The business case for a hospice funeral service
To: The CEO of the North Devon Hospice Dear Stephen Roberts It is with sadness and grave misgivings that I have learned of your decision to throw in your lot with Hospice Funerals. Any new business is a gamble, but I think you’re risking more than money in this new venture. Let me tell […]
Disingenuous? Really?
Predictably, the Good Funeral Guide’s recent decision to take a public stance on our misgivings about the wisdom of UK hospices engaging in the Hospice Funerals franchise opportunity has not been welcomed by the parties involved in this venture. We have been described as ‘disingenuous’, ‘concerned with protecting the commercial interests of those who […]
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 riddle of the Sage
Fans and followers of the egregious Richard Sage aka Mark Kerby will be pleased to know that, since his release from prison, he has been living in straitened circumstances in Westcliff-on-Sea. In case you had forgotten, he was jailed for fraud. Only after he had been banged up did it become apparent that money handed […]
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 […]
