Thousands are expected at this year’s memorial service hosted by one of the UK’s oldest funeral directors.
Since 1999, Albin and Sons have hosted an annual service in their memorial garden for the people of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe to remember their loved ones.
The Memorial Garden Remembrance Service usually welcomes up to 2,000 people and will be held on Wednesday 6 December. This year, those attending will enjoy a gospel choir as part of the event.
After the late Barry Albin-Dyer OBE passed away in 2015, his sons took the reins at the family-run business.
Simon Dyer, joint managing director at Albin and Sons, said: “The garden is a special place my father created in the heart of Bermondsey so people could have their loved ones close by.
“It’s a small place, Bermondsey, but it’s quite big at the same time. Many people have connections to the area.
He continued: “The garden is an important place now, and the service is an opportunity to give back to the community, celebrating and remembering all those loved ones we’ve lost. People really appreciate coming together at this time of year.”
In the garden, there’s a Christmas tree up from early December where families can collect little gold stars to write a message to their loved ones. Simon explained: “They hand them to us on the night and during the service, we put them up on the tree.
“The ashes of all the stars from previous years are gathered together in an ark, which is brought out for the service every year.”
After the service, there’s mulled wine and Christmas puddings to warm everyone up.
The event is free but they will be collecting donations for the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Foundation and charity Child Bereavement UK.
Simon added that on the night, they are hoping to open the new extension they started earlier this year for guests afterwards.
When? Wednesday 6 December, opens at 6 pm for a 7 pm start.
Where? Albin Memorial Garden, 52 Culling Road, SE16 2TN
Stars are available in their offices to collect in advance or are available on the night.
Anyone who is unable to attend on the night can email a message to stars@albins.co.uk
For those unable to travel to/attend the service, highlights of the service will be available two days after on their website here.
Seating is available on the night but cannot be reserved in advance.