The GFG Blog
2017Oct
Funeral Arranger of the Year 2017
Fran Hall
Oct
02
1 comment
Lorraine Aitken of Young’s Independent Funeral Directors Often the most recognisable face of many funeral businesses, the role of funeral arranger is a critically important one. It is the arranger who builds relationships with families, who becomes the trusted friend and advisor and who ensures that all the details
Most Eco-Friendly Funeral Director 2017
Fran Hall
Oct
01
1 comment
Andrew Leverton of Leverton & Sons The funeral world is not known for being overly environmentally friendly, with large hearses and limousines travelling slowly to the place of committal. It is heartening therefore for there to be entries in this category, albeit with only four
2017Sep
Best Low Cost Funeral Provider 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
30
1 comment
Tony Foster of Fosters Funeral Directors With the issue of funeral poverty (or funeral affordability) very much in the media, providing quality undertaking service at low cost is a goal that many businesses are aspiring to. There were eight finalists in this category, and all
Best Direct Cremation Provider 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
29
1 comment
Holly Clarke of Holly’s Funerals Direct cremation is a fast-growing area of the funeral sector, and there are many direct cremation companies opening around the UK, with most funeral directors providing direct cremation as an option. The runner up in this category is
Crematorium Attendant of the Year 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
28
1 comment
Richard Hooker from Mortlake Crematorium For such an important role, there were surprisingly few nominations in this category this year, resulting in just three finalists. The judges hope that next year far more celebrants and funeral directors will nominate these unsung heroes who oversee thousands of funerals each
Best Crematorium in the UK 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
27
1 comment
The team from Memoria Ltd. This category had a good field of entrants this year, with 13 finalists and entries citing facilities, environmental issues, service times, fees, bereavement services, training, events and
Best Burial Ground in the UK 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
26
1 comment
Peter Taylor from Heatherley Wood This category could so easily be about the best kept lawn cemetery, or the most attractive natural burial ground, but this year the judges were unanimously persuaded by the passion of the manager who entered for the award in
Gravedigger of the Year 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
25
1 comment
The number of entries for this category again was under-representative of the many people who work so hard in this sector. Perhaps this is because of mechanization and use of machinery to prepare the majority of graves and a corresponding perceived lack of craftsmanship and care, but the winner
Celebrant of the Year 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
24
1 comment
This category attracted the largest number of nominees and entries, resulting in almost 30 finalists. It is also the one the judges find most daunting to decide, as they know how important it is to be recognised for what can often be a very lonely role. Without exception, all finalists
Minister of the Year 2017
Fran Hall
Sep
23
1 comment
Another category with a small number of finalists this year, it appears that clergy are reluctant to put themselves forward for an award, and that their colleagues forget to nominate them.. The two runners up in this category are both dedicated to their work, to the mysticism of their beliefs