For those facing the festive season with a sense of loss, a special event in Hoddesdon offers a place of comfort and remembrance. Woollensbrook Cemetery and Crematorium is opening its doors for a community Christmas carol and memorial service, providing a poignant opportunity for anyone grieving to come together.
A Service of Remembrance and Community
The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, starting at 5.30pm. There is no need for advance booking, making it easily accessible for all. The crematorium warmly welcomes both local residents and visitors to the surrounding Broxbourne area to attend.
Manager Mark Winnock emphasised the inclusive nature of the gathering, stating, "Our Christmas service is open to anyone and everyone, regardless of whether you’ve ever attended a funeral here before or have a memorial to a loved one in our grounds." He acknowledged that the loss of a loved one can be particularly poignant during this time of year, and the service is designed to bring people together to find comfort in shared remembrance.
Meaningful Tributes and Online Access
The service will feature a live choir, creating a reflective and uplifting atmosphere. Attendees will be invited to participate in several heartfelt activities. These include writing personal messages on tags to hang on the crematorium's Christmas tree and lighting commemorative candles.
A particularly touching feature is the site’s white memorial post box, where people can ‘send’ a Christmas card to their loved one. For those who cannot be there in person, the entire service will be streamed live online. It will also be available to view on-demand for 28 days after the event, from Monday, December 8.
How to Watch the Service Online
To access the live stream or the subsequent recording, individuals should visit https://christmas.obitus.com. They will need to use the username 'Woollensbrook' and the password 'robin'.
Woollensbrook is part of the Westerleigh Group, which is one of the UK's largest independent owners of crematoria and cemeteries. The group operates 42 sites across England, Scotland, and Wales and is trusted by more families than any other provider. All its locations are set within beautifully landscaped gardens, offering peaceful places for reflection and remembrance.