Blaenau Gwent Council will join organisations around the UK in a national day of reflection next week to remember all those who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Next Tuesday (March 23rd) will mark the anniversary of the announcement of the first countrywide lockdown, and it is a chance to remember all those who have sadly passed away and to stand united with the grieving families left behind.
COVID-19 Families Wales, a Facebook support group set up by families that have lost loved ones, have called for buildings and landmarks across Wales to be lit up in yellow during the night of the 23rd. We’re delighted to say that in Blaenau Gwent, the Council will be lighting up the General Offices site in Ebbw Vale and the Aneurin Bevan Stones in Tredegar.
The Market Hall Cinema, Brynmawr and 10 The Circle, Tredegar (the birthplace of the NHS and now a community hub) will also be lit up by their respective community organisations.
The Council is also encouraging its staff to take part in a minute of reflection at midday on the 23rd, as promoted by Marie Curie, the end of life charity. Find out more on this here - https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection
Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Cllr Nigel Daniels says:
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has been challenging for all of us, but for those families who have lost loves ones to this terrible virus it has been life changing. We have lost 207 people here in Blaenau Gwent to the virus, and there are many families who may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye in the way they would have wanted. It is only right that we join with millions across the country in pausing to reflect on our collective loss; to honour the memory of those who have died and to show our support for those who are bereaved.
“Two of these sites are of great significance. The Aneurin Bevan Stones mark the spot where Nye Bevan MP, the architect of the NHS, made many significant speeches. Our NHS staff have been real heroes during this past year and we are so grateful for their hard work and dedication – it is very fitting that the stones will shine bright.
“As a Mass Vaccination Centre, the General Offices symbolises the hope that we all have for much brighter days ahead.”
Notes:
• The General Office was built in 1915-16 for the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company, ending its links with the industry when the steel works closed in 2002. Now it is a Blaenau Gwent Council base and also hosts Gwent Archives and Ebbw Vale Works Museum. They were designed by Veale and Sant of Cardiff, in free Dutch baroque style. Listed grade II*, and is a fine and rare survival of an industrial office complex. The lavish design reflects the prosperity of the steel industry in the early 20th century. It is currently being used as a mass vaccination clinic.
• The Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones mark the spot where Aneurin Bevan, Labour MP and architect of the National Health Service, addressed his constituents and the world. The hillside location saw enormous gatherings eager to hear one of the greatest orators ever. The central monolith represents Bevan and the three smaller ones represent Rhymney, Tredegar and Ebbw Vale, the three towns in his constituency. The location is often used for important and significant community, health and political gatherings.