Honouring young lives cut short
THE peaceful setting of the Baby Memorial Garden in Andersons
Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, will once again be a fitting venue for the annual memorial service at 2.30pm this Sunday (October 14) to remember the babies who have died.
Parents, families and friends who come to the service regularly will be there, as will those attending for the first time.
All will gain comfort from the thoughtful 30minute service.
The event will, as always, be conducted by members of Dunedin’s Baby Bereavement Group.
It is also aligned with International Baby Loss
Awareness Week, which every year runs from October 9 till October 15.
During the service, candles will be distributed to encourage people to be part of the International Wave of Light, when, on October 15 every year, candles are lit at 7pm in countries throughout the world.
To end the service, helium balloons will be released. Afterwards, afternoon tea will served at the Crematorium Chapel, where the service will be held if it is raining.
The concept of a service was introduced in 1997, first being held at the chapel of Hope and Sons funeral directors.
In 1998 it was transferred to the memorial garden, where it has been held ever since.
Among those who now attend are siblings of the babies who have died who now, as young adults, want to carry on remembering their baby brother or sister that they knew for such a short time or did not have the opportunity of knowing at all, said Rose Scott, a longtime member of the Baby Bereavement Group, who has watched the service become, for many, an annual ritual.
GARDEN CAREFULLY TENDED
In its sheltered northfacing site at the far eastern side of the cemetery, the garden is an inviting place.
Established by Baby Bereavement Group members who gained generous support and assistance from community service organisations, local companies and Dunedin City Council community and recreation services, it is a place where many people go to reflect.
Over the years it has drawn constant interest from cemetery visitors.
Its centrepiece, a contemporary sculpture of a mother and child, particularly gains the attention of passersby. Many mementos are placed within the circular paved area and around the sculpture.
These appear in the garden at all times of the year, indicating that it is fulfilling a real need in the Dunedin community.
Another testament to this need is the increase each year in the number of permanent memorial plaques placed on the low surrounding wall. These represent babies as far back as 1952.
Anyone is welcome to place a plaque on the wall. They are made by Dunedin Monumental Masons and plaques are supplied by John Swan.
Bereavement Group founding member Sarah Barton expressed gratitude for the DCC’s ongoing interest in the upkeep of the garden.
‘‘We would also like to thank all the sponsors who continue to help and support the group,’’ she said.
The carefully tended Baby Memorial Garden at Andersons Bay Cemetery will once again be a fitting venue for the annual memorial service.
LIGHTHOUSE CANDLES
Each year at the Baby Bereavement Group’s memorial service, candles are handed out to encourage people to participate in the international Wave of Light on October 15 at 7pm. These candles are provided by Mary Woodrow, owner of Lighthouse Candles, an exciting new business in Balclutha. Mary creates handpoured naturalsoy candles. For more info, visit www.lighthousecandles.co.nz