Our shining lights

She is referring to parents who are trying to cope with the loss of a child.

And this is why the leader of the Singleton Chapter of Compassionate Friends helps to organise a special ceremony each year.

“It is not a religious service, it is just a quiet, informal and relatively short gathering to honour and remember our children who have passed away at any age and from any cause,” she explains.

“And it’s not just for members of the chapter; it is for anyone who has lost a child and their siblings as well.  

“We get a lot of people who just come to the ceremony once a year and not to anything else.”

Pauline lost her son in a car accident 18 years ago and has been involved in the group ever since.

“The ceremony is followed by a light supper in case people want to stay and have a chat with someone in a similar situation,” she told The Argus.

“We always usually get a good turn out and the feedback it positive. 

“People often tell us attending the memorial candle night makes them feel close to their lost child.  

“But, in the end, it doesn’t really matter how many people come as long as those who do get something out of it.

“A very special part of the ceremony is when those who have lost a child get a chance to place a specially supplied token in their honour on the Tree of Life and then light a candle.”

The service will take place at the Parish Hall at All Saints on Sunday, December 7, at 7pm.

The hall is located on the corner of Goulburn and Bishopgate streets.