On Saturday 7th October we saw the return of Lewis-Manning’s spectacular annual free community event, ‘Candles on the Lake,’ at The Kitchen in Poole Park. Over 2,000 residents took part in the incredibly popular event now in its sixth year, which provides local people with the opportunity to come together as a stronger community to reflect, celebrate and remember loved ones.
Hundreds of supporters, donated to float a candle in memory and took the opportunity to add a personal message on their candle at one of the dedication stations. These personal touches make each candle a unique tribute to a loved one.
This year’s stunning display saw the candles floated on the main lake in the shape of a sunflower, a symbol that represents hospices across the UK and a profound symbol of hope and remembrance.
We would like to thank everyone that made this event possible. Our headline sponsor Care South and the amazing efforts of the Rockley Watersports team and Kemp Sails for successfully releasing over 800 candles onto the lake. Musical performances by Boscombe Salvation Army Band and St Peter’s Community Choir touched our hearts, and a poignant reading by Rev Jane Burgess was followed by a moment of reflection.
Event organiser Hannah Garrett said, “ ‘Candles on the Lake’ is not just an event; it’s a testament to the power of community, remembrance, and support. It brings people together to honour their loved ones and support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. It’s becoming a beautiful and meaningful tradition that showcases the strength and compassion of the local community.
“The event raised over £10,000 which will go towards funding our Bereavement and Family Support service, as well as other vital hospice care and support to patients and their families, from diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, through to end of life and bereavement.
If you haven’t been able to attend the Poole event, please join us at one of our Candles in the Community events.
- Candles on the Beach – Swanage Seafront, Saturday 21st October
- Candles on the Green – Wimborne Minster, Saturday 18th November
The event’s proud sponsors, Care South, were in attendance, with many of their staff members and residents taking the opportunity to float a candle in celebration of a loved one. The organisation’s Head of Marketing & PR, Chris Golding said,
“Care South were thrilled to support ‘Candles in the Community’, they are a series of magical events that really bring the community together. Our teams are honoured to be able to deliver candles written by residents on their behalf. Our partnership with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care ensures that we deliver initiatives that provide a benefit the residents and clients in our care as well as the wider community.”
Hannah concluded, “There are so many other thank you’s to make; LED House, Ives & Shand, Harbour Bay Crystal Clear Media, Reformed Plastics, Capital Barriers, Temporary Fencing Limited, JPS Communications ( Bournemouth ) Limited, The Kitchen, Tesco Community Teams and not forgetting, all our incredibly dedicated volunteers that supported us on the night and throughout the year.
“We have had an influx of heartfelt messages from attendees expressing their appreciation for the event and sharing how beautiful and emotional it was. ‘Candles on the Lake’ will be back in 2024.”
All candles were floated safely onto the lake, so as not to effect plants and wildlife in the area. All the flameless candles were collected at the end of the evening by dedicated volunteers to ensure there was no litter and will also be reused for subsequent years.
To find out more about the ‘Candles in the Community’ click here.