Albin’s Memorial Service
Wednesday 5th December 2018
Everybody welcome to 52 Culling Road, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 2TN 020 7237-3637/ 2600/6366 / www.albins.co.uk
Several thousand people each year attend the Christmas memorial service at Bermondsey funeral director’s Albin’s – and this year’s will be taking place next Wednesday, December 5th.
The service gives locals a chance to remember lost loved ones as the festive period approaches. The service includes carol singing, video displays of Albin’s work in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas, the release of doves, a fireworks display and prayer. As always Simon and Jon Dyer alongside their staff invite all those who attend to stay for mince pies, soup and mulled wine.
This is the 19th annual memorial service, which was established by the late Barry Albin-Dyer after getting the garden built in 1999.
Jon Dyer told the News: “The memorial garden meant so much to our dad. It means as much to us and always will. It is a place for people to come together and remember those they have lost at Christmas, which is a time for the family.”
Order of Service:
Garden will open for the public at 6pm
Tea and coffee available on arrival
Service to commence at 7pm
Welcome:
Opening words by Simon and Jon.
The flag in the garden will be lowered.
We will remember all service personnel who have died and all civilians killed through all wars, commemorating especially 100 years since WWI
Opening:
The Ark containing the ashes of the stars that have hung on the Christmas tree from years gone by will be carried into the garden by the Albins staff. The Ark will be followed by members of our clergy and the children, who will be carrying last year’s stars. The ashes of the stars will then be blessed and placed into the Ark.
Readings:
By local clergy
Reflection:
Duet by Jay Britton and Ben Thapa
Poem:
Read by Simon and Jon’s children
Doves:
As the doves are released our singers Jay Britton and Uri Sabatini will sing
Christmas Carols:
A Selection of Christmas Carols for everyone to sing along to. (Words will be on the screen).
Stars:
Please pass your stars forward, they will then be placed onto our Christmas tree
Finale:
Final Blessings
Final Words by Simon and Jon
Fireworks:
Following the service you are welcome to join Albin’s for soup, mulled wine, mince pies and bread pudding at the court yard.