A LONE piper was at the head of a gathering of Twilight Memory Walkers as they filed out of historic Caldicot Castle.

The walkers gathered at the castle to remember loved ones in a walk in the country park around the grounds organised by Newport-based St David's Hospice Care.

Harpist John Thomas, playing near the drawbridge, welcomed families and friends to the castle. Singer and organist Grace Curtis entertained as walkers decoated stones of remembrance and heard moving poetry before a minute's contemplation and a skirl of the pipes from piper Matthew Bartlett, sent them off on their walk.

South Wales Argus:

Harpist John Thomas performed to welcome those taking part at Caldicot Castle. Picture: DBPR

Hospice minister Andrew Webster addressed walkers and Joanne Hume, of event sponsors, Ian Watts and Son, independent funeral directors, and Gill Tanner, of St David's Hospice Care, read remembrance poems before the near 200 people were invited to stand in silence for a minute's contemplation.

Among those who took part were members of the family of former Gwent police constable, father of one Kyle Lewis Burns, who was cared for by the hospice but died after a battle with bowel cancer. He was just 36.

South Wales Argus:

The family of PC Kyle Lewis Burns were among those who took part in the walk to remember loved ones. Picture: DBPR

Beth Harrington, who organised the event for St David's Hospice Care, said: "It was a really moving and lovely event which was much appreciated by all who took part.

"The evening was bright and warm, perfect conditions for the circular, flat, mile-and-a-half walk completed by people of all ages and abilities. Caldicot Castle and grounds is a perfect setting for the Twilight Memory Walk.

"We can't thank the people who attended and Caldicot Castle staff enough for such a awesome evening of remembrance."

Stones, which had been collected for the evening's walk by Hermione (10) and Imogen Howells (13), decorated by walkers with the names of loved ones and carried on the walk, were left on a platform overlooking the lake while The Morganna String Quartet played.

The girls' father Andy was supported by St David's Hospice Care before his death aged 43 in 2017.

The memory stones have now been taken back to St David's Hospice in Newport where they will form the basis of a memorial cairn.

The Severn Tunnel Brass Band welcomed walkers, some with their dogs, others pushing buggies, some using walking sticks, back to the castle with a selection of music.

South Wales Argus:

The Morganna Quartet performed at the halfway point, when walkers were encouraged to place their decorated stones. Picture: DBPR

Beth said: "The stones have been taken back to Newport to live at the hospice gardens in Newport.

"The Twilight Memory Walk was open to everyone of all ages, anyone that would like to pay tribute to their loved ones. This did not have to be a patient of ours.

"We all have loved ones we miss. Here at St David’s Hospice Care, we believe that everyone deserves bespoke, individual care which we endeavour to provide. We offer a free and comprehensive palliative care service of excellence throughout Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and within South and Mid Powys. We deliver support to more than 3500 patients each year.

"By getting involved in the Twilight Memory Walk and raising vital sponsorship, you not only remembered your loved one but have helped our nurses to continue providing support to patients, their families and carers."

For more information visit St David's Hospice