Archive: The council announced its Covid memorial-tree plans in March 2021.

In March 2021, High Peak Borough Council announced plans to plant memorial trees for communities affected by the pandemic.

Events planned for the National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021 included a minute’s silence at midday and a doorstep vigil at 8pm.

High Peak Mayor, Councillor Ed Kelly, said: “This year has been like no other and everyone has been affected in some way. Very sadly, people across High Peak have lost loved ones and no community has been untouched by the impact the virus has had.

“Others have felt this in their businesses and livelihoods, their education and the lack of social contact with family members and friends and, on behalf of the Council, we send our sincere condolences to all those who have suffered.

“Alongside joining the national reflection, we wanted to have a lasting legacy within our communities in recognition and acknowledgement and we’ve chosen to plant memorial trees as places where people can go to remember for years to come.”

The council’s original proposed sites included the Slopes in Buxton and Norfolk Square in Glossop; parks and recreation grounds in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hadfield, Hayfield, New Mills and Whaley Bridge; and cemeteries and war memorials in Castleton, Hope and Tintwistle.

In late 2021, the council reported planting 13 oak trees, including one on the Slopes in Buxton and one in Norfolk Square, Glossop. Each was marked with a dedication plaque.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “We’re all more aware of the beneficial impact of spending time outdoors amongst nature so it seems particularly appropriate to plant trees in memorial to those that have lost their lives to this virus.

“People will have their own favourite trees and locations, that will mean something to them and their loved ones, where they can quietly and personally spend time remembering. I hope that they will offer some solace in the months and years to come.”

For Glossop resident Shirley Woods-Gallagher, the planned oak tree in Norfolk Square had a special meaning as she remembered her father.

Shirley Woods-Gallagher said: “My Dad’s dying wish was to have an oak tree to remember him by. An oak tree in my village square means the world to me. I will finally have new scaffolding to process grief and celebrate his life.

“It will help all bereaved families whatever their families have died of during the last year.”