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Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has teamed up with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to support its Lasting Impressions project. This initiative will see the local community’s reflections, memories and experiences of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, presented in the form of a quilted memory tree wall hanging.

The memory tree will first be displayed at The Amelia Scott when it opens in spring 2022, before taking up permanent residence at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

MTW Pharmacy Clerical Officer Karen Webster, who has a background in archaeological conservation, put her creative talents to good use to support the project and created 30 leaves for the memory tree. Designs included references to rainbows, face masks, cancelled weddings and holidays, and not to forget the all-important socially-distanced catch ups outdoors with family and friends.

MTW NHS Trust’s Chief Executive Miles Scott, said: “It’s a fitting tribute that we are working with the Amelia Scott project and keeping history alive with this memory tree.

“It recognises the amazing work that has been carried out across the borough during the COVID-19 pandemic, that has in turn also supported our hardworking staff and volunteers at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.”

Karen Webster, MTW Pharmacy Clerical Officer added: “This community project has enabled local people to come together in the community and show what the COVID-19 pandemic has meant for them.

“The memory tree will be displayed for everyone to see now and for generations to come to help them understand a little of what it was like to live though a pandemic.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Chief Executive, William Benson commented: “Whilst life is beginning to return to something closer to normality, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impression on many of us and this – together with the herculean efforts put in by the NHS, local authorities, businesses and residents – must not be forgotten.

“The memory tree is a fantastic way of allowing the local community to reflect on their personal experiences of the pandemic and will become a powerful and fitting memorial to the challenges, efforts and grief that we have all felt”.

Pictured (left to right) is Miles Scott, MTW NHS Trust’s Chief Executive and MTW Pharmacy Clerical Officer Karen Webster presenting the Trust’s leaves to Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Councillor Tom Dawlings and Chief Executive, William Benson.