Chester Town Hall lights up blue to mark NHS 72nd birthday

On Sunday 5 July 1948, some 72 years ago, the National Health Service was created.

Chester Town Hall will be joining iconic landmarks across the country this weekend to wish the NHS a happy 72nd birthday, with the help from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Street Lighting team. People are also being encouraged to join in the celebrations with a nationwide applause.

To mark this special milestone, the Lord Mayor of Chester, the Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Cathedral will be saying thank you virtually to the NHS and every member of its staff for everything they do in caring for our country.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Mark Williams said “On behalf of the city of Chester, I would like to thank everyone associated with the NHS and for their dedication over the last 72 years.

“I would also like to thank everyone involved today and those who have played their part in supporting and caring for our country during the coronavirus pandemic. It is also poignant that we take this opportunity to remember the loved ones and friends who are no longer with us.

“This anniversary clap is a way of uniting our country and city and saying a collective thank you to those who cared for us, those who kept our country going during the pandemic and those who showed their support. Thank you.”

Councillor Bob Rudd, the Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council said “I would like to add my thanks to the NHS for their dedication and hard work over the last 72 years, and especially now for the incredible work that our NHS colleagues are doing during the current crisis.

“Over the last few months our local NHS partners have cared for and treated the borough’s sick and vulnerable COVID-19 patients, alongside having to deliver services differently during lockdown.

"I would also like to thank the residents of Cheshire West for observing the lockdown guidelines. Thank you.”

Chester Town Hall will be lit up blue to recognise the NHS’s anniversary weekend with a flag being flown at the Town Hall to say thank you to the NHS, showing our support and appreciation to all care workers.

On Saturday 4 July at 8pm, the Lord Mayor, Chairman and Cathedral Clergy will virtually join in the national act of commemoration by lighting candles to remember those who have lost friends and loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic. This will go live on Facebook at 8pm on Saturday.

On Sunday 5 July at 5pm the Lord Mayor of Chester, the Chairman and representatives from Chester Cathedral will join the country via Facebook Live in showing their appreciation to the NHS by joining in the national applause.

A short civic virtual service has been created to recognise the anniversary and it will be available from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s and the Lord Mayor’s social media accounts on 5 July:
Twitter - @MayorChester /  @Go_CheshireWest
www.facebook.com/lordmayorchester/

www.facebook.com/cheshirewest/
 

www.england.nhs.uk/nhsbirthday/about-the-nhs-birthday/