Tuesday 16 December 2014

The Perfect Present

Image from loriannfranks.wordpress.com
At this time each year, everyone is searching for that elusive ‘perfect present’. They want to spoil their loved ones with the latest must-haves and make Christmas special. But maybe the greatest gift you could give this year can’t be bought in a shop – your time. Why not take the time to visit a relative, friend or neighbour who is alone this Christmas. Or pop in to see how someone who has been bereaved is feeling, they could probably do with some support or a listening ear at this difficult time.
 
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts won’t be found under the tree, but could be a much needed phone call or a chat over coffee. A number of people close to me find Christmas a particularly difficult holiday due to recent and not so recent bereavements. We should remember that grief isn’t something that magically disappears and family-oriented holidays can make it all the more prominent, even after years have passed.
 
Image from hbbscounselling.org
Many people don’t know how to talk to someone who is experiencing bereavement and can avoid speaking about the subject altogether as they don’t want to upset or offend that person. It can be daunting but maybe this Christmas we can start a conversation with a person who very much needs it and put our fears aside. Spending time with a loved one can be more rewarding than any gadget or game, so make memories while you can and keep in mind that even the strongest of us need support at times.
 
The Bucket Project would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you are struggling to cope with bereavement there are a number of websites you can visit for advice, listed below:
 

Monday 10 November 2014

In Flanders fields the poppies blow…

Image taken from p2p.biplin.com
Tomorrow is the 96th Anniversary of the end of the First World War and thousands of people across the country have already paid their respects through attending services and memorials on Remembrance Sunday. Being the Centenary, 100 years since the start of WWI, it feels even more poignant to remember those who gave their lives to protect the world that we live in today.
 
In 1918 on the 11th November, the eleventh month, an Armistice was signed between Britain and Germany, effectively ending the First World War with a ceasefire at eleven o’clock. It is hard to imagine the suffering of not only those who fought in the war, but the families who lost loved ones, often more than one. There are still people today who grieve the loss of the brave men and women who are fighting in conflicts abroad and they will certainly be in our thoughts tomorrow too. 
 
A Beautiful Remembrance Sunday service was held yesterday in Liverpool City Centre at the Cenotaph, with a parade of ex-servicemen marching and applauded by the crowd. It was wonderful to see so many people show their respects and gather together as a community to support each other in their loss and grief, whether personal or on a national scale. One of the most emotional and striking moments was the release of thousands of red poppies from St Georges Hall, cascading down over the crowd. They represented all the lives lost in World War One, which really put in to perspective the loss of life on such a large scale. It is no wonder we can often find it difficult to talk about death when generations before us lost so many people close to them.
 
Poppies released from St George's Hall
 
Many families will have been directly affected by the World Wars with some even having parents and grandparents who fought. My Great-Grandfather was born in 1899, and fought in the First World War. In May 1918, at the age of 19 he was captured at the 3rd Battle of Aisne, in France. Presumed missing or dead, his family were informed and I can only imagine the pain and heartache felt by his Mother in that moment. In this case, he managed to survive and made it home in 1919, but for many others this was not the outcome. As I have mentioned, for some this is their reality today, waiting for news and hoping this isn’t the day that their world falls apart. Please spare two minutes tomorrow and keep past and present families and servicemen and women in your thoughts.
 
My Great-Grandfather Stanley Charles Hayward 1899-1985
 
There is a short service at the Cenotaph in Liverpool City Centre tomorrow, November 11th at 11am for two minutes silence. We will never forget.

 
Image taken from liverpoolecho.co.uk
 
 

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Celebration Success!

Our Day of the Dead Altar @ Maya
The Day of the Dead Celebration on Sunday was a fantastic success. A number of wonderful people turned up with beautiful photographs of loved ones they have lost. They placed them on our altar surrounded by flowers and food offerings to celebrate and share stories of their departed loved one’s lives.
 
Some of the beautiful photos brought by attendees to the celebration
 
Once everyone became acquainted and enjoyed the delicious food at Maya and our homemade cookies and cupcakes, we each chose a card from our Dead Good deck of cards. Images on the cards relate to a subject surrounding death, dying and loss which people presented their interpretations of and shared personal experiences with the group.
 
It was inspiring to listen to the stories of people who have dealt with such loss and grief but manage to bring a positive and heart-warming outlook through sharing touching memories of those they have lost. Part of a discussion I was involved in brought up an interesting point about how uncomfortable people can feel when remembering funny instances and events in a deceased person’s life; that it is somehow disrespectful to speak about these moments. However, more than one member expressed that sometimes wit and comedy were at the heart of the loved one’s personality and pushing aside these memories is denying a part of who the person was.
 
Some of our lovely attendees
Day of the Dead teaches us that whilst we are hit with tremendous grief at the loss of someone close, through sharing stories, we can keep their memories alive and remember how they touched our lives.
 
At the end of the celebration, we all shared a tequila toast to the loved ones who have passed. In that moment it was comforting to know that whilst all of our experiences with death are unique and individual to us, we all experience it in one way or another.
 
Tequila toast
 
The Bucket Project would like to thank everyone who attended the celebration.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Day of the Dead Celebration

Autumn is already upon us, with Halloween fast approaching! Not only is Halloween a celebrated event for many people but Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is too. In Mexico people celebrate the Day of the Dead between October 31st and November 2nd and take this time to remember loved ones who have died. There are musical tributes and altars are set up containing colourful flowers, festive foods and photos of the deceased. This is a social time for many people who gather at gravesides to share stories and celebrate the lives of their family and friends.

Day of the Dead Altar
Image taken from gomexico.about.com
Many countries around the world now celebrate a Day of the Dead inspired event with the popular imagery of decorated skulls and bright colours. This is a direct contrast to the typical imagery associated with death and loss, usually black or dark colours and a sombre atmosphere. This celebration encourages people to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us and keep their ‘spirits’ alive through telling stories and bringing family and friends together.

Day of the Dead Skulls
Image from lamariposaimports.com
The Bucket Project would like to invite you to our very own Day of the Dead Celebration on Sunday 2nd November. Join us at Maya Bar (below Lucha Libre) between 4 and 6pm for a tequila toast to our departed loved ones in honour of Dia de los Muertos. Bring along a picture of them to display on our specially designed altar and participate in a Dead Good Game of Cards. This event is completely free and we welcome anyone to attend. Please see the contact details at the bottom of this post to confirm your place!

 
You can find Maya Bar (below Lucha Libre) on the map below: 


96 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ
 Book your place now by emailing amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk , alternatively you can phone 0151 801 1444 or message The Bucket Project on Facebook or Twitter.

Thursday 9 October 2014

Death du Jour: Logo Design

Can you help us out? We are piloting a brand new and exciting event named ‘Death du Jour’, where we use our specially created ‘death cards’ to start conversations around death, dying and loss. Currently, we are in the process of designing a logo for Death du Jour and want to know what you think. Does the logo fit with the theme? What could our strap line be?
 
Below are two examples of proposed logos that we will be putting to a designer. Which is the most effective? How could it be improved? Do you have a different idea entirely? Let us know by commenting on Facebook, replying on Twitter or emailing us directly at amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk.

Here is a stopwatch themed logo:



An alternative cog themed design:

 
 
Get in touch and let us know what you think, bad or good. We want people to know what kind of event this is through the logo and strap line. Would you attend a Death du Jour event? 
 

Thursday 25 September 2014

End of Year Three!

It has been a while since I last wrote a blog, here at The Bucket Project we have been busy organising events for the Autumn season from introducing our new ‘Death du Jour’ session to planning a fabulous Day of the Dead celebration. The details of these events will be posted here and on social media closer to the time.
 
At long last, we would like to present our End of Year Three Project Report. You can find out exactly what we have been up to over 2013 and 2014, from a Halloween Death Café, to a jam packed Dying Matters Awareness Week in May. The report is now available on the ‘Downloads’ page of the blog and is an interesting read.
 
 
 
If you like what you see and would be interested in becoming a member of The Bucket Project, email amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk. We will keep you regularly updated with the latest planned events and news, so get involved and help keep the topic of death alive!

Tuesday 12 August 2014

O Captain, My Captain…

Image from forevermagicmovies.blogspot.com
Many people will have awoken today to find out the upsetting news that actor Robin Williams has died. After suffering bouts of depression, it is suspected that he took his own life in his Californian home yesterday morning. He leaves behind a wife and three children, who our hearts go out to at this difficult time.
 
Robin Williams was best known for his superb talent in acting, allowing him to assume a wide variety of roles, capturing audiences around the world. Some of his most notable and memorable works are Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet’s Society and Mrs. Doubtfire, no doubt favourites of many a family. He was an actor that inspired many people through the characters he played, bringing a certain unique charm that filled you with hope and warmth.
 
Is it odd that we mourn celebrities that we have never personally met? This death will certainly affect a number of people whose only connection with him is watching a film through a television screen. It seems those we so regularly invite into our homes through a film or series become akin to that of extended family. We are also reminded that no one is immune to death, grief and loss, it happens to everyone, even the celebrities we so often idolise. I certainly haven’t escaped without shedding a tear for an actor I have grown up watching, an actor who has contributed to the shaping of my childhood through his portrayal of the genie in Aladdin, to Alan Parrish in Jumanji.
 
Image from cineplex.com
Much like talking about death is a taboo, talking about mental health is somewhat of a taboo in our society as well. Often when people need help the most, they are unsure who to turn to, but there are a number of UK charities that can support people suffering from a wide range of issues. ‘Mind’ is a nationwide service that provides advice, information and support for individuals and families regarding mental health. You can visit their website HERE.
 
There has been an outpouring of grief and remembrance on Twitter over the last 24 hours, with #RobinWilliams and #depression being in the top 10 trending hash tags. He was a kind-hearted man who inspired us in so many ways and will surely be missed by all of those who knew him.


Monday 4 August 2014

The Great War: On this day in 1914

Image taken from 67notout.com
2014 marks the one hundred year anniversary of the start of World War One. On August 4th 1914 at 11pm, after a failed ultimatum and the invasion of Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany, embarking on a bloody and horrific war that lasted four years. To mark this devastating moment, an artist has created a ‘lights out’ movement, to last for one hour between 10pm and 11pm this evening, where all lights except one or a candle are turned off to reflect on the events that unfolded a hundred years ago. You can find out more here http://www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out/.
 
Almost every living family today will have some form of connection with World War One, whether a grandfather or great-grandfather fought for their country, whatever the link it is still an emotional subject for many people. Every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we mark the armistice at the end of the Great War with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who sacrificed themselves. This year however, there are a number of events taking place across the UK to encourage people to learn more about World War One and share their family histories.
 
Image from nl.wikipedia.org
Maybe this World War contributed to the taboo surrounding talking about death, dying and loss. With grief and bereavement on such a national scale, it no doubt had an effect on the way that people approached the subject. For many it is difficult to imagine so many loved ones leaving for war, the uncertainty and despair, waiting to hear from your father, brother, husband. However for others, this fear is still very real, with family members fighting in conflicts across the world on a daily basis. A phrase we utter is ‘lest we forget’ though in some ways it seems we already have.
 
 

Thursday 10 July 2014

Celebrity Bucket List

Cheryl Cole recently revealed her near-death scare after contracting malaria in 2010 prompted her to create a Bucket List of her own. The large rose tattoo that has been the centre of controversy was one of the items on her list, she shared with Graham Norton on his show in June. However, she did give it rather a different name, which we won’t discuss here! The concept is the same, a near death experience encouraged her to start living life to the full and realise that life is short so make the most of it while you can.

Image from elleuk.com

It is easy to get bogged down in the chores and worries of everyday life; I know this from first-hand experience. But creating a Bucket List is a good way of focussing on what we want to achieve in our lives and what would make us happy. Whether you want to travel the world or bake your favourite cake, there’s no time like the present.

One famous Bucket List is that of John Goddard, an anthropologist. He created a list of nearly 130 adventures at the age of 15 and is well on the way to completing them with over 100 currently crossed off! From reading the works of Shakespeare to climbing the highest mountains, he has achieved a number of life goals that many of us can only dream of. Why not create a mini list today and attempt to cross them off by the end of the year?

Image from telegraph.co.uk

We want to know what is on YOUR Bucket List! Let us know on Twitter or Facebook #bucketlist

Monday 7 July 2014

Death neatly packaged

Here is a though-provoking extract from our April newsletter written by our very own Rachael McKindley about the food industry. 
 
I often wonder how many of the people who aren’t ready to talk about death, are vegetarians? Now, this article is neither for nor against meat eating or vegetarianism. I wanted to write about how we stare death in the face each time we walk in to a supermarket, past a butcher’s window, or pull that neat package of meat from the fridge.
 
Image from howtosurvivealieninvasionnovels.blogspot.com
To survive in life, we need to eat. And a lot of us choose to eat meat as part of our diet. How many of us appreciate that an animal had to die to sustain our life? We actively farm a range of animals to suit our dietary needs. This means animals that are born and bred into a life that consists of them being fed and given shelter, until someone deems them large enough to make a profit. It’s a clinical process that makes money from death. And we (meat eaters) buy in to it.
 
That the nice cut of meat, all neatly packaged, that you might be planning to have for your tea, is only here because an animal gave its’ life. By refusing to acknowledge this, are we disrespecting that animals’ sacrifice? If young children ask what meat they are eating, do you tell them the name of the animal it came from, or do you describe only the food? Is a burger just beef, or is it from a cow? We often try to shield children from death, for fear of upsetting them. Often, it is the adults’ fear that is preventing the child from developing a healthy understanding of where our food comes from.
 
Does it ever cross your mind, when you’re pushing a trolley through the aisles of your local supermarket, how many dead animal bodies you are surrounded by? Why does it horrify some to think of eating road kill? These animals lived natural, wild lives and they died living that life. Why is this worse than breeding and raising animals for the slaughter, just so they can be neatly packaged before arriving in our home? If we ever had to return to our hunter gathering days, would you be able to catch, kill and then skin an animal – to survive? Nowadays, we are in a position to pay someone else to do the farming and butchering. But have we forgotten that this still needs to happen?
 
Image from prlog.com
I think we do the animals that die to feed us a disservice by not honouring their sacrifice. We don’t need to dance around fires whilst chanting and ritualistically slaughtering animals ourselves; let’s just give them an occasional thought, and a thank you; for becoming a delicious meal that helps to sustain us through another day of life. I hope this article hasn’t changed anyone’s eating habits in any way. Though it’s important to note that vegetarians don’t escape guilt-free – many plants will die too, to provide you with those essential nutrients...

You can read more interesting articles like this by downloading our 5th Animal Edition Newsletter from the Downloads Page.

Monday 16 June 2014

Happy Belated Father's Day

Image from liagriffith.com
Happy belated Father’s Day for yesterday, to those of you lucky enough to have spent the day with someone close to you. Father’s Day is a time where you can take a moment to show a parent that you care. Whether you have a father, a father figure or are one yourself, we should make the most of every day and let the ones near us know they are loved, special and contribute a great deal to our lives.
 
Yesterday however, will have been a very difficult day for many people across the world whose Fathers are sadly no longer with us. I was close to losing my own father two years ago and was lucky enough to be given a second chance to tell him how special he is and how much I appreciate everything he does for me and the rest of my family. Unfortunately, a family close to my heart recently lost their father, a man who was often the centre of attention and always the life of the party. I am sure Father’s Day will have been extremely difficult for them, though I hope they were able to reminisce about the good times spent together as well as mourning their loss.
 
Enjoying quality time with my dad
Image by author
In time for Father’s Day, Marie Curie started a #DadMemories campaign, encouraging people to share memories of their dads accompanied by a picture. They are asking for donations to ensure more fathers are 'fathers for longer' and help those with a terminal illness to spend their final days surrounded by the people they love. Hundreds of people joined in to share their love and respect for the important men in their lives, you can view the pictures at http://www.pinterest.com/mariecurieuk/dadmemories/ .
 
Even though officially it was Father’s Day on Sunday 15th June, why not continue showing the people we care about that they are important? Let’s take a moment out of our busy schedules to let someone know we appreciate them, whether it is a Father, Mother, sibling, partner or friend. You might just brighten their day.
 
Marie Curie is launching the Blooming Great Tea Party 2014 this month. Find out how you can get involved and host your own tea party HERE.

What did you do for Father’s Day? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Friday 13 June 2014

It's Friday 13th!

Image from ravenblackcat.com
Batten down the hatches, the most superstitious day aside from Halloween, Friday the 13th is upon us. Not only has the supposed ‘unlucky’ 13th landed on a Friday, but it just so happens to coincide with a full moon, which won’t happen again until August 2049! Legends dictate that a full moon on Friday 13th will create the most misfortune and be the unluckiest day of the year. Many people will be too terrified to even leave the comfort of their own homes today as there are a number of superstitions attached to this date. Having a fear of Friday 13th is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia.

The origins of the superstitions surrounding this date are unknown, but attributed to a variety of possible sources worldwide. The number 13 is regularly thought of as unlucky, which may have a religious explanation.  There were 13 guests at the last supper, where Judas betrayed Jesus, who was supposed to have been crucified on a Friday. It was also speculated that Cain killed his brother Abel on Friday 13th, possibly giving an explanation for death and misfortune being closely linked with the date. A quirky interpretation is that numerologists view the number 12 as a ‘complete’ number (12 months in a year, 12 apostles etc.) which then makes 13 unnerving and ‘incomplete’.

There are many other mythical explanations for the unlucky association with 13. In Nordic myth, 12 gods attending a party were interrupted by a 13th, Loki an evil God who caused the death of a member of the group. In Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Friday was referred to as a very misfortunate day and was reportedly ‘hangman’s day’ in Britain creating an explicit link with death.

Similarly, there are a number of superstitious beliefs attached to a full moon, some are positive such as asking a full moon for money in your wallet will supposedly bring you wealth. Though famously, the full moon has been used in works of science fiction as a trigger for supernatural beings such as werewolves to transform and wreak havoc in the world. Many superstitions surrounding the full moon coincide with those of Friday 13th. Check out this list below of popular superstitions and spooky ‘facts’:

-    A haircut on Friday 13th will cause a family death
-    A passing funeral procession on Friday 13th means you will be next
-    It takes 13 witches to form a coven
-    Sleeping under a full moon will mean serious harm or death
-    Tarot card 13 is the death card depicted by a grim reaper
-    If 13 people sit at a table, the first to leave will die
 
Image from gaizy.hubpages.com
So why are we obsessed with death and superstition? People purposely avoid driving and other activities on Friday 13th as they truly believe it is a day full of misfortune and danger. These beliefs seem so rooted in modern society that many high rise and apartment buildings to this day omit the 13th floor and some airports do not have a 13th gate.

A psychology professor, Stuart Vyse suggests "If nobody bothered to teach us about these negative taboo superstitions like Friday the 13th, we might in fact all be better off”. Interestingly this statement applies to the taboo surrounding talking about death. Children are very matter of fact when it comes to this subject; it is only when as adults we impose our fears and superstitions on younger generations that issues become forbidden and taboo. One superstition that affects many people is the idea or fear that talking about death will make it happen sooner; in a sense you are ‘tempting fate’. But this is simply not true. Death is not a subject that we should think or talk about all the time, we should enjoy and make the most of life, however, we should not be afraid to discuss such an important topic and prepare for that certain eventuality we all will face.

Monday 9 June 2014

A Successful Dying Matters Awareness Week!

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014 was a fantastic success for The Bucket Project, with a number of events held across a wide range of venues. We met some very interesting and insightful people along the way who have been helping us to keep the topic of death alive. In case you didn’t get the chance to visit any of our events, here’s what happened during the week.
 
Monday 12th May
 
There were two launch events, at the Central Library and the Walker Art Gallery debuting our Remembrance Tree and ‘life’ and death’ interactive lettering, respectively. It was fantastic to see so many people contributing to our displays, building a better picture of what life and death means to the community in Liverpool. A number of school groups got involved and enjoyed writing and drawing on the 4ft lettering throughout the week, leaving some valuable interpretations.
 
Life and Death Letting @ The Walker Source: Author
 
Over four hundred people wrote touching messages to their departed loved ones and placed them on our Remembrance Tree. We made the tree out of recycled paper and packaging tape and printed a popular poem called ‘Dust if you must’ by Rose Milligan on the back of the leaves. We are currently discussing how the leaves will be displayed in the future. If you didn’t get a chance to leave your message to a loved one on our tree, don’t worry as we are planning on touring it around a number of popular venues in the near future.
 
Remembrance Tree @ Central Library Source: Author
 
Tuesday 13th May
 
On the second day of Dying Matters, we held a ‘Dead Write’ workshop at Central Library, where we discussed a wide range of topics and assessed how death, dying and loss is incorporated in works of poetry and ways you can approach this subject yourself. We were working in partnership with The Windows Project who facilitated this session. There was a small turnout for this particular event; however the discussion was fantastic, with members reading their own excerpts of poetry to the group and suggesting ideas for future work.
 
The ‘Death in Art’ tour took place at the Walker Art Gallery in the afternoon with many people extremely excited to learn about pieces of art on display that had themes of or were inspired by death. This tour then finished at our interactive lettering display, sparking discussion about life and death and the role that art can play in the formation of our interpretations.
 
Death in Art Tour @ The Walker Source: Author
 
In the evening, we rounded off Day 2 with an exclusive tour of the Science Fiction: New Death exhibition at FACT. This intriguing display dealt with themes of death in the future and was closely linked to the development of technology. This exhibition is open to the public until the 22nd of June 2014.
 
Wednesday 14th May
 
For Day 3, we held another ‘Dead Write’ session at the Central Library. We also met some interesting people at our information stands throughout the different venues, where our promotional pens were a hit, alongside our specially designed day of the dead coffin bookmarks. It was wonderful to see so many people filling in our chalk wall inspired cards, which asked ‘Before I die I want to…’ and 'In my life I want to...', producing some interesting results! From travelling the world, to finding the one, everyone has their own goals and dreams.
 
Thursday 15th May
 
Day 4 of Dying Matters Week and a busy one at that! We held another Death in Art tour followed by our very first Life and Death Café at the Walker, discussing elements of life and death whilst eating nourishing food and drinking delicious tea and coffee. It is always an enlightening experience, discussing such an important topic with like-minded strangers. You never leave without having learned something new about the world and how different people perceive death.
 
People enjoying the Death in Art Tour @ The Walker Source: Author
 
Friday 16th May
 
One of my favourite events was the Vintage Tea Party we arranged to inform people about what is happening in their local Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool. This event was a huge success with staff, patients, volunteers and visitors enjoying our homemade cakes and free refreshments. People who don’t often come in to contact on a daily basis had a chance to get to know each other and the roles each of them play in the hospice. It was refreshing to hear patients talk about how they appreciated many different services the hospice provides, such as complementary therapy. This conversation gave us an insight in to the still prevalent issue that people do not know what services are available to them until they are in a vulnerable position. We believe that it is an essential part of the project to not only break down the taboo around talking about death, but to inform people in the community of what care and end of life care options are available to them, even if they are not necessary at the present time.
 
Some of our delicious homemade cakes at the Vintage Tea Party @ Marie Curie Hospice,
Woolton Source: Author
 
We continued serving homemade cake throughout the evening at our Life and Death Café at Siren, 54 St James Street, to celebrate Light Night. Not only was the venue beautiful but we met sixteen amazing people, from a diverse range of backgrounds who came together to discuss the topics of life and death. So many subjects were discussed, from archaeology and complementary medicine, to the symbolism of colours and the feelings they provoke inside us.
 
Our fantastic Life and Death Café discussion group @ Siren Source: Author
 
Saturday 17th May
 
It was an early start for the penultimate day of Dying Matters Awareness Week in The Garden at Fact by Leaf. We hosted a ‘Dead Good Cookie Decorating’ session for children and parents. We had some superbly decorated day of the dead- style cookies that tasted just as good as they looked! Have a peek at the pictures below to see some of the weird and wonderful designs!
 
A creatively decorated cookie
Source: Author
Decoration in action! In The Garden @ FACT by LEAF
Source: Author
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We then strolled over to the World Museum where two ‘Meet the Mummy’ sessions were taking place. These were unique performances specially opened to the public for this occasion, providing an insight in to the ancient world of Egyptian practices of mummification with the children taking centre stage, playing the roles of embalmer, high priest and Anubis.
 
Sunday 18th May
 
What could be better than a celebration for the final day of an amazingly successful Dying Matters Awareness Week? In partnership with the Treasure House Theatre at the World Museum, we put on a ‘Day of the Dead Drop-In’ where nearly seventy people attended to make masks and put a wish on the Mexican Wishing Tree whilst listening to Dia de los Muertos music.
 
Day of the Dead Drop-In celebration @ The World Museum Source: Author
 
All in all, this week was a fantastic success, with our events reaching roughly 700 people directly and potentially reaching in the region of 380,000 through our very own Rachael McKindley being featured on the BBC Merseyside Drivetime show throughout the week! Taking in to consideration visitor numbers to each venue, we estimate to have reached over 400,000 people with this years Dying Matters theme 'You Only Die Once'. We are extremely grateful to our many partners who made the events possible and thank our members and the public who continually support the project and help keep the topic of death alive.
 
Why not become a member? Email us at amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk and be the first to find out about our upcoming events! You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
 

Thursday 15 May 2014

Day 4: Dying Matters Awareness Week

It is now Day 4 of Dying Matters Awareness Week and we still have a number of exciting events happening across Liverpool! Here are the events for today:
 
 
The Death in Art tour was well received on Tuesday and is extremely interesting. So don’t worry if you missed out on that, come along to the session today from 1-2pm.
 
Our very own Life and Death Café will be taking place from 2:30-4pm. The layout is very similar to a 'Death Cafe', however The Bucket Project are working in partnership with Cheshire Living Well Dying Well to host the event, which encompasses the life element. This is a safe and comfortable environment for people to discuss life and death, whilst enjoying free tea, coffee and cake. You do not need to book for this event so come along and join in, you might just be pleasantly surprised!
 
Don’t forget, the interactive lettering, postcards and Remembrance Tree are available all week in the Walker and Central Library, respectively.
 
For more information, email amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk.

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Day 3: Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014

We had a fantastic day yesterday, with our wonderful Dead Write workshop taking place between 11am-1pm. The discussion was extremely interesting, covering topics from trees and life to the therapeutic qualities of reading and writing poetry. Don’t worry if you missed this session, we have another taking place today from 5:30-7:30pm at Central Library. Ask for the Dead Write workshop at the information desk and they will point you in our direction!


Below is an excerpt of a poem written by Dave Ward from The Windows Project, who we have been working with in partnership to bring the Dead Write sessions to life.
 
I want to touch the clouds
But I cannot see them
For they are all around me
And you cannot see me
And I cannot see you anymore
Although I remember you –

The way you always were
Walking beside me through the fields,
Yellow, ochre, amber, green –
And we are side by side
And we kiss by the tree
As if we never kissed before
And we have never kissed before
For we are young again

If you would like to find out more about The Windows Project or contact Dave Ward to read more of his inspiring work, click HERE.

In other exciting news, BBC Radio Merseyside has been featuring different pieces each day surrounding the topics of death, dying and loss. You can find last night’s exclusive interview with Alison Germain on how to approach death with children HERE. Skip to 1:38:00 to hear the segment.

What have you been doing for Dying Matters Awareness Week this year? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter #YODO.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Day 2: Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014

The launch of our Dying Matters Awareness Week events went off with a bang! The Remembrance Tree at Central Library is already blooming with special leaves left in memory of loved ones and the pristine white ‘Life and Death’ lettering at The Walker has had its first splashes of colour. Take a look at the pictures below:

Life and Death Lettering @ The Walker

Remembrance Tree @ Central Library

Don’t forget, these installations are here from the 12th-18th May so you can still write your message on the tree and leave your mark on our community art piece if you haven't already. Let’s take a look what else we have in store for you today!

There is a ‘Dead Write’ workshop from 11-1pm @ Central Library, followed by a ‘Death in Art’ Tour @ The Walker from 1-2pm. We will be rounding off this busy day with an exclusive tour of the Science Fiction: New Death Tour @ FACT between 5 and 6pm.


If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact us at amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk or download your programme of  events from here.


Sunday 11 May 2014

Launch of Dying Matters Week 2014

As you may know, tomorrow we are kicking off Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014 with three launch events taking place in The Walker Art Gallery, Central Library and The World Museum. We will be there to answer any questions you may have and we want to know what you think about the exciting events we have in store for the rest of the week!

Launch times for Monday 12th May:


Don’t worry if you can’t make these launch times however, we will be in and out of each of these venues throughout the week. If you want to find out more about The Bucket Project or book a place at one of our free events email amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk. You can download your free programme of events here

Which event are you looking forward to? Let us know on Twitter #YODO

Thursday 1 May 2014

Programme of Events - Dying Matters 2014

The Bucket Project would like to officially present our Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014 programme of events!

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014 is taking place from the 12th-18th May and this year’s theme is You Only Die Once or #YODO for short. We have prepared a number of exciting, free and fun events in a range of venues across Liverpool so make sure you check out the timetable below to find out dates and times.
 
 Here is an overview of what’s going on in the week:

Walker Art Gallery:
Have you ever wanted to help create a work of art? We want you to show us what symbolises Life and Death for you and to write or draw your interpretation of these words on our Hollywood-style lettering. You can also join us for a Life & Death Café or guided Death in Art tours. Events at the Walker Art Gallery are organised by The Bucket Project in partnership with Cheshire Living Well Dying Well.
 
World Museum:
Are you brave enough to Meet the Mummy and discover the secrets of Ancient Egyptian embalming? How about joining in with a Day of the Dead dance or placing a wish on the wishing tree? We have three Meet the Mummy sessions on 17th May and a Day of the Dead Drop-In on 18th May. Our information stand will be available throughout the week where you will be able to pick up a free Day of the Dead inspired coffin bookmark. All events are family friendly and completely free.
 
Central Library:
Writing is a way of seeing – the ordinary and the extraordinary, from your own street to the landscape of your dreams. Everyone has a voice that is valuable and unique. We are hosting two specially themed writing advice sessions called "Dead Write" in partnership with the Windows Project. You can also take a leaf out of our book and leave a message on our Remembrance Tree or pick up a free Day of the Dead inspired coffin bookmark.
 
FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology):
Join us for a one-off guided tour of the current exhibition – Science Fiction: New Death, which runs until 22nd June 2014. Explore how our relationship with technology has blurred the lines between the real and the virtual with thought-provoking installations from a number of artists. The exhibition is presented as a deconstructed film set, with the curator acting as director and the artists as actors. Our tour takes place on 13th May from 5-6pm. Please book your place to avoid disappointment.
 
The Garden at FACT by LEAF:
Bring the family and join us for a fun morning where we will have specially prepared Ginger-Dead men and Mexican Day of the Dead Sugar Skull cookies ready for you to decorate with colourful icing and tasty toppings. We can even wrap your cookies for you to take as a gift, if you can't resist eating them first! Great food and great conversation, what else are you doing on a Saturday morning?
 
Siren @ 54 St James Street: LIGHT NIGHT
Do something different on a Friday night and celebrate Liverpool's one night art and culture festival; Liverpool Light Night where many venues across the city stay open late. We’re hosting a Life & Death Café, which comes under the Words & Debate section of the Light Night programme. The aim of this special cafe is to break down the barriers to discussing death, dying and loss in a comfortable, relaxing environment whilst eating sustaining and nourishing food in the company of like-minded people.
 
Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool:
Join The Bucket Project for a Vintage Tea Party at the Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool and find out more about our range of services whilst enjoying delicious sandwiches, tea and cake. It will be held in the gorgeous vintage setting of our beautiful conservatory, where the atmosphere will be comfortable and relaxing, with the added bonus of good food and excellent conversation. We hope you can join us for an inspiring afternoon.
 
You can download the full programme from the downloads page, alongside all of our promotional event posters.
 
For more information feel free to contact us at amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk

Thursday 24 April 2014

Pet Remembrance

Here is another intriguing excerpt from our latest newsletter:
 
Pets are an important part of many households, often becoming a member of the family. When they pass away, we want to honour them, much like we do with human loved ones. You might be surprised, but there is almost as wide a range of options for animals as there is for people.

This isn’t a modern practice; we have been burying and remembering our furry friends for thousands of years! Have you given thought to how you will remember your pet and how they will be laid to rest?

Take a look at these weird and wacky ways that animals have been honoured after death:
 
Mummified Moggies
In ancient Egypt, cats were seen as mysterious and were linked with certain deities. Sometimes owners would mummify their deceased cats in the hope they would join them in the afterlife. Others were used as offerings to their god or goddess counterparts and buried in cat cemeteries. These weren’t the only animals to be preserved by the Egyptians, dogs and birds have been found mummified and stored inside pots.
 
Image from newsdesk.si.edu

Man’s Best Friend
In the Middle Stone Age in Scandinavia, roughly 6,000 years ago, some of the first cemeteries were created and they included dogs! The graves of the hounds were remarkably similar to the human ones, showing they were loyal companions even then.
The ‘Perpetual Pet’
Some people can’t bear to part with a beloved pet, well there’s no need to in this day and age with specialised freeze-dry pet preservation technology. The deceased are put through a specialised process for up to 6 months and returned to their owner perfectly in tact and preserved in their natural state ready to re-join the household.

Extravagant Equines
Cats and dogs aren’t the only animals that people have lovingly buried in the past. Some people experience lifelong bonds with horses, with spectacular burials being discovered across the world. In China there were chariot burials and in the ancient Pazyryk Culture in Russia they elaborately adorned their horses and buried them with their riders when dead.
 
Image from pinterest.com
 
 
You can download the full newsletter here!

Monday 14 April 2014

Anguished Animals

Check out this article featured in our latest newsletter:
 
Image from forumserver.twoplustwo.com
 
Much like we experience grief after the loss of a loved one, some species of animals experience this too, in a range of ways. Scientists have observed behaviours that seem to indicate certain animals are grief-stricken and feeling the loss of a mate, friend or the remains of one of their species. Here are some examples:

Elephants are extremely emotional animals, easily bonding with other elephants or the humans who care for them. These deep attachments can lead to terrible grief when a loved one dies. When herds come across elephant bones, skulls and tusks they touch and explore the remains, sometimes carrying them away.

Chimpanzees’ close genetic makeup to humans means they get some of our faults as well. The primates are known to become distressed when they lose close members of their groups. The animals will often cry, refuse food, mope and separate themselves during grieving periods.
 
Image from Brendansadventures.com
 
Geese are very serious about commitment, devoting themselves to one bird for a lifetime. After a goose dies, its mate will undergo a rigorous mourning process, including weight loss, separation from the flock and submission to other geese. Eventually, the goose will find a new mate in another bird that has lost its partner.

Stereotypes say that cats are loners, but observation has shown that many felines grieve when they lose an owner or cat friend. This process can include running away, not eating, excessive meowing and house-training mistakes.

Sea lions have been seen to cry out in anguish when their babies are taken by predators. A sea lion will continue wailing in mourning after its child has died. The same behaviour has also been seen in sea lions dealing with companions taken by hunters.

Wolves also mourn lost pack members. After the death of a wolf, the remainder of the pack walk with their heads and tails held low – a sign of depression. They no longer howl as a group, but each cries in their own way. This behaviour often lasts for a few weeks.
 
Image from sodahead.com
 
Grief is not just a human emotion; it’s something that many different species feel. We all grieve in our own way, why would it be so difficult to think that other living beings don’t feel the loss of a loved one as heavily as we can?
 
Read the full animal edition newsletter here!