In our regular series on monuments around the Borough, Julia Omari discovers a new place to find peace and reflection

Newham was hit hard by Covid-19, with 1,013 recorded residential deaths and many more falling sick as a result of the disease. While most people recovered, some heartbreakingly did not, leaving many loved ones grieving and trying to cope.

Covid Memorial Garden opening. Image ©Newham Council

While the community has happily moved past the toilet roll shortages, shopping restrictions and lockdown protocol, moving on from the loss of loved ones has not been as easy.

To help find peace in the pain a Covid Memorial Garden designed by locals was unveiled by Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz in Plaistow Park on Monday 3 April.

Covid Memorial Garden. Image ©Newham Council

The garden not only provides a peaceful location to sit and reflect on the Covid experience but also acts as a common spot for residents to remember loved ones and connect with each other and the wider Covid story. It also serves as a place to honour those key workers who bravely left the safety of their homes to keep the country moving.

The garden is an interactive space that focuses on the themes of regrowth, support and community, the three strengths that Newham residents continue to show and share with each other.

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