Covid Memorial Trees
Two commemorative trees will be planted to remember staff and students from the University who have lost their lives to Covid-19, serving as a living memorial on our campuses.
The silver birch trees – one on the Luton Campus and one on the Bedford Campus – will be planted by Vice Chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting, a member of the Beds SU Exec Team and local representatives.
The Vice Chancellor will deliver a short address which will be followed by a minute’s silence to remember those we have lost. We hope you can join us for the planting ceremonies.
Luton – Campus Centre Entrance (by flag poles)
Monday 29th November, 10:25 – 10:50
Agenda:
10:25 – Staff and students gather in front of the Campus Centre ahead of the planting ceremony
10:30 – Vice Chancellor address
10:35 – Vice Chancellor and Beds SU Co-President Quadri Yusuf will formally plant tree together with HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain
10:45 – Vice Chancellor will invite all to join her in a minute’s silence to remember all those lost to the pandemic
10:50 – Event closes
Bedford – Gateway Building Entrance
Thursday 2nd December, 9:55 – 10:20
Agenda:
09:55 – Staff and students gather in front of the Gateway building ahead of the planting ceremony
10:00 – Vice Chancellor address
10:05 – Vice Chancellor and Beds SU Co-President Laura Tamara will formally plant tree together a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and Deputy Mayor of Bedford Charles Royden
10:15 – Vice Chancellor will invite all to join her in a minute’s silence to remember all those lost to the pandemic
10:20 – Event closes
All staff are welcome to attend the ceremonies and observe the minute’s silence. The trees will have commemorative plaques placed by them, where staff and students can pay their respects in their own time following the ceremonies.
Please note that the location of the Luton tree has previously been communicated as outside the STEM Building. The above is the most up-to-date information regarding the plantings - the Luton memorial tree will be planted outside the Campus Centre, beside the flag poles.