Schools were 'a sea of yellow' for reflection on anniversary of lockdown

The time to reflect on the events of the last year also took part in classrooms and care homes in Lancashire yesterday, March 23.
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Pupils and staff at Great Eccleston Cop School were a sea of yellow yesterday as they stood to remember those who had lost their lives to the virus last year.

They were taking part in the minute's silence, as end of life charity Marie Curie asked people to reflect on the past 12 months at midday today and encouraged them to stand on their doorsteps yesterday evening with phones, candles and torches to signify a 'beacon of remembrance'.

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Headteacher Beverly Melvin told the Post that children at the school remain "keen advocates for those in need."

Pupils and staff at Great Eccleston Cop School were a sea of yellow yesterday as they stood to remember those who had lost their lives to the virus last year.Pupils and staff at Great Eccleston Cop School were a sea of yellow yesterday as they stood to remember those who had lost their lives to the virus last year.
Pupils and staff at Great Eccleston Cop School were a sea of yellow yesterday as they stood to remember those who had lost their lives to the virus last year.

Speaking yesterday, she said: "Supporting our community, both local and further afield, has always been important to everyone at Copp School. Whilst it has been a tough year for us all for many reasons, not least the fact that some of us have lost the people closest to us, we have continued to move forward together, as a school family.

"We have adapted and enhanced our curriculum, learned lots of new skills through remote learning and made the most of the time to appreciate the simple things in life.

"The children are instrumental in choosing, supporting and learning from specific charities and we decided to raise funds for the Marie Curie charity because we have lost parents, grandparents and friends to cancer during the past 11 years I have been Headteacher at Copp and we did not want charities such as this to get forgotten because of the pandemic.

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"Our children are very reflective and are keen advocates for those who are in need. Yesterday they have put on their yellow clothes, painted their faces with daffodils and have donated at least £1 each to Marie Curie. At 12 noon we had a minute’s silence when we reflected on the past year, thinking of those who have suffered but also remembering that we have so much to be grateful for."

Headteacher Beverly MelvinHeadteacher Beverly Melvin
Headteacher Beverly Melvin

Following suit was Longridge High School, who shared giant daffodil crafts in their windows to mark the sombre occasion.

And Preston's Harris Museum, Town Hall and the Blackpool Winter Gardens are just some of the prominent buildings and landmarks that lit up yellow last night to remember those we have lost over the past year.

Remembering loved ones and the efforts of front line workers was important for residents and staff at Springfield Manor Gardens care home in Fulwood, with staff standing silent for a minute to reflect on the difficult 12 months.

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Staff and residents kept morale high through the lockdowns by taking part in dance videos that were shared across social media.

Children wore yellow and painted their faces to mark the sombre occasionChildren wore yellow and painted their faces to mark the sombre occasion
Children wore yellow and painted their faces to mark the sombre occasion

Deputy Manager Lyndsey Pilkington said: "By the grace of God we got through the first wave safely and securely but unfortunately, when the second wave hit, we lost a few of our residents which had a huge knock-on effect on the staff and their morale as well as the residents.

"It has been a really tough year for everyone working in his industry who have also had to carry on with how the pandemic has affected their home lives. We have got through it through our love for each other and our strong teamwork.

"We have pulled everyone through and had a lot of support from the friends and family of our residents. As we look back, it's certainly important to remember it marks a time of there being light at the end of the tunnel ahead.

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"It is a true privilege to be a UK citizen living during these times and being offered the vaccine and staying focused on getting through it and back on track. The past year has changed our outlook in life and made us consider what really matters."

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