18 cherry trees were planted in Cassiobury Park as a symbol of remembrance and renewal...
To mark the planting of a circle of 18 cherry trees in Cassiobury Park, the Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor unveiled a memorial plaque on Saturday 14 May, which commemorates Watford's experience of COVID-19.
The cherry trees, which are known to represent new beginning and revival as well as life being beautiful but fleeting, are planted around the much-loved bandstand, forming a ‘Ring of Reflection’ for the town and visitors to the Park.
The event was attended by residents, key workers and dignitaries and featured music, readings, the unveiling of a special plaque to explain the story behind the Ring of Reflection and a moment of silence for those attending to contemplate and remember.
Speaking at the event, Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “It is fitting that Cassiobury is now home to this circle of 18 cherry trees, planted as a symbol of remembrance and renewal.
“Throughout the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic our parks were a beacon of hope for our community. Whilst our day to day lives changed in ways we could never have imagined and many of faced terrible sadness and loss, our parks offered a place where we could feel a sense of freedom and calm and still feel like a community.
“Now, we can join together to remember with sadness those lives lost in our town, the tremendous commitment and sacrifice of our front line workers and the inspiring way people across Watford united to support each other through adversity.
“Cherry trees represent new beginnings and revival as well as life being beautiful but fleeting so I am sure this will be special spot for people to stop and reflect, whether on the pandemic or other important times in their lives.
