AB Walker’s Christmas Day Out
Last week, members of our Link bereavement support community enjoyed a gentle and festive day out together at the Winchester Christmas Market. It was a truly lovely occasion, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us for making the day so special.
The day began with an early departure from Reading, and it was heartening to see so many familiar faces gathering together. From the very start, there was a warm, relaxed atmosphere as our guests set off looking forward to a shared day away. These moments of connection are at the heart of what The Link is all about, offering companionship, understanding and reassurance to those navigating life after loss.
We were fortunate that the weather was kind to us, allowing everyone to enjoy Winchester at its festive best. The city looked beautiful, adorned with seasonal lights and decorations, and the Christmas market created a welcoming backdrop for gentle conversation and shared experiences. With Winchester not overly busy, there was time to wander at an easy pace, browse the market stalls, and explore the city’s unique independent shops
Sue, one of AB Walker’s Link course leaders, reflected on how much everyone enjoyed the visit.
“The Christmas market was decorated so prettily, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves. One of my highlights was the Christmas hot dog, followed by a hot chocolate, I left the mulled wine for others to enjoy!”
For Sue, it was also particularly meaningful to reconnect with people who had attended her previous Link courses. These moments of reunion can be incredibly important, reinforcing that support does not end when a course finishes but continues through shared experiences and ongoing connections.
Another highlight of the day was Beverley’s delight at meeting the much loved Winchester Lion!
In Beverley’s words “Everyone experienced the delightful market with an abundance of bespoke, artisan stalls. The crafts were so varied and a pleasure to see. The food stalls are worthy of a mention too and many people witnessed me navigating the incredibly messy but equally delicious Hot Dog I bought for lunch. Some people visited the beautiful Cathedral and a couple had lunch at the infamous Rick Stein restaurant – and why not! It was such a lovely day and everyone said how much they enjoyed the experience.”
While it was a wonderful way to embrace a little Christmas spirit, we are always mindful that this time of year can be especially challenging for those who are grieving. Days out such as this are never about forcing cheerfulness, but about offering gentle companionship, understanding and space to simply be together.
At AB Walker, our support extends well beyond arranging a funeral. Through The Link bereavement support programme, we offer ongoing care, group courses and opportunities to connect with others who understand loss. These shared experiences help remind people that they are not alone.
We are very grateful to everyone who joined us in Winchester and helped make the day so warm and memorable.
We look forward to many more moments of connection in the months ahead.
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