Communities across Merseyside will be able to come together online to mark Father’s Day on Sunday 20 June with a special series of readings.
Led by the Merseyside Bereavement Team, each local authority will share readings on their social media feeds that will give to support those who have lost their fathers, or fathers who have lost children, to come together in a moment of reflection.
The online readings are an alternative to visiting cemeteries and gardens of remembrance on Sunday which are still subject to social distancing guidelines.
Virtual readings will take place at the following times:
• 11.30am – St Helens Borough Council
• 12.30pm – Liverpool City Council
• 1.30pm – Wirral Borough Council
• 2.30pm – Sefton Cemetery and Crematorium
• 3.50pm – Merseyside Father’s Day Finale
Liverpool’s reading will be led by The Reverend Juliet Stephenson, after which a new memorial plaque dedicated to lost fathers will be blessed.
Liverpool City Council’s social media feeds are www.twitter.com/lpoolcouncil and www.facebook.com/lpoolcouncil
The Merseyside finale film will feature excerpts from all the local authority readings.
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, Councillor Abdul Qadir, said: “Father’s Day is a special date in the calendar for Liverpool families, but for people whose fathers have passed away, or for fathers who have lost children, it is also a time for quiet reflection.
“Social distancing guidance may limit our ability to mark Father’s Day as we usually would, and for many, that means that they may not be able to visit their father’s resting place, which is why it is important that we find alternative ways to enable people to reflect and remember.”
Liverpool City Council’s Bereavement Services manager, Alan Sheldon, said: “To support families we are offering the opportunity for everyone to come together with a special series of online readings to both celebrate and remember mothers who have passed.
“We offered similar readings for Mother’s Day in March and we know that they were appreciated by people across the region so it is an honour to be able to do this for Father’s Day.”
