All souls service returns to Bristol Memorial Woodlands

POPULAR ALL SOULS SERVICE TO RETURN TO BRISTOL MEMORIAL WOODLANDS

A popular service which marks All Souls Day is returning to Bristol Memorial Woodlands on Sunday 29 October.

The outdoor candlelit service dedicated to remembering loved ones who have departed, will be led this year by celebrant Clare Bennett, and will feature songs led by the Edge Choir (from Wotton), poems and a short secular service.

The event is open to everyone and last year attracted over 200 people. Those attending are given a commemorative candle to hold throughout the service which is then placed to form a circle of light around a commemorative tree.

Clare Bennett, said: “I’m really looking forward to leading the All Souls Service. It’s such a lovely tradition that brings people together and allows them to remember their family and friends in a peaceful and welcoming setting. I think originally it was aimed at people who had family members buried here but now it’s open to everyone who would like to come and spend time celebrating their loved ones. It’s a very special evening and for me, it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with some of the families I’ve worked with.

“For most of us, a funeral is an opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one but it can be just the beginning of trying to adjust to our ‘new normal’. As time passes, we can feel that there are fewer opportunities to talk about our loss and our grief can begin to feel invisible. The All Souls Service is a reminder that we can still publicly celebrate and honour the people we’ve lost, to share our feelings with those around us.”

Christopher Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “Our All Souls Candlelight Service has turned into one of the highlights of our calendar, providing people with a meaningful occasion to remember and reflect upon their departed loved ones.

“All Souls Day has significance in many religions and is celebrated in Eastern Europe and as the Day of The Dead in other civilisations. There is a tradition in both the Catholic Church and the Church of England. At our service we welcome all to join together in this very special atmospheric act of remembrance.”

The service starts at 6.30pm on Sunday 29 October. Guests are asked to arrive between 5.30pm and 6pm to receive their candles and light refreshments are served in the Georgian reception rooms after the ceremony.

Guests are advised to wear warm clothing for the outdoor event.

Please email admin@memorialwoodlands.com if you hope to attend, to ensure Memorial Woodlands can prepare for the numbers attending.

Further information at www.memorialwoodlands.com.