Communities across the Isle of Wight are preparing to come together and remember their loved ones at special Lights of Love services in aid of Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
A number of events are taking place in towns and villages, alongside 2 main events that are being held at Earl Mountbatten Hospice at 16:00 on Sunday 3rd December and Newport Minster at 19:00 on Friday 8th December. The services bring together prayers of dedication, hymns, inspirational readings and the lighting of candles, to commemorate lives and loves past.
As well as giving people an opportunity to remember those who have died, Lights of Love supports the ongoing work and development of services in the community and at Earl Mountbatten Hospice. By dedicating a light on the Christmas Tree at the hospice, those taking part are also raising much needed funds to support Islanders and their families who facing death and bereavement.
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive, said:
“We are very grateful to all those who are organising a Lights of Love service in their local community, which gives everyone wherever they are the opportunity to seek comfort in the solidarity of others at this special time of year. These services offer a time of reflection and pause, where we remember the people that have meant so much to us throughout the years.”
Anyone dedicating a light will also have their loved ones’ names commemorated in the Lights of Love Book of Remembrance, which will be on display at both the hospice and Newport Minster services. It will then be on permanent display in the hospice Chapel.
To make a dedication, people can pick up a leaflet in one of the hospice’s 10 shops, visit the hospice website at www.iwhospice.org or phone the Fundraising team on 01983 217300.
Lights of Love services:
Seaview: St Peter’s Church Garden – 1st December 18:00
Bembridge: Holy Trinity C of E & parade – 2nd December 18:00
Newport: Earl Mountbatten Hospice – 3rd December 16:00
St Helens: The Vine Inn – 3rd December 18:00
Brighstone: St Mary’s Church – 6th December 19:00-21:00
Cowes: Methodist Church – 7th December 18:30
Wootton: The Cedars Pub – 7th December 18:30
Newchurch: All Saints’ Church Hall – 7th December 18:00
Newport: Newport Minster – 8th December 19:00
Shanklin: United Reformed Church – 8th December Time TBC
Yarmouth: The Square – 9th December 18:00
Freshwater: St Agnes’ Church – 10th December 18:00
Rookley: The Green – 11th December 18:30
Ventnor: St Catherine’s Church – 13th December 19:30
Arreton: The White Lion Pub – 14th December 18:00
Lake: Thearles Green – 16th December 12:30
Sandown: Baptist Church – 16th December Time TBC
