Hundreds pay tribute to lost loved ones at Christmas service

Hundreds of lit candles were held aloft in St Editha’s Church on the evening of Friday, December 5 in tribute to Tamworth’s lost loved ones. The candles glowed brighter still as lights were dimmed allowing the congregation to keep the flame burning for friends and relatives they will never forget.

The Tamworth Co-op’s Christmas Memorial Service has fast become one of the biggest events in the town’s festive calendar. Held annually since 2011, it has caught the imagination of people who want to celebrate Christmas while also remembering special people in their lives.

Despite the cold weather, St Editha’s Church was packed to the rafters and many of those present commented on the ‘special’ atmosphere the service generates.

The proceedings were led by Rev Ray Khan who requested a round of applause for the Tamworth Co-op for organising the event for the community.

For the first time goodie bags were handed out containing free gifts such as candle holders, sweets and pens. Complimentary refreshments including mince pies were also served after the service.

Tamworth Co-op’s chief executive Julian Coles said the service was a reflection of the way the Co-op strives to serve its community.

He said it was also very meaningful from a personal point of view.

“My father died around this time of the year and my family have travelled from various parts of the country to pay their own tributes.”

In his closing address Mr Coles thanked the Society’s funeral staff for their magnificent efforts in organising the service.

Amanda Woodward, manager of the Tamworth Co-op’s funeral division, said the service has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time.

“I think it helps people to know that they are uniting with others going through similar experiences. Christmas is a very difficult time for bereaved people. We hope this service offers comfort to those who are grieving by enabling them to pay a simple but beautiful tribute to their lost relatives and friends during the run-up to Christmas.”

A collection taken during the service raised £500.00 and will be split between St Editha’s Church and Tamworth-based charity TAME Community First Responders.

Hundreds of lit candles were held aloft in St Editha’s Church on Friday night in tribute to Tamworth’s lost loved ones.

The candles glowed brighter still as lights were dimmed allowing the congregation to keep the flame burning for friends and relatives they will never forget.

The Tamworth Co-op’s Christmas Memorial Service has fast become one of the biggest events in the town’s festive calendar. Held annually since 2011, it has caught the imagination of people who want to celebrate Christmas while also remembering special people in their lives.

Despite the cold weather, St Editha’s Church was packed to the rafters and many of those present commented on the ‘special’ atmosphere the service generates.

The proceedings were led by Rev Ray Khan who requested a round of applause for the Tamworth Co-op for organising the event for the community.

For the first time goodie bags were handed out containing free gifts such as candle holders, sweets and pens. Complimentary refreshments including mince pies were also served after the service.

Tamworth Co-op’s chief executive Julian Coles said the service was a reflection of the way the Co-op strives to serve its community.

He said it was also very meaningful from a personal point of view.

“My father died around this time of the year and my family have travelled from various parts of the country to pay their own tributes.”

In his closing address Mr Coles thanked the Society’s funeral staff for their magnificent efforts in organising the service.

Amanda Woodward, manager of the Tamworth Co-op’s funeral division, said the service has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time.

“I think it helps people to know that they are uniting with others going through similar experiences. Christmas is a very difficult time for bereaved people. We hope this service offers comfort to those who are grieving by enabling them to pay a simple but beautiful tribute to their lost relatives and friends during the run-up to Christmas.”

A collection taken during the service raised £500.00 and will be split between St Editha’s Church and Tamworth-based charity TAME Community First Responders.