Hundreds of people gathered together to remember their loving Fathers and Grandfathers on Sunday 18th June 2017 on the greens of Kemnal Park Gallantry field.

For days like Father’s Day, children who have their Fathers with them will plan for weeks to organise activities, lunch, gifts etc. to make their Fathers feel extra special. On the other hand, days like this become even tougher for those who have lost their Fathers. Some visit their beloved Father’s grave, some reflect on memories, some say a prayer, and some don’t know what to do, other than missing the most important man of their lives even more.

Kemnal Park Cemetery and Memorial Gardens organised a balloon release with the theme “Send a little love…”. This was a non-religious remembrance event where families gathered together, wrote little messages of love and tied them with the balloons.

It was a beautiful summer day to remember the Fathers who have sadly gone before us. Father’s were remembered through a couple of poems and by observing a minute’s silence. Families also remembered the late PC Keith Palmer who lost his life in the Westminster attack, all the victims of recent attacks in Manchester and London, and the victims of Grenfell Tower fire. As Park Manager Frank Meilack’s whistle marked the end of the silence, families released their balloons and sent their little note of love.

Fathers were then celebrated with some light refreshments and cold drinks. Some families walked around the newly opened Woodland Burial and Memorial area, some enjoyed the sun on the Gallantry greens, some just sat under the shade of big oak trees.

Kemnal Park has raised over £1200 for MindCare Dementia Support, a local charity providing dementia support in the London boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham to help adults with dementia stay in their homes and local communities.

Submitted by Insia Ishtiaq