As we approach November each year, our minds naturally turn to remembering those who had died and whose loss we still feel, whether it was many years ago or recently.

This year takes on some added significance as we remember 100 years since the end of World War One.  World War One had a massive impact on our country. The enormous number of casualties meant that the way of mourning the dead changed for ever. Gone was the very public way of marking death – the wearing of black and public periods of mourning, gone were the family photos with the deceased. Instead, death, and the mourning that followed, became a much more private and hidden affair.

The result is that today very few of us witness the death of someone, except in the case of close member of the family. As such, the effect of losing a loved one can be even more devastating for those affected. Combined with the sometimes hidden nature of grief and loss in our society, this can make life very difficult.  At St Mary’s, a place where many of the dead of this village lie at rest, we hold this ministry to those affected in very high regard.

With that in mind we have set up a new bereavement visiting group. The aim is to have 5-6 people – lay and ordained, men and women – who have been trained to help as a first point of contact for those who are mourning.

They are available to anyone who feels like they could do with a friendly, confidential chat, no matter how recent or long ago the bereavement took place.

If you, or someone you know feels they could do with this kind of support, then we would be glad to hear from you and help you. Please get in touch either on bereavement@stmarysredbourn.org or via the Parish Office on 01582 791 669.