Landmarks across Kent were turned yellow this evening to mark a year since lockdown began.

The Clock Tower in Gravesend, the Mast Houses at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Rochester Cathedral's spire were lit up to remember those who have died from coronavirus.

People across the nation also put candles on their doorsteps to mark the anniversary which has been called the National Day of Reflection.

Boris Johnson and many others have backed charity Marie Curie’s plan for today's minute silence and a doorstep vigil to reflect on the years challenges.

In support the Mast Houses at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the clock tower in Gravesend, Rochester Castle, Rochester Bridge and The Brooks Theatre were lit yellow at 8pm.

The day was also marked in a slightly different way in Rochester, not only was the Cathedral's spire lit up but people were encouraged to tie a single ribbon on the railings outside Rochester Cathedral or on the historic Catalpa tree.

The ribbons are an act of remembrance and a sign of hope and will be added to and remain in place for the next 50 days.

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The idea for the ribbon tying came from The Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev’d Philip Hesketh DL.

He said: “The ribbon can be of any colour – we are all beautifully different and colours have multiple meanings.

"This could be in memory of someone and a sign of hope as we approach Easter.

"Easter is all about hope and Christians are people who live in the light of resurrection life and transformation.

"As we emerge out of this winter of despair, please do tie a single ribbon on the railings in memory and to mark the springtime of new life.

"Easter lasts 50 days, until the Feast of Pentecost - Whitsun.

"So, there is plenty of time to come and tie your ribbon as a special act of remembrance and hope.

"By Pentecost we should have a wonderful rainbow of promise.”

Tying ribbons to trees has a long history, going back to at least the Celtic times.

Different colours have different meanings; green for the environment, red for heart disease, pink for breast cancer, blue for bulyling awareness, yellow for armed forces and the white ribbon has most recently been associated with the campaign by men to end male violence against women.

Rochester Cathedral invites people to come at quiet times and tie their ribbon where they will remain on the railings for the next 50 days.

In reflection of the last year the Mayor of Gravesham laid a wreath of daffodils at the memorial in Windmill Gardens.

The council asked people to join the nation in a minute silence at 12pm and also to put a light in their window at 8pm to remember all those that have lost their lived during the Pandemic.

Refuse and council vehicles also had a daffodil placed on their grill this week.

Not only was the clock tower illuminated yellow but 300 lights were placed to remember those from Gravesham that have lost their life due to Covid-19.

Mayor of Gravesham Cllr John Caller said: “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our community over the past year.

"It is with deep sadness that we learn that more than 300 residents of Gravesham have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Many others have also lost a family member due to other reasons during this time, but the loss is obviously still the same.

“People have been unable to say their final goodbyes in the ways in which they would have wanted, and many have had to have a very scaled down funeral, some were not even able to have a funeral. For every life lost, there are many more lives touched by that loss.

"The daffodil wreath has been laid in memory of everyone that has lost their life during the past year and to show our support and love for the partners, family, friends, and loved ones grieving for the dearly departed.

We stand together in remembrance and solidarity as one community”

Did you mark the National Day of Reflection? Send us your pictures to news@thekmgroup.co.uk.

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