Community Projects
Covid Memorial Tribute Sculpture
Covid Tribute Memorial Sculpture in Market Drayton
The Covid Tribute Sculpture was created by Kevin Nutley in Plymouth and commissioned by the Drayton ArtsFest and Market Drayton Community Enterprise teams. The official unveiling was carried out on 27th April by the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Selina Graham and followed by a performance of Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composition ‘Sing’ by Longlands School Choir.
The idea to erect a sculpture came originally from a national appeal in 2020 by TV Presenter Dan Snow and Caroline Lucas MP for all towns and villages to erect a Covid Memorial in their area. It was decided that the financing for a Market Drayton Memorial could be allocated from money that was raised by Local Community Groups to help fund the 2020 ArtsFest and MDCE Festivals, which were cancelled due to lockdowns. The purchase of a Sculpture was felt to be an appropriate way to give something back to the Community.
The sculpture comprises three pillars of wood with stained glass panels, to represent the tireless efforts of all the NHS, Care and Keyworkers in Market Drayton and to symbolise respect, care and sensitivity to others, whose lives have been affected by the Pandemic. Erecting the Sculpture became a community effort with grateful thanks due to Ben Warner [Royal Irish Regiment] and Mike Smith. Also, A.R Richards, Buildbase, Tony Hamer & Son, and Everedge for supplying building materials.
Suzanne Edwards
On behalf of Drayton ArtsFest and Market Drayton Community Enterprise
