Cherry Lodge Cancer Care held its annual Lights of Love Ceremony on Sunday 26th November 2017. Despite the very cold weather, some 50 people gathered at the bandstand of Barnet’s Spires Shopping Centre to take part in this very special event on the Cherry Lodge calendar.
The purpose of the event is for people to gather together in friendship before Christmas to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, to celebrate our love for those who are still dear to us, and to extend our thoughts and prayers to all in need of help and support through difficult times.
The ceremony was led this year by Sarah, Vice Chair of the Cherry Lodge trustee board as Margaret, our Chairman who usually takes this role, was sadly unable to attend due to a troublesome infection. The Cherry Lodge Singing Group was in good voice under the leadership of Simon Wilsher, readings were given by Yvonne (a member of staff), Dilly, and Ruth (a trustee). Two volunteers, Freddy and Sue, then read out the list of those chosen for special remembrance and for whom, through the giving of donations, a symbolic light was lit on the bandstand.
The climax, as always, was the switching on of the lights, which this year looked particularly impressive. We are grateful that, once again, the Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet and a Patron and loyal supporter of Cherry Lodge, was able to find the time to attend our ceremony and to switch on the lights for us. People then gathered around to chat and take up the welcome offer of mince pies and warming mulled wine.
Thank you very much indeed to everyone who helped make this such a memorable event.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.
