Tree planting and community champions gifts in Hyndburn’s parks
When the vaccination roll-out started in Autumn 2020 Hyndburn Borough Council pledged to plant trees, to acknowledge the combined efforts of the whole community in combating the impact of the pandemic.
These ten trees, now in place across Hyndburn’s parks and green spaces, serve as a lasting reminder and place of reflection for all to enjoy.
To commemorate the second anniversary of the UK lockdown, when people were instructed to stay inside except for essential purposes, these trees have small gifts on them that members of the community are invited to collect over the weekend (26 and 26 March 2022) and either gift to someone they deem a community champion, or keep for themselves if they need a pick-me-up and a reminder that support is available.
Over 50,000 people from Hyndburn now have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, over 60 organisations came together to become the ‘Hyndburn Hub’, a local pandemic response and support resource and the legacy of this will last for generations to come.
Lyndsey Sims, Hyndburn Hub Lead and Chief Executive at Hyndburn Leisure said:
“The last two years have seen loss, struggle and change, but they have also shown us the great strength and resilience of the Hyndburn community. The Hyndburn Hub is a symbol of everything we can achieve when we work collaboratively as organisations and as people, to support our wider community. As we pause to reflect on the last two years, I would like to offer thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly and assure them that although the Hyndburn Hub is coming to an end, the partnership working and range of support services will be available and continue to be accessible for all.”
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“Everyone in Hyndburn knows someone who has gone above and beyond to help the community. These small gifts are a way for people to bring a smile to others and say thank you after a very long and difficult two years. The gifts on the trees will be in place until Sunday 27th March or until all have found a new owner, whichever is sooner. Thank you to everyone playing their part in our vibrant community.”
The Oak tree planting and small gifts have been funded through the Community Champions Fund, awarded to Hyndburn Borough Council by MHLG after a successful bid in 2020.