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Creating a memorial
The Tree of Life in the Memorial Chapel in Richmond Church came about because a group of people in the church felt it was important that there should be a way of remembering people who have died within the community. At the beginning we were uncertain about the best thing to do but eventually it was decided to make a tree in the shape of a Weeping Willow on which everyone could place a leaf in memory of their relatives or friends.
Who Can Put a Leaf on The Tree?
Anyone who has a connection with the church or Niddrie and also children who attend or have attended Richmond's Hope can put a leaf on the tree. Fill out the form in this leaflet and hand it back to the church or the cafe. The cost of a leaf is £12.50. This is to cover the cost of the leaf engraving, Memorial Book, candle etc.(if children who attend Richmond's Hope wish to put a leaf on the tree the cost of this will be met by the project).
What will be inscribed on the leaf?
We would like each leaf to have the same format. It should say 'In Loving Memory' or "In Remembrance of" and then the name and date or age of the person who has died. Sheets are also available for a Memorial book.
The book is so that people can put more than is possible on the leaves. Photographs, poems, tributes or anything else about the person who has died can be put in this book.
When can I come and sit in the chapel?
The church will be open (using the cafe entrance) every Wednesday morning for people to come in and sit in the chapel. There will be a short service at 12.30 p.m. every Wednesday to remember those who are in need of prayer. You are welcome to go through to the church at any other time whilst the cafe is open, but the church will only be heated on a Wednesday morning.
If you have a disability and require disabled access this is available through the church. Please telephone first and arrangements will be made to have the church door opened.
Candles & Flowers
There are votive candles around the foot of the tree. You may light these if you wish to remember those who have died. There are also small vases for single flowers. It is not possible to leave other memorials in the chapel (e.g. larger bunches of flowers or soft toys) but it is possible to put larger bunches of flowers in the main sanctuary of the Church.
Position of Leaves On The Tree
Once leaves are on the tree we would ask people not to remove them for any reason. We will from time to time, move the leaves around the tree. We will move those that are at the back to the front because it is not possible to walk behind the tree.