I am backing a local campaign to plant a Memorial Tree to remember all those in Dacorum lost to Covid-19.
The campaign is being organised by Margaret Sharp who is a carers ambassador for Carers In Hertfordshire and her grand-daughter Jasmyn Saunders. The campaign has the backing of Dacorum Borough Council.
Many local people lost loved ones to covid or, if not directly to covid, indirectly as a result of the pandemic.
I think the idea of a Memorial Tree and contemplative space set aside to remember our family members and friends in this way is a wonderful idea.
Dacorum Borough Council have offered a space in the borough’s largest public park, Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead.
Several local businesses have offered their support. Most notably Majestic Trees of Flamstead where owner Steve McCurdy has offered us a very generous discount on a splendid centre piece tree.
Other local businesses have offered help as well I recently joined Margaret and Jasmyn to receive a £1,000 cheque from Kishor Patel, owner of the Nisa Local in Crabtree Lane.
Covid-19 has been an unhappy milestone in all our lives and what better memorial than to establish a quiet peaceful area in a public park which has been used by so many people as a vital release from the lockdowns of the past year?
A crowdfunding page has been set up, please visit it if you would like to pledge your support: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/memorial-tree
My office remains open on a skeleton staff, with others working remotely, if you need help please email me on mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk .
Web: www.penning4hemel.com
Email: mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01442 251126
