Hospice service to light up the lake

COLOURFUL floating lanterns will illuminate Alexandra Park’s boating lake as part of Dr Kershaw Hospice’s first multi-faith service of remembrance on Saturday.

The Lights on the Lake event will see members of all faiths gather at the Oldham park’s lake for a non-denominational service to remember those who have been lost.

Ministers from a variety of faiths and a non-religious speaker will take part in the service.

Income generation manager at the Royton hospice, Lisa Pearson, said, “As a hospice we care for people from right across the borough and from all walks of life.

“We are a non-denominational hospice which means we care for people from all faiths and those with none.

“We have been doing a Christian service of remembrance for many years but we wanted to do something more inclusive that really reflects the community as a whole.”

Following readings, prayers and speeches, participants will be able to release floating lanterns on to the boating lake.

Lisa added: “Lights on the Lake will provide an opportunity for everyone to come together to remember loved ones we have lost.

“It will be simple but poignant and although we are asking for donations to help run the hospice, this is really about the community coming together. We’re pleased that the Mayor and Mayoress will be attending to show their support, too.”

For a small donation lanterns can be collected from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Turf Lane, Royton, or any of the hospice’s charity shops in Lees, Royton, Oldham or Shaw.

Wonderful

Father Phillip Sumner, executive officer of the Oldham Interfaith Forum, which has been working with the hospice to organise the event, said: “We have a very varied demographic in Oldham and we are delighted to have been instrumental in getting many different groups involved in the Lights on the Lake event.

“It will be wonderful to see the whole community coming together to remember those we can no longer be with; sharing our loss respecting the different faiths and ethnicities.”

“We sincerely hope this will be the first of many events in the years to come.”

The service will start at 7pm.