatehouse Theatre will all be lit up in yellow tonight as part of the national event.
Councillor Gareth Jones, mayor of the Stafford borough, said: "It is a day to remember all those whose lives were cut short as a result of this terrible virus and to the families unable to say their last goodbyes at the bedside of their loved ones.
"It is a day to reflect on the impact of this pandemic on our daily lives. The effects on people’s mental health, the pressures for those on the frontline of tackling Covid-19, the financial hardship for families as a result of redundancies or reduced pay, the disruption on children’s schooling and their opportunities to play with friends.
"We now have more hope for the future. We can see an end to the restrictions on our everyday life as an increased number of our population are vaccinated.
"We are grateful for all those key workers and volunteers within our community for going above and beyond to make sure others were kept safe or provided for in what has been for many the darkest period we have known. During such an awful time, the unprecedented way communities in Stafford Borough have come together to support each other is something we can be proud of.
"It has been a difficult time and there is much to reflect on."
Elsewhere, services were held at 12pm across Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell – with one held at Top Church, where people were invited in to reflect on the past year.
Dudley Council has also launched an online book of condolence to give borough residents the chance to write a message to remember the loved ones they've lost.
Stephen Gunther, director of public health for Walsall, said: "Whether you’re bereaved or otherwise need support, it is available. A series of free online talks organised by the Good Grief Festival is taking place, featuring experts, bereaved families and celebrities. There is also the option to speak to someone locally via Making Connections Walsall.
Challenging
"While today is a time to reflect on Covid bereavements, it’s perhaps also appropriate to reflect on the incomparable voluntary and community sector in this borough for stepping up to connect people to friendly local voices."
Merry Hill held a minute's silence for shoppers – visiting for essential reasons – at 12pm and confirmed the building would be lit up later on in the day.
Emergency services from across the West Midlands and Staffordshire have also paid tribute to mark the occasion as they joined in with the minute's silence.
Staffordshire Police's chief constable Gareth Morgan said: "The past year has clearly been an incredibly tough and challenging one for us all and especially for those who have lost loved ones.
"Overall, the public’s response during these difficult times, and how they have coped with the restrictions placed on them as part of the national effort to save lives, has been extraordinary."
"I want to thank everyone for the many personal sacrifices they have made, and continue to do so, as this has been vitally important in the efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
"I also want to thank colleagues across Staffordshire Police for their commitment and contribution during this past year. I am grateful for their continuing professionalism and dedication as they work with partners and communities as we look ahead to the easing of restrictions and a welcome return to a more normal way of life."
Chief fire officer Becci Bryant, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives in so many ways and the National Day of Reflection gives us all the opportunity to think of those who lost their lives to coronavirus.
"I will be thinking of everyone who has lost their lives, but I will be very much thinking of Alec and his family, as his loss is still keenly felt by myself and the service."
West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service all paid tribute to those who have lost their loved ones due to the pandemic.
