Floral tribute area for the people of Ukraine

18 Mar 2022

People can now lay flowers in part of the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds in tribute to those killed in Ukraine.

The floral tribute area has been created on a temporary basis. It follow requests from residents and discussions between West Suffolk Council and St Edmundsbury Cathedral which both work together as part of the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership.

Rev Canon Matthew Vernon said: “The Cathedral and the Council both recognise the tremendous sense of grief in our community for the people of Ukraine, for those killed and those being forced to flee from their homes from the Russian invasion.

“The Abbey Gardens, whatever your religious viewpoint, is a place of reflection and peace for many people. So, this is an ideal place for people to come and lay floral tributes. It is a way in which each of us can show our solidarity with Ukrainian friends and neighbours, and the people and families coming here to seek safety and refuge.”

The tribute area has been set up in the Water Garden area of the Abbey Gardens. The floral tributes will be tidied on a daily basis with withering flowers removed.

---