Christmas Remembrance Service 2013
Christmas Remembrance Service, 2013
Christmas Remembrance Services
In 2012, Tobin Brothers Funerals began hosting a series of Christmas Remembrance Services within our chapels that were designed to bring comfort to all who have lost family members or friends.
In 2013, Tobin Brothers decided to host a Christmas Concert at Federation Square entitled ‘An Empty Chair at Christmas’ and all were welcomed to attend.
Hundreds Fill Empty Chairs at Christmas
For the second consecutive year, our Christmas Remembrance Services have drawn bigger than ever attendances. “This is a resounding vindication”, says Managing Director James MacLeod, “that those attending the services have welcomed the opportunity to share with others, memories of family members and friends who have died, and to learn of ways in which they might cope during this first Christmas without those people”.
The theme of this year’s services, which took place at ten of our chapels was ‘The Empty Chair’ – an internationally recognised symbol of loss and isolation. As a fitting climax to the series of thirteen services was The Empty Chair at Christmas Remembrance Concert, staged at the Deakin Edge, Federation Square on Wednesday 18 December.
The concert, presented by Michael Lynch and Melissa Laird, with a guest appearance by media and entertainment personality, Denis Walter, featured The Australian Children’s Choir; The Eltham High School Symphonic Band; Aldous Tria; Robbie Belchamber and Angus Radley from The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School.
Being simulcast from The Deakin Edge to the “Big Screen” at Federation Square, gave many onlookers the opportunity to enjoy the concert comfortably seated amongst the Christmas trees.
The concert in its entirety was webcast live on the night and broadcast to the world.
To view the concert webcast, click on the video window below.
The concert was a wonderful celebration of 91 very talented young people whose music provided the perfect accompaniment for those in attendance to fill their empty chair with their happiest memories of Christmases past.
Coping at Christmas
There are no simple answers to dealing with grief at Christmas, but we at Tobin Brothers do share with you some suggestions as to how you might choose to take care of yourself during the festive season.
You are invited to attend a Service
Anyone bereaved is welcome to attend our Christmas Remembrance Services each year, whether the person has died this year or in years past, we have many people and families who return to these services for comfort.
There is no cost involved but to reserve a seat please register on our website where you will also find more information and the service dates and times.
Tobin Brothers Funerals
Celebrating Lives Since 1934
