However, I received one recently that I thought was a heartwarming good news story:
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to their loved ones as The ‘Tree of Light’ festivals returned to Crewe, Sandbach and Macclesfield this month.
It all started six years ago when Crewe Cemetery invited people to remember those they had lost by dedicating a silver star to them, which is then placed on a tree within the grounds. The designated tree is then lit up with thousands of lights during a special ceremony.
This year services were held at Crewe Cemetery (December 4), Sandbach Cemetery (December 10) and Macclesfield Cemetery (December 11).
The trees will remain lit until the twelfth night. The silver stars needed to make a dedication were free.
Sandbach Ladies Choir, St Johns Primary School Choir and The Lions Youth Brass Band were also at the Sandbach ceremony, providing appropriate, festive music to those who attended.
Mary Slinn, Bereavement Services Manager at Cheshire East Council said:
“The popularity of this festival never ceases to amaze me. We have had people asking for stars as far back as July. This festival has become an important event for many people, it is a very personal time but also one where people come together to be reunited in the act of remembering.”
