Children's Bereavement Centre to hold eighth Annual Christmas Candlelight Service at St Giles Church in Balderton on December 5

A candlelight service will give bereaved families a chance to come together in remembrance of lost loved ones.

The special service, organised by the Children’s Bereavement Centre, will take place on Thursday, December 5.

This is the eight time that the charity’s Annual Christmas Candlelight Service has been held, but this year will move to a new venue at St. Giles Church, in Balderton.

Everyone is welcome to attend — not only for those with a direct link to the Children’s Bereavement Centre — and the service will start at 6.30pm and is free to attend.

The use of candles is inspired by the saying, “This light shines as a symbol of a life and love remembered”.

Choirs from Balderton and Fernwood Chuter Ede Primary School will perform, alongside Norwell Village Voices.

There will be readings from family members who have accessed support with the charity and candles will be lit in memory of loved ones.

Anyone who would like a loved one’s name to be read during the service is asked to email Julie@childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk before Thursday, November, 28 with their request.

Scrolls will be displayed in the church with all of the names that have been read out since the candlelight services began eight years ago as a continued act of remembrance.

Paula Drummond, the charity’s Bereavement Team Manager, said: “The candlelight service is a very moving and beautiful tribute to those we love who are no longer with us, allowing all who attend, the time and space to pause and reflect.

“We understand that Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have been bereaved of a loved one.

“Our team at the Children’s Bereavement Centre feel it’s important to be able to bring you together, to support each other and to let you know that you are not alone.

“We hope that this community event gives you the opportunity to meet others, to remember your loved ones and to move forward, embrace, and celebrate Christmas with your family and friends.”

After the service, families are invited to stay for refreshments and talk with the Children’s Bereavement Centre team. More information about the service can be found on the charity’s website.