Christmas Trees and Memorial Stars 2018

Residents in Hampshire are being invited to let their loved ones shine bright this Christmas by dedicating a memory star to them.

Christmas trees are being spruced up in preparation for families and friends to place memory stars on their branches throughout December.

The trees will be placed in Southern Co-op’s Co-operative Funeralcare branches across Hampshire to give everyone the opportunity to write a personal message to someone who is no longer with them this Christmas.

Southern Co-op’s branches include Andover at 22 London Street, Basingstoke at 1 Buckland Parade, Buckland Road, Bishops Waltham at 24 High Street, St George’s Square, Copnor at 65 Tangier Road, Cosham at 47 High Street, Cowplain at 37A London Road, Eastney at 131 Eastney Road, Emsworth at 31 North Street, Fareham at 86 Trinity Street, Farnborough at 68 Victoria Road, Fleet at 287 Fleet Road, Fratton at 157 Fratton Road, Gosport at 147 Stoke Road, Hayling Island at 20 Mengham Road, Leigh Park at 224 Dunsbury Way, Liss at 3 Lower Mead, Hillbrow Road, North End at 52 London Road, Paulsgrove at 181 Allaway Avenue, Rowner at 11 Rowner Road, Somerstown at 68 St James Road, Southsea at 128 Albert Road, Waterlooville at 320 London Road, Whitchurch at 3 Winchester Street, and Widley at 1 Cornwall Buildings, London Road.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry, from Southern Co-op’s free Bereavement Centre, said: “After someone close to you has died, any celebration can be particularly hard.

“The memory stars give people the opportunity to re-live happy moments and make sure their loved ones are still included in this special time of year.

“For those who are finding it particularly hard, we have advice on our website, such as starting a new tradition, and our free bereavement support is available to everyone.” Residents are also invited to attend special events in December when they can pop in and have a mince pie.

The events will be held on either Wednesday 19th or Friday 21st December from 12-3pm – see your local branch for details.

All memorial trees will be up and ready for stars by Friday 30th November and will remain within the reception area of each funeral home until the end of the Christmas season so that friends and family can visit to read the messages and add their own if desired.

For more information about Southern Co-op’s bereavement support, visit www.funeralcare.co.uk.

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