Covid Safe Christmas Carol Service 2020

Covid Safe Christmas Carol Service 2020

Covid Safe Christmas Carol Service 2020

Test Valley Crematorium to broadcast Covid-safe Christmas service

Test Valley Crematorium is taking steps to ensure everyone has the chance to feel festive this Christmas during these uncertain times.

The crematorium, in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, will be webcasting a one-hour Christmas Carol and Remembrance Service on Tuesday, December 8, at 6.30pm.

The Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent operator of cemeteries and crematoria, usually hosts Christmas Carol and Remembrance services at all its 34 sites nationwide, including Test Valley, which people can attend in person.

Covid-19 restrictions mean that, like many other live events, this is not going to be possible this year, so the Westerleigh Group has come up with an alternative so ensure that people don’t miss out altogether.

Earlier this year, the group announced it had invested in new webcasting services because of restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend funeral services.

Now, that technology is going to be used to ensure everyone can view a virtual service, which will feature a mixture of traditional carols and readings.

Rob Metcalfe, Site Manager at Test Valley Crematorium, said: “We wanted to make sure we could provide something this year that would definitely be able to take place, regardless of whatever lockdown restrictions may, or may not, be in place.

“We know that it won’t be quite the same as our popular live services, which we very much hope to be able to return to hosting again next year.

“But Christmas is likely to be different for most people this year. And with so many other seasonal events being cancelled, such as live concerts and Christmas markets, we wanted to ensure we could still offer a way for people to join in a festive activity and to remember their loved ones at this time of year.

“In some ways, the fact that it is going to be so different this year may make these webcast services even more memorable.”

A link to the service will be put onto the Test Valley Crematorium website so that people will be able to view it on December 8. It will then be available on-demand.

There is no need to register in advance in order to view the services, and no tickets are required; the Service will take place here - https://bit.ly/3qkVldq

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