THE Steel family have hosted their annual memorial service for the past 28 years at Chesil House. With the current government restrictions and social distancing requirements the 2020 service might easily have been cancelled.

However, the team at Richard Steel & Partners and Chesil House have created a virtual memorial service to watch instead.

Iain Steel said: “Remembering a loved one and honouring their life is always important. My family have been serving the local community for four generations.

2020 is our 160th anniversary, we felt we could not just simply postpone our annual service until next year.”

Rev Simon Cansdale, Vicar of Christ Church, Winchester, agreed to lead the service. He said “The Chesil Suite and the beauty of the garden and private stream provide a perfect location for remembrance. I would encourage anyone to take the time to watch the service, reflect and maybe light a candle at home”.

Filming the service has taken creative thinking over the past two weeks, as traditionally over 100 people attend annually.

Utilising the expertise of the professional AV team at Chesil House, the service will be broadcast on Sunday July 19 at 3pm. Anyone wishing to watch can simply go to www.chesilwebcast.com a few minutes before.