Despite lockdown, local people will still be able to take part in a service to remember a loved-one that has died.

Forest Holme Hospice is holding a virtual remembrance service on 26 November.

The annual event, which is usually held on the steps of the Civic Centre in Poole, is attended by many who have lost loved ones and who were grateful for the care and support offered by the hospice. However, guests to the service do not need to have known a patient at the hospice in order to attend.

The service will be a virtual mixture of songs, readings, poems prayers and remembrance, led by Brian Purchase from the chaplaincy team at Poole Hospital, while Neil Hansler will provide music.

Everyone is welcome to join in the service, which can be accessed by visiting www.forestholmehospice.org.uk or via www.facebook.com/forestholme at 6.30pm on 26 November. A service programme for this special event – which includes a dedication star to cut out and display at home – is also available via the Forest Holme website https://forestholmehospice.org.uk/events/light-up-a-life/.

Following the main service, the hospice is inviting all attendees to join them on Zoom for a mass switch on of festive lights at home to remember loved-ones. The link to Zoom will be made available on the night but in preparation, participants are asked to download or register Zoom on their devices.

The hospice website also has a virtual tree of remembrance, where you can make an online dedication for a loved-one in addition to the hospice’s usual tree of remembrance which this year will be located in Falkland Square, Poole. Dedications for this can be made by visiting the Forest Holme Made Christmas shop, which will be based in the Eco Hub opposite Wilkos in the Dolphin Shopping Centre from 7 December.