Halfway Dec 2020

The Doorsteppa
25 COMMUNITY
As 2020 draws to a close, we take this
opportunity to reflect, remember and pay
respect to all in our community of Killamarsh
and surrounding areas who have lost their
lives this year.
We share the deep sorrow with families who
were unable to see their loved one in the
weeks and months leading up to their death
due to the hospital lockdowns and protection
of those who were vulnerable or residing
within care. During 2020, many families have
been denied the basic human emotional need
to visit, comfort, care for and simply be with
their loved one leading up to and during their
precious final hours and minutes prior to
passing away.
Following their loss and the pain of grief, close
family had to act as gatekeepers and select
other family members able to attend the
funeral, and likewise, by elimination, prevent
others who desperately wanted to attend
from doing so. A decision no one wants to take
due to restrictions placed upon attendance at
funerals by the government to control the
spread of Coronavirus. Extended family and
dear friends all unable to attend. The best
many could achieve was to stand and wait on
the roadside to pay their respects as the
funeral cortege slowly drove by.
For those attending the funeral, further
restrictions were sanctioned to maintain a
minimum 2 metres social distancing. The
wearing of face masks becoming the norm. No
empathy or sympathy could be expressed to
comfort, reassure or simply show support – all
basic human instincts denied.
In these unprecedented times, many families
are finding coping with bereavement
exceptionally difficult. The impact of grief as a
result of losing a close member of family or
friends in normal times, allows for all to physically
and emotionally interact, but not in 2020. For
some families, being denied what should be a
celebration of life as they or their loved one
had planned, are now finding alternative ways
through coming to terms with their loss and
possibly a memorial service at a later date.
As 2020 draws to a close, together, through
the placing of a dedicated memorial bench, we
remember all who have sadly lost their lives.
We continue to pay respect and to serve families
within the community, who together with
their loved ones have faced 2020 with courage.
On Saturday 19th December 2020 at 1.00pm,
we invite families and their friends to join Lee
Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, myself
and members of my team for the unveiling of
the dedicated memorial bench, which will
stand proudly for many years to come outside
55 Bridge Street, Killamarsh for future
generations to pause and reflect In
Remembrance 2020 – Faced with Courage
We will be serving mince pies, mulled wine,
tea and coffee in the branch from 1pm
onwards – everyone will be very welcome to
join us.
Barry Pritchard
Barry Pritchard Funeral Services
Tel: 0114 4185359 • Mob: 07903 858276 • Email: thedoorsteppa@gmail.com • Web: www.thedoorsteppa.co.uk