Our Hospice community marks To Absent Friends Week “ My mum and dad have both died. They were called Rick and Jessie. I have liked coming along and having the opportunity to talk about them and think about them. I have put a message on the memory tree. It is a great idea.” Diane - Bainsford Snowdrop Cafe People who have died remain a part of our lives – their stories are our stories, yet many Scottish traditions relating to the expression of loss and remembrance have faded over time. ‘To Absent Friends’ Week 1-7 November gives people across Scotland an opportunity to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died. Our Compassionate Communities team has supported communities to host events this week and is inviting people to mark Absent Friends Week in their own special way. Amongst events taking place have been a drop in session at TESCO Redding* and Bainsford Community Hall where people have met, talked, and shared memories of loved ones on a tree or remembrance. Bainsford Walking Football Group also marked the week with a minute’s silence. Who will you be remembering in a special way this week as part of ‘To Absent Friends’ week? Strathcarron Hospice Community Builder Sara McPhee said of the last few days: "We had a wonderful morning drinking tea, eating biscuits, sharing stories of those we have lost and adding their name to our memory tree. "It was wonderful to reconnect with Start Up Stirling, who hope to acknowledge TAF at their next community hubs throughout Stirlingshire. Special thanks to Happy Nose Aromas for their donation of beautiful handmade candles, everyone who attended was able to take a candle home to light for their loved one." Find out more about our work In Our Community | Strathcarron Hospice For bereavement support visit Bereavement Resources | Strathcarron Hospice Manage Cookie Preferences