Everyone is invited to visit Widley’s newest funeral home

Charity, cakes and coffins will be the focus of an open event on Tuesday 17 July as Southern Co-op’s Widley Co-operative Funeralcare branch opens its doors.

Whether residents are overwhelmed by the idea of funeral planning or simply want to plan ahead, the event is open to everyone from 3pm to 7pm.

Visitors may even get to greet the Mayor of Havant, Peter Wade, who will be attending the open event to meet the funeral home’s friendly and professional team of staff.

There will also be a raffle to raise funds for The Elizabeth Foundation, a Portsmouth based charity helping preschool deaf children and babies learn to listen and talk.

Rianne Rose, Funeral Co-ordinator at Widley Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “Floral tributes, coffins, caskets, memorial masonry, pre-paid funeral plans – it can all be a bit baffling.

“We want help people avoid tackling this task at a time when they are grieving which is one of the reasons why we are holding an open event.

“People will be able to get first hand advice on all things funerals from the team who will be able to put people at ease whilst enjoying some drinks and nibbles.

“The day will hopefully give people a better understanding should they need our services in future.”

The Elizabeth Foundation is the funeral home’s chosen charity as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

The Co-operative Funeralcare Open Event is on 17 July from 3pm to 7pm at 76 London Road, Waterlooville, PO7 5AB. For more information, contact the Widley team on 02392 378472.

Caring new service is welcomed by Mayor of Shaftesbury

Mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Winifred Harvey, welcomed guests from the local community at a VIP evening hosted by The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare to celebrate the opening of its new funeral branch in the Shaftesbury.

The celebration evening (6 Nov) included a dedication service for the Chapel of Rest which was led by Reverend Jan Crossley, associate Minister in the Shaftesbury Team Ministry and celebrant Louise Jopling. Funeral Co-ordinators at the branch, Pauline Stockton and Jayne Keitch, presented Cllr Harvey with a cheque for £250 on behalf of The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare for The Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital, one of the Mayor’s charity recipients.

The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare Shaftesbury VIP open evening 6 Nov 2014

Continue reading “Caring new service is welcomed by Mayor of Shaftesbury”

Mayor welcomes new Cowplain funeral business

The Worshipful The Mayor of Havant, Cllr Paul Buckley cut the ribbon to officially open the new Co-operative Funeralcare branch in Cowplain (26 February), praising its contribution to the local neighbourhood.

He was joined by guests representing local businesses, the residents’ association, council and funeral profession, including Roddy McGinley, National President of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and Steve Pearce, former President of the National Association of Funeral Directors. Families who have used the services of the new branch, which opened its doors just before Christmas, were also invited to join the celebration and Chapel of Rest dedication service. This was led by celebrants Felix Muscat and Reverend Canon Dr Paul Moore from St Wilfrid’s Church in Cowplain.

Cllr Buckley said: “It is really encouraging to see The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare expanding their services by opening a new funeral home in Cowplain. This improves accessibility to services required by the local community and contributes to the economy and wellbeing of the local area. I see this as a very positive contribution to the neighbourhood and was pleased to conduct the official opening.”

Funeral Co-ordinator Zoe Marriott, who is based at the Cowplain branch together with colleague Jackie Duthie, said: “It is a pleasure to work here in Cowplain and be able to provide a personal caring service for local families who have lost a loved one. We look forward to supporting the community and local charitable events too.” The Southern Co-operative, which runs a total of 46 funeralcare branches across the south, donated £500 to the Mayor’s Charities; Stroke Association, Combat Stress and Relate as a thank you for opening the new branch, located on London Road in Cowplain. www.funeralcare.co.uk

Cowplain Co-operative Funeralcare branch opening with Mayor of Havant
Cowplain Co-operative Funeralcare branch opening with Mayor of Havant