Beaumond House : Remember loved ones on a wall of light

A memory wall of light will be created at an annual event remembering family members who have died.

The idea is being introduced for the first time at Carols At The Castle, which incorporates the Beaumond House Community Hospice Light Up A Life event. It takes place in the grounds of Newark Castle on Thursday.

People can take along a photograph of a loved one, either laminated or in a protective cover, to pin to strings of lights in return for a donation to the hospice.

It is the second time the event is being held in the castle grounds following a successful move from the hospice last year.

Fundraising and events officer Holly Fowler said the castle gave plenty of room for everyone who wanted to attend.

“It is great to work in partnership with the castle and it provides an amazing backdrop,” she said.

“For a lot of people this is an important service at Christmas and gives them the chance to remember their loved ones.”

The gates open at 5pm giving the chance for refreshments. There will be a mobile food van and Newark Rotary Club will be selling mulled wine.

From 6pm, there will be entertainment from singer Eva Chappell and the Just Sing Choir.

The carol service, led by Captain Matt Elsey of Newark Salvation Army, will start at 6.30pm and last about 45 minutes.

Anyone who wants to have a paper lantern, which have proved popular in the past, can do so. The hospice will also have a Book of Remembrance.

It costs more than £1m to run the hospice and keep Beaumond House open all year round. A £5 donation pays for a three-course home-cooked meal, £10 pays for patient transport for a day, and £50 pays for a nurse to spend time with a patient planning their future care.

At the other end of the scale, £120 provides care for a patient in their own home, and £770 covers the cost of a patient to go into Beaumond House for a weekend of respite giving them support and enabling tired carers the chance to rest.

- Tickets are now on sale for Beaumond House Community Hospice’s winter ball.

The event is being held at Newark Showground on Saturday, January 27, and will feature a winter wonderland, live music, other entertainment and gourmet food.

For more information about this and other ways to support the hospice visit www.beau mondhouse.co.uk