Sheffield Council issues update on Covid memorial plans as people are invited to have their say

Plans for a Covid memorial in Sheffield are gathering pace, with people across the city being urged to have their say about how best to honour the dead.
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Nearly 1,100 people across Sheffield have now died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, and Sheffield’s director of public Health, Greg Fell, has previously suggested something similar to the city’s Cholera Monument could be built to mark the many lives lost.

Covid memorials are already planned in Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham, with the latter set to open next month, and Sheffield Council has now issued an update regarding how it plans to commemorate victims of the pandemic.

A Covid memorial is set to be created in Sheffield, where the city's director of public health has suggested something similar to the Cholera Monument could be built (pic: Getty Images/JPI Media)A Covid memorial is set to be created in Sheffield, where the city's director of public health has suggested something similar to the Cholera Monument could be built (pic: Getty Images/JPI Media)
A Covid memorial is set to be created in Sheffield, where the city's director of public health has suggested something similar to the Cholera Monument could be built (pic: Getty Images/JPI Media)
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Council leader Bob Johnson said: “The pandemic has affected each and every one of us in many ways and it is a time in our lives that we will never forget. So many lives have been lost, and have been changed, and it is important that we create a lasting memorial that reflects what we have all been through.

“We are currently exploring options for memorial activity with local community groups, faith leaders and the local media. We want the people of Sheffield to be as involved as possible in these decisions which will feel an appropriate commemoration of the impact of the pandemic across the city.

“I understand that local people will want to feel a strong connection to a Sheffield memorial and will have views about the best ways to honour the efforts and sacrifices we have all made. We will provide further details about how to get involved, and look forward to hearing people’s views as this progresses.”

A CGI of the Covid memorial being created in BarnsleyA CGI of the Covid memorial being created in Barnsley
A CGI of the Covid memorial being created in Barnsley

In Rotherham, Hope Fields, described as a ‘living memorial’ to both victims of Covid-19 and those who fought the virus, is due to open at Thrybergh Country Park next month, having been designed in consultation with communities from across the borough.

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In Barnsley, a memorial designed and produced by the celebrated sculptor Graham Ibbeson and featuring words by acclaimed poet Ian McMillan is due to be unveiled at the new Glass Works Public Square this November.

And in Doncaster, work began this month on a memorial garden at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

What sort of Covid memorial do you think Sheffield should get? Let us know by emailing [email protected].