Remembrance Events in Liverpool

28-29th November 2015

Our Day of the Dead celebrations are taking place this weekend in Liverpool City Centre at the Central Library and World Museum. Over the road at St George’s Hall, you can also pay your respects and view the beautiful poppy installation, Weeping Window, which will be on public display until January 17.

Photograph taken from Liverpool Echo

Remembering the dead can be a community experience, and although it may not appear to be everybody’s cup of tea, around 150,000 people came to see the poppies at St George's Hall in the first week they went on show. This astounding number is more than all of the people who saw the Weeping Window installation on show at a Northumberland museum over seven weeks.

Paul Cummins, who created the sculpture with designer Tom Piper, paid tribute to the people of Liverpool in a letter to the ECHO. He said: “I was so overwhelmed and delighted by the impressive display of Weeping Window at St George’s Hall. I was especially taken aback at the way that people of Liverpool have taken the installation to heart, showcasing their appreciation for the project and the install of Weeping Window itself.”

Weeping Window initially formed part of the larger installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which was on display at the Tower of London in 2014. Every ceramic flower represents a life lost by British and Commonwealth forces in WWI.

The display at the Tower of London

Photograph taken from Defence Imagery MOD

So if you’re in the city this weekend to see the Weeping Window, do a bit of shopping or visit one of the many attractions Liverpool has to offer – then call into Liverpool Central Library or the World Museum. Keeping the memory of late loved ones alive is a positive way to deal with loss. We don’t talk about the lives of the dead comfortably enough, and just because they’re gone from our view, doesn’t mean they are gone from our hearts.

Photo from The Bucket Project 

Bring along a photograph for our Day of the Dead altar at either event and we’ll have some frames available for you to use. Take time to personalise yours at our special craft station. If you haven’t got a photo we can use, you and any children you bring, may like to draw a picture, colour in or just write a few words. 

Photo from The Bucket Project 

Day of the Dead "Mexico" Celebrations

November 2015

Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday typically celebrated on 1st and 2nd November. The purpose of these days is to celebrate and remember those that have died. Too often, we don't get the chance to talk about our loved ones who have passed, as some people shy away from what they perceive to be "morbid." Keeping the memory alive of those important to us can help with the grieving process, no matter how long it has been. We learn to live with our grief and trying to forget about the dead doesn't often help. We provide a safe space to remember, chat and leave a memorial photograph on our beautifully decorated altar.

Photograph from our November 2014 celebration

The tradition of honouring our ancestors and remembering the dead has a long standing history. All Souls' and All Saints' Days are observed on the same dates as the Day of the Dead. In modern times, people continue to create colourful altars adorned with photographs of departed loved ones, paper flowers, decorated skulls, candles and offerings of food that the deceased enjoyed whilst saying nice things and sharing happy stories of the deceased.

Our hand-decorated sugar skulls, mug and snow globe

These events help recognise that death is a natural part of the human experience; a continuum with birth, childhood and growing up. On these days, the dead re-join the community to share in the celebrations with their loved ones. We want to remember the dead throughout the year and will be organising a number of events at various locations.

Our next Day of the Dead celebrations are connected to Mexico. The prestigious venues have either a recent exhibition, or have just had one linked to Mexico. Recently, the World Museum was the only UK location to host the Mayas exhibition - you can find images of the fascinating objects that were on display here: Mayas: revelation of an endless time.

Liverpool Central Library are hosting Frida and Me: an exhibition about Frida Kahlo, who died in 1954 at the age of 47, and who is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Using Frida’s self-portrait as the main axis and guide, children will be able to question themselves about notions of their own life, and while playing, can get involved in several notions of art.

Both celebrations are completely free and suitable for all ages. These events could be a useful way of talking about death with children in a positive and friendly atmosphere with tools to help and direct your conversations. 

The first Day of the Dead event is on Saturday 28th November 2015 at Liverpool Central Library from 1-3pm.

Liverpool Central Library

Photograph taken from Wikipedia

The second event is on Sunday 29th November 2015 at the World Museum from 2-4pm.

World Museum Liverpool

Photograph taken from Wikipedia

Alongside our colourful altar will be a craft stall where you can decorate your own frame. Bring along a photograph or send us one in advance and we'll print it for you. We'd love it if you would also share a story about the person who died to accompany their photograph. Please email Rachael for more information.

Decorated frames on our beautiful altar

So Long, Farewell...

I (Amy) am writing today to say goodbye to The Bucket Project and our supporters; I am moving on to another role within the Marie Curie Hospice. It has been a privilege to work on this project and I have learned so much. I have met so many interesting people this past year and a half and would like to thank each and every one of you for discussing such a difficult topic with me and sharing your experiences.

 

The work the project undertakes is so important because it is essential that people try and plan for the future and be able to discuss the subjects of death, dying and loss. Whilst I am sad to be leaving, I am sure that whoever takes my place will bring their own creativity, flair and imagination to help progress the project.

 

Here are some of my favourite moments:

 

  

 

 

 

 

Thank you for this experience and remember, help keep the topic of death alive in Liverpool!

Photograph Appeal

 

The Bucket Project will be touring their Day of the Dead Celebration around Liverpool and would like you to contribute a photo of your late loved one. Add to our altar of touching pictures and memories and ensure your loved one is remembered.

 

We want to encourage people to share their happy memories of departed loved ones and remember them for the person they were. We shouldn’t be afraid to remember the good times after someone close to us dies, we should cherish the time we did have with them.

 

Our Day of the Dead Celebrations provide a comfortable space in a social setting where people we have loved and lost can be discussed freely. Participant have said others can block conversations about those who have died, for fear of being morbid or depressing. When we gather to celebrate lives that have passed, it is with a feeling of peace and nostalgia blanketed in heart-warming memories.

 

The Day of the Dead altars are colourful and bright, decorated with paper flowers and patterned skulls. You can design your own frame or send us your picture and we’ll frame it for you. We do ask that you also send us the person’s name and a little bit about them to go on the back of the frame. To find out when our next events take place, become a member of The Bucket Project and receive regular updates, by simply sending us your email address.

 

A touching photograph brought to our November
Day of the Dead Celebration

A tribute written on the frame

If you would like to make a contribution to our Day of the Dead altar, you can email your photographs and stories to rachael.mckindley@mariecurie.org.uk. Alternatively you can post, or drop off, a copy of your photo with text, to:

 

The Bucket Project
Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool
Speke Road
Woolton
Liverpool
L25 8QA

 

Please do not send us original photographs as we may not be able to return them to you.

Dying Matters Week Review 2015

We kicked off this year’s Dying Matters Week with a ‘Memories’ event at the Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool. We invited people to share their stories of loved ones who have passed whilst sipping tea and eating cake. There were some really touching moments shared and placed on our daffodil wall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main event took place on Thursday 21st May named ‘This Event Won’t Kill You!’ at Quaker Meeting House, where stallholders from a number of specialist fields, such as funeral planning and organ donation, provided information and advice. Alongside informative displays there were interactive pieces, such as our 4ft ‘DEATH’ lettering and popular remembrance tree.

 

 

 

 

To round off the week, our final event, ‘May Day of the Dead’ took place at the stylish Siren Café on St. James Street. This was well attended with a group discussing lost loved ones and the topics of life and death.

 

 

 

We would like to thank our members, partners and hosts, who made these events possible. And don’t forget, Talk, Plan, Live!

This Year's Dying Matters Events in Liverpool

As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (18-24 May 2015), The Bucket Project is hosting three events: ‘Memories’ at Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool; ‘This Event Won’t Kill You’ at Quaker House; and ‘May Day of the Dead Celebration’ at Siren Café.

 

The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015 is ‘Talk, Plan, Live’, an action-focused theme emphasising that we only get one chance to have our dying wishes met, which is why it’s vital to talk, plan and make arrangements for the end of life – before it’s too late. The Bucket Project will be launching their brand new ‘5 Things To Do Before You Die’ practical booklet, which covers:  

• Talking to your loved ones about end of life wishes 
• Making it legal and writing a will 
• Planning for your funeral and recording the details 
• Considering organ donation and sharing your decision 
• Thinking about your future care needs

Here are the details of the three events organised by The Bucket Project:

 

‘Memories’ – Marie Curie

Wednesday 20th May from 1-3pm

Marie Curie Hospice, Woolton, L25 8QA

 

 

We invite you to share a photograph and a story of your late loved one with a warm drink and slice of cake. We’re creating a Memory Wall for friends and families of the people cared for by Marie Curie.

 

We often tend to focus on the sadness and loss when someone dies, but it’s also good to take time to remember and celebrate the life they lived and the memories made. Members of staff and volunteers will be in attendance to listen to your stories and share some of their own.

 

‘This Event Won’t Kill You’

Thursday 21st May from 10am-5pm

Quaker House, School Lane, L1 3BT

 

 

Unique to the Northwest: open event with a range of stalls, talks, discussions and displays. Call in between 10am-5pm to find out everything you need to know about end of life and death. See the launch of our special ‘5 Things To Do Before You Die’ practical booklet along with our remembrance tree and altar, interactive DEATH lettering, Before I Die postcards and much more. Be one of the first to take part in this special event, in partnership with: Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool, Age Concern, Sahir House, Jackson Canter Quality Solicitors, Woodlands Hospice, Liverpool CCG, Co-operative Funeralcare, Child Bereavement UK, Philosophy in Pubs, Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool, Tower Law, Liverpool CCG and Liverpool Bereavement Service.

 

‘May Day of the Dead Celebration’

Saturday 23rd May from 1-3pm

Siren Café, St James Street, L1 0AB

 

 

Toast departed loved ones and bring along a photograph of them to display on our altar, or send us one in advance and we can print it for you. Join us for free cake, drinks and conversation. A relaxed and casual event based on the Mexican tradition Dios de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead); it is typically celebrated on 1st November but we’re bringing a spring theme and hosting a ‘May Day of the Dead Celebration’. Photographs of departed loved ones will sit in decorated frames alongside colourful skulls and paper flowers. We talk about the lives of those passed and try not to focus on the sadness of our loss. The event ends with a toast, a smile and a sense of keeping their memories alive.

 

“This year, a key theme to our events is remembrance and celebrating the lives of the people we loved. Sometimes, we tend to focus on the sadness of their death and we want people to remember the happier times of their life. Our ‘Memories’ and ‘May Day of the Dead Celebration’ aim to provide a space to come together and share memories of those that have died. The open day ‘This Event Won’t Kill You’ will provide practical advice, interesting talks and creative displays and we have a number of charities, services and businesses hosting information stalls and leading a number of interesting discussions.”

 

- Rachael McKindley, Project Manager of The Bucket Project

 

For further information regarding The Bucket Project, please call Rachael McKindley on 0151 801 1488 or e-mail at: rachael.mckindley@mariecurie.org.uk. Alternatively, you can follow us on Facebook at the following address: www.facebook.com/TheBucketProject.

 

 

New Resolutions for a New Year?

Happy New Year from The Bucket Project! Hopefully you had an enjoyable time over the holidays.

 

Image from 1234newyear.com

In December I wrote a post encouraging you to visit those you care about that may be lonely or find Christmas a difficult period, as your time can often be the most valuable present. It turns out that I had to take my own advice over the holidays after an unexpected bereavement in the family. Admittedly, I was nervous before approaching the difficult and sometimes awkward conversation of ‘giving my condolences’. What do you say? What don’t you say? Whilst there might be obvious choices that would not be appropriate in that particular situation, your presence and a listening ear can really provide reassurance and some consolation.

 

I realise more than ever, the importance of being inquisitive and asking questions about your loved one’s lives or upbringing. A year ago I suggested creating a ‘Memory Book’ together with your family or children to record special events and memorable moments, you can view it HERE. Whilst this is a fabulous way of making new memories, why not give older loved ones a book where they can tell their story? You can buy pre-made examples online from a number of sources or you can personalise your own with questions such as:

 

• How did you feel when I was born?
• Tell me about a memorable Christmas in your childhood.
• What was school like?

 

Any of these questions will give you an insight in to the lives of close friends and family prior to your relationship with them. Often people have so many interesting stories to tell, which would be lovely to keep as a reminder of them after they have passed.

 

wanderingamericantravelblog.com

Maybe this year when making resolutions, we could think about those we care about a little more. Instead of changing aesthetical aspects of ourselves such as losing weight, we think about a change on the inside. How about making a conscious effort to consider ways we can help others, such as picking up shopping for an elderly friend or spending an hour with someone we love.

 

I hope that 2015 is a happy and prosperous year for everyone and that people can find the strength and support they need when difficult times arise.

 

If you have been struggling to cope with bereavement or grief, below are some websites you may find helpful:

Dying Matters
Macmillan
Marie Curie

Mother's Day 2014

Image from etsy.com

Mother’s Day is fast approaching for people in Britain and Ireland, falling on the 30th March. However, across the globe it is celebrated on a number of dates throughout the year. Whatever the date, the message is still the same- take the time to honour your mother and let her know that you love and appreciate her.

For those who have lost their mothers in one way or another, this day will be a little harder than for most. Below is a touching and emotional quote from someone who has experienced this loss first hand:

“It may be painful to realise that your Mum isn't there on a day which focuses so heavily on the role and importance of a mother no matter how long she has been gone. But we can still be thankful that they gave us life and for the time we spent with them. We can still celebrate them in our own way. After 24 years I still think about my Mum every day in some small way. It could be when I'm talking to someone and her voice comes out of my mouth or if I hear The Stylistics or The Sweet! Terrible taste in music! It can be when I'm using one of her recipes or looking at photos. I like to think that a part of her lives on in me; the part that makes me a good mother and that's why I still wish her Happy Mother's Day in my own way.”

How about making a Bucket List for your kids of things you would like them to do, achieve and experience? You can work through this together, helping them tick off items and it can also act as guide if you are no longer with them. If you are lucky enough to still have your mum around, don’t just celebrate the special occasions, make memories with them while you can.

 

Poem written by Rebekah Night

 

Whether it is taking your Mum out for Sunday roast or looking back on fond memories, this day is prominent for many people. What will you being doing for Mother’s Day? Let us know on Twitter #MothersDay

New Year, Old Memories

Image from www.juniorathletics.co.uk

Happy New Year from The Bucket Project! My name is Amy King and I am the new Administrative Assistant at Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool. 

The celebration of a new year has been around since ancient times, with the first recorded celebration thought to date back to 4,000 years ago! Cultures around the world mark the beginning of a new year with their own individual rituals and events, from eating a specific food to setting off fireworks. One of the most recognised traditions here in Britain is to make ‘resolutions’, often regarding self-improvement from losing weight to quitting smoking. However, the hectic lives we lead today are encouraging people to spend more time with their families and friends. Recent personal events have showed me that making memories are just as important as recording them to remember and share in the future.

As you can imagine, I am thrilled to be embarking upon this journey with The Bucket Project and I am eager to meet new faces at our future events this year. Joining the team has made me realise that life is also a journey and can be an exciting one at that. Whilst creating a bucket list is fantastic, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the experiences you have already had. Writing a memory book can be a great way to capture the important events that have happened in your life and share them with the future generations of your family.

Image from www.temptationgifts.com

Memory books are one option for storing memories and are available to buy online or in high street stores. These are great for working through with family and friends and if you have a creative side why not attempt to make a personalised book including photos and other special memorabilia? If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some starting points:

• What is your earliest childhood memory?

• What fashion style was popular when you were younger?

• Did you have a favourite song? What is your favourite now?

The possibilities are endless and this is a unique way to pass on your memories to your loved ones, which can stay with them after you are gone. So why not make writing a memory book one of your resolutions this year? What other resolutions have you made? Tell us at @Bucket_Project.