The Snowdrop Chapel - a special area for babies' funerals - has been created at Parkwood Crematorium and our chaplain Tom McKinlay was at the opening. (see photo attached)

It was named after this verse which is very often chosen by parents for such sad situations.

“The world may never notice 
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder 
If the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms, 
Or ever comes to be, 
Touches the world in some small way 
For all eternity.

The little one we longed for 
Was swiftly here and gone. 
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do. 
For every beating of our hearts 
Says that we love you.”

This year the chaplaincy team have conducted 56 baby funerals and we plan and conduct individual services for those who have lost their baby while cared for by the Trust.

Rev McKinlay, said: "Although the Crematorium chapel is a  very well-designed and attractive chapel and necessarily holds a good number of people, it is not an ideal space in which to conduct a baby funeral where very often only the parents and immediate family members attend. Working together with Bill Askey of Melia Funeral Services and ,most especially, Deborah Anderson of Park Wood Crematorium, a side chapel that was often unused was renovated and set apart for baby funerals.  Calderdale Quilters produced very fine wall hangings to provide meaningful decoration."

Rev McKinlay, acting for Rev George Spencer (Co-ordinating chaplain),  led a short dedication service and the Mayor of Calderdale Borough Council, Councillor Howard Blagbrough unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the “Snowdrop Chapel”.