01.12.2021

An ecumenical Christmas Memorial Service will be held virtually and videocast live from the Wenallt Chapel at Thornhill Crematorium on Sunday, December 5, at 2pm.

This service is being held online due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and offers a safe way for people anywhere around the world to attend andpay their respects to their loved ones during this Christmas period.

Before the service, carols will be sung by a choir provided by Glamorgan Music School who were recently awarded 'Best Performing Arts and Music School' at the Welsh Business Awards and are proud winners of the Bro Radio Community Awards.

The service, conducted by Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe will begin at 2pm and consist of readings, poems and carols - Deborah Morgan Lewis and her accompanist Fiona Tompkins will be leading the singing and the service will conclude at approximately 3pm.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, Cllr Michael Michael, said: "Losing a loved one is always incredibly difficult, but this time of year can be particularly challenging.

"It has been another tough year as we navigate change brought on by the pandemic, so it's important that we're able to offer this service virtually for people of all faiths to come together and remember those who have sadly passed."

A collection in aid ofBelieve Organ Donor Supportwill take place during the service.Believe Organ Donor Support is a charity established by Anna-Louise Bates in memory of her late husband, Stuart and her son, Fraser (Bear) Bates whose organ and tissue donations went on to save many lives. The charity's mission is to educate and help spread the word on organ donation, support those people involved, and break down the taboo around organ donation to get people talking.

This Christmas,Bereavement Services is inviting you to purchase a Christmas memorial dedication tag which you can place onto the memorial Christmas trees situated to the front of this chapel.  For a minimum donation of £2, you can write your personal inscription in memory of a loved one which can then be placed on the tree.  All money raised will be donated to Believe Organ Donor Support.

The trees will be placed from December 6, and will remain in situ until January 6, 2022 when they will be removed in keeping with ‘Twelfth Night' tradition.

All donations received will be in support ofBelieve Organ Donor Support. To find out more about the charity, please visitwww.believe-ods.org.uk

The Live Stream can be accessed from 2pm on Sunday, December 5 via this link:  https://www.funeralstreaming.co.uk/viewing-room/15556/