High Sheriff plants memorial tree in Wisbech for those bereaved by Covid

Individual and collective kindnesses remain one of those rare beacons of light from the Covid pandemic though the sorrow of losing loved ones remains. In Wisbech some hope a simple, but moving, ceremony on Saturday will bring a little comfort to the bereaved.

Nearly 6,000 people follow Wisbech Tweet, a Facebook group began by a Wisbech resident who prefers only to be known as such, and it was her thinking that inspired Saturday’s ceremony.

“I always like to think I surround myself with good people and today I’ve been proved to be right,” she said.

“A lovely lady contacted Tweet asking if there would be some kind of memorial to those who lost their lives to covid, thinking cap on and here’s the result.

Advertisements

“I thought a tree would be lovely.”

Next stop was to contact Alan Wheeldon of Wisbech Street Pride and Wisbech In Bloom who sought permission from Fenland District Council.

It was with their approval, that things began to happen.

“A plaque was needed, and Coggles funeral directors stepped forward, “says Tweet. “Thank you Nikki and your team”.

Next, says, Tweet, came a “beautiful wreath made for the ceremony by the wonderful Janet and Jayne – flowers from all four seasons”.

The tree needed to be protected, says Tweet, and Shedders and Fixers – which started life as a men’s shed (in a polytunnel) about 5 years ago and has since evolved into a strong community group – stepped forward.

Advertisements

Advertisement

“They did some wonderful metal repairs,” says Tweet.

“Someone was needed to plant the tree and The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire Dr Bharatkumar N Khetani was more than happy to perform the ceremony.

“Stan (Spinks) and Alan were up early digging the frozen ground ready for the tree.

“Alan dug the top half and left poor Stan to dig the really frozen soil!

“The spade used was one donated by Princess Diana and is solid silver.”

Wisbech Tweet added: “Now anyone who lost a loved one to Covid has somewhere to go and reflect or lay flowers.

“Many thanks to everyone involved especially Alan who co-ordinated everything.”

The High Sheriff later went onto X (the real Twitter) to announce: “Planting a “Prunus Kiku-Shidare-Zakura” tree in Wisbech Park, using the shovel, which was a gift to Wisbech by Princess Diana, as a memorial to people of Wisbech & surrounding area who passed away due to Covid.

“It blooms in Spring with lovely pink flowers.”