AN ANDOVER church is to hold a special service next weekend to commemorate and remember the loved ones who have passed away recently.

St Mary's Church in Andover will hold the service at 11am on Saturday, October 30, which is especially for those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.

The mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Mark Cooper, will be in attendance, and he will plant a commemorative oak tree in the grounds at the end of the ceremony.

St Mary’s Vicar, Revd Chris Bradish says, “it is an opportunity to stand together as those who have walked a difficult path; to remember loved ones and give thanks for community and key workers who have been working throughout this period to enable care and services to continue.”

“There will be the opportunity to pray, be still, sing hymns and light a candle.

"The grief process may has been cruelly disrupted for many in recent times and we hope this service will allow space for that process to continue in a helpful and hopeful way.”

During the service there will be a musical tribute where pictures of loved ones who have passed will be put on a screen. If you would like to have your loved one included in this or to have their name read out, the church asks you to forward the name and your chosen image to parish@stmarysandover.org.