This year's launch event for To Absent Friends will take place at the University of Dundee.
The University’s front lawn will be lit up by a garden of specially created artificial lilies, based on an idea devised by Napier University and installed in Grassmarket, Edinburgh, during To Absent Friends 2017 (pictured).
The grassy area in front of the Tower Building on Nethergate will play host to the illuminated memorial garden on Thursday 31 October to mark the beginning of this year’s To Absent Friends programme.
Each lily is created from a small coloured glowstick and a large plastic ‘petal’ on which people can write a message to a loved one. The initiative will take place across four Scottish towns and cities for 2019.
The lilies will be replanted at another city centre location after the launch and the organisers of the Dundee project are inviting members of the public who would like to light a lily in memory of a loved one to get in touch.
Anyone who would like to know more about the Dundee project can contact Mayra on 01382 384899 or m.l.crowe@dundee.ac.uk
If you would like to attend the launch, please reserve a place here.
Thursday 31 October 2019, 4.30pm
Baxter 1.36, Main Tower Building, University of Dundee
Lilies Gardens are also being held at the following places:
The Paxton Centre, Lundin Links, Friday 1 November 2019
Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 November 2019
Haining House, Selkirk, Friday 8 November 2019
North Edinburgh Arts together with other organisations in Muirhouse are organising a full programme of events for To Absent Friends. It starts with the traditional All Souls' Service at the Old Kirk and Muirhouse Parish Church, continues with the Memories of a Loved One Exhibition and also includes Keepsake Jewellery Making Sessions.
For more details see their Facebook page
Sunday 27 October - Monday 11 November 2019
North Edinburgh Arts, 15A Pennywell Road, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ (and other nearby venues)
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership are hosting a reminiscence cafe for staff in Angus House.
There will be a tribute wall for people to write something about the person they wish to remember. Staff are encouraged to bring along a photo or something else that reminds them of the person who has died and share their story over a cup of tea or coffee.
STAFF ONLY EVENT
Friday 1 November, 9.30am - 11.30am
Angus House, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1AN
This commemorative book will showcase a legacy of beautiful fused glass window panes, produced over the last 10 years by patients attending day hospice.
The book aims to remember the stories behind each window, permanently displayed in the conservatory at Victoria Hospice, Kirkcaldy, giving insight into the support, friendship, gratitude and emotions felt by those participating in the fused glass arts programme.
(The book will be available for viewing at the hospice and as well as online from 4th November).
From Friday 1 November, the Paxton Centre are creating a ‘Wall of Remembrance’ on the noticeboard outside reception. There will be a drawing of a giant tree with paper leaves, coloured pens, and a Pritt stick on a small table below. Anyone can drop in between 10am and 4pm (excluding Sunday) and write a tribute to an absent friend on one of the leaves, then add it on the tree. There is also an opportunity to place an illuminated lily in the grounds in memory of a loved one. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day on a self-service basis.
From Monday 4 November, starting at 6pm, there’s a craft workshop and supper at the Paxton Centre. The craft activity will be led by funeral celebrant, Carole Shaw, an experienced mental health OT. Participants will be able to make a wind chime using driftwood and other materials in honour of their loved one, so that when they hear the chimes in a breeze, they can think of him or her. Supper will round off the evening.
On Thursday 7 November, starting at 4.30pm, end of life doula Sue Weststeyn will facilitate a Cafe of Reminiscence, a sharing of stories and memories in good company, with tea, coffee and cake for even more enjoyment. There will be an opportunity to place an illuminated lily in the grounds in memory of a loved one. A simple supper will round off the evening.''
Various times and dates
The Paxton Centre, 14a Links Road, Lundin Links, Fife, Scotland, KY8 6AT