by Lorraine Gibson
Everyone is invited to be part of a spectacular, candle-lit tribute being staged by Lewis Manning Hospice Care at the Ark in Poole Park to celebrate and remember loved ones.
Candles on the Lake is a shimmering, floating-light display that offers an uplifting and moving experience to friends and families as they gather to light memorial candles to the sound of musicians and choirs preforming in the background.
Not only is the event free, but the parking is too.

Vicki Gray, fundraising manager, said, “It is free for all to join, so tell friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family to come along to this fabulous evening.
“We encourage supporters to make an online donation for a candle (or candles) prior to the event to avoid any disappointment, alternatively, candles will be available on the night. If you’d like to add a personal dedication, facilities to write your own message will be available.
“Candles on the Lake will be a memorable and meaningful celebration.
“Music will be performed by local musicians and a short reflective reading will be given by Jo Sharkey, bereavement lead at Lewis-Manninge. Volunteers from Rockley Watersports will place the candles on the lake to create a magical display of lights.
“We’re asking people to donate a suggested £5 per candle.
“If three people donated this amount, it could cover the cost of a one-hour telephone call or visit, providing support to a grieving family.”

The barriers at Poole Civic Centre multi-storey car park will be lifted at 5pm on the day to allow the public to park free of charge.
Then it is just a short walk to where the event will be held and a traffic-lighted pedestrian crossing will ease access into the park.
All candles will be floated safely onto the lake, so as not to affect plants and wildlife in the area.
All the flameless candles are collected at the end of the evening by dedicated volunteers to ensure there is no litter and will be reused in subsequent years.
The event takes place at The Ark, Poole Park, at 6pm on Saturday, October 15.
Find out more at: lewis-manning.org.uk/candles-on-the-lake.