Take a private boat cruise on the River Severn, enjoy a picnic in the Town Park, or take some time to reflect in the Quiet Park as you celebrate your loved one’s life in Telford.
Hosting a wake in Telford
A wake is an informal event that traditionally takes place after a funeral service and cremation or burial. It’s usually an informal event involving family and friends gathering to share memories and celebrate the life of their loved one.
Traditionally, wakes would occur at someone's home, a community centre, or a pub, but they can take place anywhere. The people organising the wake may want to honour their loved one by holding the wake at a special place to them, such as the grounds of their favourite football team.
Also, although wakes usually take place directly after the funeral service, they can be held at any time. They can also be as structured or as informal as the organiser would like. Wake organisers have the freedom to host the event that’s right for them, their family and friends, and their loved one.
If you are organising a wake in Telford, there are plenty of unique venues where you can host the event in your own way, from a boat cruise to quiet parks; there is a venue to suit everyone.
Find your funeral director in Telford, who can help you arrange a cremation or burial and give you ideas for a wake, memorial, or reception that's right for you.
The word ‘wake’ descends from Old English and Old Norse
We think the word wake comes from the term lichwake or lyke-wake from the mid 13th century. In Old Norse (a North Germanic language) vaka meant vigil, to stay awake at a time usually meant for sleep.
And in Old English the word wacu meant to watch. So the word wake is thought to have developed as a combination of wacu and vaka.
Lich is an Old English word for a dead body. Often the gate at the lowest end of a cemetery was called the lich gate, as this is where funeral processions carried the body in.
So lichwake literally means to stay up at night whilst we’re meant to be asleep to keep watch over the person who’s died. The tradition became most popular in Ireland and over time lost the word lich and became ‘wake’.
Ride on the River Severn with a boat cruise from Shrewsbury
Take the Sabrina boat cruise from Shrewsbury. The boat cruises from Victoria Quay along the River Severn, offering you beautiful views of the Shropshire countryside. If your loved one was a fan of the open water or loved getting out in nature, this boat ride would be a lovely way to honour their memory.
The boat runs from March 1st to October 31st and makes seven trips a day for 45 minutes. There are also facilities and disabled access, and dogs are welcome.
The Sabrina boat can also be hired for private use, making it the ideal location for a wake or private function. You can hire the boat for 1-3 hours at any time of day—why not enjoy a sunset cruise? The boat has the capacity for 60 people with the option of food and entertainment packages.
Be sure to check out the Little Rea, which is a smaller ten-seater picnic boat, too, if you are looking for an intimate setting. Whichever you decide, a boat ride on the River Severn could be a lovely way to pay tribute.
Enjoy a picnic at Telford Town Park
Take a peaceful walk through Telford Town Park, and stop for a picnic with family and friends.
Stroll through the Maxell gardens, which were inspired by Japanese gardens. In Spring, you’ll get to wander under the flowering cherry trees, and in the summer, you’ll have the chance to admire the tranquil waterfall.
Or, explore the Chelsea Gardens’ flowers, maples, and fountains. A memorial leaf can be purchased and placed on the singing ringing tree in honour of your loved one.
While walking through the lush surroundings, you’ll have the chance to reflect and remember your loved one. Gather your family and friends for a picnic afterwards, and share your favourite stories and memories over lunch.
Reflect in the peaceful Quiet Park
Like the Maxell and Chelsea Gardens, the Quiet Park is also located within Telford Town Park. However, the Quiet Park could be a lovely option if you’d like the wake to be a tranquil event.
There’s plenty of space for a picnic, and the seating area will ensure your guests are comfortable. You can enjoy some food, drink and share memories of your loved one without interruption, away from the business of the park.
You could arrange to meet at the Quiet Park to share a few words and quietly reflect, before exploring the rest of the park. Or you could host the entire event within the Quiet Park, which may be ideal for anyone who would like to sit and reflect on the life of their loved one without interruption.
Famous wakes vary from all night events to not having one at all
Peter Stringfellow was a flamboyant nightclub owner in London who died in 2018. Following a low-key woodland burial, people organised an all night wake party at his club in Covent Garden.
Meanwhile David Bowie did not want a fuss and chose to have a direct cremation without a funeral or wake. These are ways people have shaped what happens after their loved one has died to reflect their character and wishes.
Article reviewed