Date set for unveiling of Barnsley's permanent covid memorial

A BRONZE sculpture which commemorates those who have died during the pandemic and pays tribute to key workers and volunteers will be unveiled later this month.

“Reverence” depicts ordinary working people and has been cast in bronze by sculptor Graham Ibbeson in collaboration with Lockbund Foundry. Barnsley poet Ian McMillan has provided the artwork’s emotive words ‘Barnsley’s fierce love holds you forever in its heart’.

The artwork will be unveiled on Monday November 22 at 1.15pm in The Glass Works Square by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE and The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Lord Sentamu, together with representatives of key workers and bereaved families

Barnsley residents are welcome to attend the open-air event which commences at 1.15pm. Public viewing of the exhibition in the new Barnsley Museums Gallery@The Glass Works will be available from 2:30pm.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “The pandemic continues to affect us all and it is important we have a way to reflect on those we’ve lost and those who work so tirelessly in our communities.

“I hope the people of Barnsley will join us in The Glass Works Square to pay tribute.”

The Reverence project, which includes an exhibition and a range of initiatives, is a multi-partner initiative including the NHS, emergency services and Berneslai Homes.

The cost of the project has been met by Barnsley Council and partner contributions. Both sculptor Graham Ibbeson and poet Ian McMillan have donated their time for free.

Covid Cases are still high in the borough. People are encouraged to wear a mask indoors and in crowded places