Kind communities are backbone of city, says Dean in special service
Event reflects on things we have lost, but also on working together
KIND communities that have rallied together in the face of devastating loss have become the backbone of the city.
That was the message from Dean of Portsmouth Anthony Cane, who led a service at Portsmouth Cathedral in commemoration of one full year since the first Covid-19 lockdown.
He and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Rob Wood, reflected on everything we have lost since March 23, 2020, but also on how the city has worked together to pull through.
Anthony Cane said: ‘Today is a national day of reflection. It has been a year none of us could have imagined, with so many twists and turns.
‘It has been a year of grief and loss, but also of compassion and kindness.
‘A year of restrictions and difficulty, but also of innovation and ingenuity.
‘Each person who has died was at the heart of a network of relationships, leaving gaps that can never be filled.’
In December last year, the cathedral held a service to honour those who did incredible things in their community.
Cllr Rob Wood also paid tribute to those who have gone above and beyond for others in the past 12 months.
From NHS staff on the front line to generous individuals who have come to the aid of strangers, we’ve all had our part to play, he said.
‘We come together to mark a year anniversary of the start of the first lockdown as a city – to remember all of those who have lost their lives to this devastating virus,’ said the Lord Mayor.
‘To acknowledge those who have been hospitalised and the many families who have been separated in order to protect the vulnerable.
‘We have had a year like no other and I genuinely thank the people and communities of Portsmouth for following the rules and for stepping up to help their families, friends and neighbours.’
The service was broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, and the cathedral was opened for visitors to come and light a candle in memory of those they have lost.
The National Day of Reflection aimed to give people who have lost friends and family to Covid-19 an opportunity to remember them, and get closure for their grief.