People facing Christmas without departed loved ones enjoyed a heart-warming evening of song, ceremony and reflection at the Albins Memorial Garden Remembrance Service, last night.
Over one thousand people attended the service at the Albin Memorial Garden in Bermondsey, with hundreds more watching the online stream from home, on Wednesday, December 7.
As the temperature dropped to one degree, locals warmed themselves with wine, carols and each other’s company, as they remembered loved ones who are no longer with us.
Introducing the ceremony, Albins co-owner Simon Dyer said: “Families are facing the ongoing impact of losing loved ones and many are facing their first Christmas without a precious loved one or family member.
Bermondsey’s The Old Justice pub restored after previous owner tore up its Tudor-style fittings
“Anyone who has been through the bereavement of someone close to them will know that while you never stop grieving, with support, eventually you can find a healthier way to cope and deal with your loss. We come together this evening to remember all those we’ve lost and let them know we’ll never stop loving them.”
This was the 23rd annual memorial service, which was established by the late Barry Albin-Dyer after he built the garden in 1999.
The service began with the procession of the ark, inside of which are the ashes of thousands of paper stars.
Every year, people at the service write messages to loved ones on golden stars, which are used to decorate the Albins Christmas tree.
On the Twelfth Night, the stars are burned and added to the ark, continuing a decades-old cycle of remembrance.
There was also carol singing, words from the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev’d Christopher Chessun, and a special video tribute to her late-majesty the Queen.
Many families suffering loss are also being forced to contend with the stresses and trauma that come with a time of national economic crisis.
“During these difficult times, people experience feelings of stress and anxiety, of shock and denial, of deprivation and depression, and many are feeling extreme loneliness. But none of us need to suffer alone,” said Simon Dyer.
The full service was live-streamed on YouTube and you can watch the video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px0KCyN-HiU&feature=youtu.be
Bermondsey’s The Old Justice pub restored after previous owner tore up its Tudor-style fittings