The ICCM Journal | Spring 2022 | V90 No. 1
47
ceremony of light A spectacular light show at the SANDS Memorial Garden at Norse Road Cemetery and Crematorium, Bedford.
On the evening of Sunday October 19th, the SANDS children’s garden was spectacularly lit up to commemorate all of the children and babies who have been laid to rest with us at Norse Road cemetery and crematorium. The ceremony was the brain child of Mr Paolo Barbarisi who is himself a grieving parent. The intention of Mr Barbarisi’s considerable efforts were to highlight the SANDS garden for those who are less aware of it and also, to deliver a message of respect and love to the lost children, infants and babies who have been laid to rest in our care. Dusk had just began to settle in when Mr Barbarisi and his colleagues arrived, setting the scene beautifully for the ceremony to begin. Mr Barbarisi and his colleagues positioned and set the lights very effectively to maximize the visual extravaganza that the evening promised. It was now time to “flick the switch”, so to speak. The lights came on and “WOW!” The SANDS area was transformed into a neon wonderland as if by magic, to the amazement of the bereaved families who had attended. All of those who attended the ceremony commented on the beauty of the garden and light show, and of the emotional feelings that had been induced by the evening in general. The ceremony was deemed as such a success that we will be making an annual event of the “Ceremony of Light” for many years to come.
