To the trustees of all hospices in the UK
Last weekend, we despatched letters to the boards of trustees of every hospice in the UK to share our concerns about the new franchise offer that was launched at the Hospices UK conference the previous week. Our misgivings about this venture are shared by a number of individuals and companies who gave permission for […]
An open letter to the National Association of Funeral Directors
This afternoon an e-mail was sent to all members of the National Association of Funeral Directors announcing that Mandie Lavin, the CEO appointed just under 15 months ago, is no longer employed by the Association. No explanation has been given for her abrupt departure, but as the current President steps in to take the reins […]
Look what’s cooking.
There’s something afoot in funeral world. Letters have been pinging into the inbox of funeral directors around the country advising them of a shiny new entrant into the world of undertaking. “Over the next few days you may read about a new funeral company called Hospice Funerals LLP. It has been set up by St […]
The lion rampant?
Editor’s note: We received this blog post from Mark and publish it as we feel it raises matters of great concern to funeral consumers and practitioners alike. Out of courtesy, we provided the NAFD with an advance copy and invited them to comment. We were advised that their legal team required several statements made by […]
Lifetime Achievement Award 2017
A stellar line up of well known names in the funeral world comprised this year’s shortlist for the lifetime achievement award, all of whom merited a mention for the work that they have done in their field. Natasha Bradshaw, Superintendent and General Registrar from Mortlake Crematorium and specifically for her role in the joint working […]
The ‘What To Do With The Ashes’ Award 2017
Introduced for the first time in 2017, this category had six shortlisted candidates, all of whom offer alternative solutions to the perennial question of what to do with the ashes. The runner up in this category was chosen for their personal involvement and artistry in creating bespoke funerary urns with input from families, resulting in […]
Best Funeral Caterer 2017
Melanie Hurley of Rocket Catering With just two shortlisted candidates for this category, both were in line for a certificate, but the winner was chosen for their sensitive and specialised approach to catering for bereaved families. It was apparent from the real attention to detail and the thoughtful approach that this company has, that the […]
Best Traditional Funeral Director 2017
There was no shortage of candidates for this category, and the shortlisted 13 names included individuals as well as companies. Traditional funeral directing continues to thrive, and the judges found it difficult to select the most deserving from among the entries submitted as all clearly have the highest of standards and impeccable presentation. Eventually the […]
Best Modern Funeral Director 2017
The team at Full Circle Funerals Another category attracting many strong nominations and entries, the title of Best Modern Funeral Director reflects a growing change in the funeral sector to a more contemporary approach to funeral arrangements. The judges looked at all aspects of the companies that were shortlisted including their online presence, and were […]
Most Promising Trainee Funeral Director 2017
Three excellent candidates for this title made the judges’ decision particularly hard. All finalists demonstrate dedication, a thirst for knowledge and the empathy and professionalism that is the mark of a first class funeral director. Selecting one over the other two was a difficult choice, but the final decision was made in acknowledgement of the […]
