EVESHAM’s landmark Bell Tower will be lit up blue from this week to pay tribute to the brave NHS staff leading the fight against the coronavirus.
Mayor of Evesham Coun Mark Goodge confirmed the historic venue would join the national celebrations and was bathed in blue for the first time tonight (Thursday).
Residents across Evesham and Pershore are among the millions across the country to take to their doorsteps to Clap for Our Carers, the heart-warming celebration of our National Health Service each week at 8pm.
The campaign brings people together from the safety of their doorsteps or gardens to applaud those NHS and healthcare workers at the forefront of tackling the pandemic.
Coun Goodge told the Observer: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to arrange for the Bell Tower to be lit in blue on Thursday evenings, as part of the national expression of thanks to the NHS and key workers.
“It’s something many people in the town have been asking for and I’m glad we’ve been able to make it happen.
“When the new lights were installed on the Bell Tower, the ability to change the colour for special occasions was one of the key features, but we never expected it would ever be used in circumstances like this.
“A lot of people in Evesham can see the Bell Tower from where they live, so I hope this will help them feel part of the community even if they’re stuck at home and can’t go out.
It may only be symbolic, but it’s an important illustration that we’re all playing our part in helping to defeat the virus,” he added.
The Bell Tower will also be turned red, white and blue on VE Day to mark the 75th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe during the Second World War and in remembrance of all those who lost their lives during the conflict.
The idea has been made possible thanks to the Enlighten Project, which was launched in 2018 and created a trail of lighting and projection projects around various locations in Evesham to highlight its heritage.
The project was led by Wychavon District Council in partnership with Evesham Town Council, the Almonry, St Lawrence’s Church, All Saints Church, the Bell Tower, Abbey Gardens and various other interested groups such as Evesham Civic Society and The De Montfort Society.
Vicar of Evesham, Rev Andrew Spurr said: “The wellspring of feeling for our NHS expresses what is the best and most essential about our national character. I am delighted that our bell tower will be used to praise a service that is the envy of the world.”
Send us your images of the Bell Tower bathed in blue to salute our NHS heroes. E-mail [email protected]
