People who have died remain a part of our lives – their stories are our stories, yet many Scottish traditions relating to the expression of loss and remembrance have faded over time.

glentanar

‘To Absent Friends’ gives people across Scotland an excuse to remember, to tell stories, to
celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died.’ To Absent Friends’, a
People’s Festival of Storytelling and Remembrance is an opportunity to revive lost traditions
and create new ones. The festival is organised by the Scottish Palliative Care Association and
is supported by a diverse range of community groups, statutory bodies and organisations all
over Scotland.

The next annual ‘To Absent Friends’ festival will take place across Scotland from 1-7
November 2018 in public spaces, over social media, among friends, families and
communities, and in peoples’ minds and hearts.

‘To Absent Friends’ is not like traditional, curated festivals. It exists to encourage
participation, and it is non-prescriptive – groups and individuals are welcome to take part in
whatever way they feel is appropriate.

The Glentanar Court Social Group are organising an event as part of ‘To Absent Friends’ on
November 7 th , 7.30pm. Local community members are invited to join tenants of the 50+
housing complex as they remember family friends and neighbours . Singer Ciaradh Maguire
winner of awards at both the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, will perform a range
of songs that will be dedicated by those gathered to their absent friends . At the end of the
performance there will be time to reflect on the stars that will be hung on trees in the
garden to remind us of the light that was left in our memories by our ‘wee stars’ no longer
with us.

If anyone is interested in attending the event please email richarddiven5@hotmail.com
Richard is Secretary of the Glentanar Court Social Group and can answer any queries about
this event or other activities organised by the group.

Glentanar Court is a social housing complex for those aged 50 plus managed by Cairn
Housing Association, located in the East End of Paisley. If you are interested in applying for
accommodation or arranging a viewing at Glentanar Court please call 0800 990 3405 or via
our website www.cairnha.com

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X