Making memories with Willow Wood

Under normal circumstances, the Willow Wood Hospice gardens in Ashton would be open at this time of the year with crowds flocking to see them lit up for Christmas.

While soaking up the lights and atmosphere, visitors would normally be able to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a delicious home-made mince pie.

You could also view the Book of Memories and to see the stars hanging on the illuminated Christmas trees in the multi-faith prayer room, each one inscribed with the name of a loved one. 

Sadly, none of that will be possible this year.

The gardens hold many memories and supporters look forward to being able to spend time in them, whether to look at the lights and remember happy times or to sit in quiet contemplation and think of loved ones.  

With that in mind, the Ashton-based hospice has introduced two new ways to remember people, both centred around the gardens.

As part of the hospice’s Light Up A Life, people are being offered the opportunity to purchase a Memory Star as a symbol of enduring love.

This 50cm high metal star has a hollow stem where you can place a handwritten message and there is space for a small photo at its heart.

The Willow Wood team of volunteer gardeners are hard at work creating a tranquil space where these will be sited among winter planting.  

Following the Christmas season you will be able to take these home to treasure, although of course they can be taken straight away if preferred.

For something a little more permanent, the hospice has its Memory Stones. Beautifully engraved with the name of your loved one, these will be respectfully sited in the garden’s central water feature. 

The benches which surround the feature have long been a place for families to sit and reflect and it is hoped that, sooner rather than later, people will be able to return to the garden so it can once again become a place of love and remembrance.

For more information on either, or both, of these ways to remember your loved ones, go to www.willowwood.info

Main image:

CHRISTMAS REFLECTION: Garden designer Sophie places a Memory Stone into the water feature.