Hundreds fill empty chairs at Christmas

For the second consecutive year, our Christmas Remembrance Serviceshave drawn bigger than ever attendances. “This is a resounding vindication”, says Managing Director James MacLeod, “that those attending the services have welcomed the opportunity to share with others, memories of family members and friends who have died, and to learn of ways in which they might cope during this first Christmas without those people”.

The theme of this year’s services, which took place at ten of our chapels was ‘The Empty Chair’ – an internationally recognised symbol of loss and isolation. As a fitting climax to the series of thirteen services was The Empty Chair at Christmas Remembrance Concert, staged at the Deakin Edge, Federation Square on Wednesday 18 December.

The concert, presented by Michael Lynch and Melissa Laird, with a guest appearance bymedia and entertainment personality, Denis Walter, featured The Australian Children’s Choir; The Eltham High School Symphonic Band; Aldous Tria; Robbie Belchamber and Angus Radley from The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School.

Being simulcast from The Deakin Edge to the “Big Screen” at Federation Square, gave many onlookers the opportunity to enjoy the concert comfortably seated amongst the Christmas trees.

The concert in its entirety was webcast live on the night and broadcast to the world. To view the concert webcast, click on the video window below.

he concert was a wonderful celebration of 91 very talented young people whose music provided the perfect accompaniment for those in attendance to fill their empty chair with their happiest memories of Christmases pa

For some Suggestions for Making Life Easier When You Have an Empty Chair at Christmas and to read the full blog please click on this link:

http://tobinbrothers.com.au/blog/2013/12/13/celebrating-christmas-celebrating-life/

Written by Michael Lynch & Matt Weedon - Creative Communications, Tobin Brothers Funerals