Insight

Dignity employees from Wisbech were joined by Father Paul West at St Peter & St Paul's Church for a Memorial Service.

Memorial Service helps families to remember their loved ones

W & W G West and W Bailey & Son in Wisbech hosted a Memorial Service on Thursday 27 November for families and friends to remember their loved ones who have passed away over the last twelve months. The Service was held at St Peter & St Paul's Church and was conducted by Father Paul West.

Including staff, 150 people attended the Service which included carols, readings and a performance of "O'Holy Night" by tenor Phillip Tolley. There was also the opportunity for families and friends to write special messages which were hung on Memorial Christmas Trees at the front of the church. Refreshments were available at the end of the Service and families had the opportunity to speak to members of staff from the funeral homes.

Father Paul of St Peter & St Paul’s Church said: "It was one of the most extraordinary experiences in all my time as a priest. We thought we might have 20 people come along; instead we welcomed over 130 members of the public. What I witnesses was extremely moving: tears, heartache but also great kindness, love and compassion from the staff and Parish ministry team. We must do this again next year."

Following the Service, many positive messages were posted on social media by attendees, with one member of the public writing: "A beautiful service with elements of joy, sorrow, love and celebration warmly and thoughtfully put together. Hope this can be the first of many." Another wrote: "Fab idea, thank you so much to W & W G West and W Bailey & Son for organising this. Well done."

Business manager, Lee Nelson, said: "Following the Service, the words 'reflecting', 'memories', 'family' and many more were trending on social media. It was truly an amazing success and I would like to thank everyone involved for their fantastic support."