Tag: Co-operative Funeralcare

Supported housing gets a spruce-up

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Individuals in Bognor were given the gift of a newly refurbished home in time for the new year thanks to help from some local present-givers.

Volunteers from The Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham swapped their uniforms for less formal attire to help Stonepillow with one of its supported accommodation houses in Bognor.

Stonepillow is a homeless charity for the Chichester and Arun Districts and offers shelter, information and support to homeless and vulnerable individuals.

Amy White, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Chichester Road, North Bersted, said: “It was an incredibly wet and dreary day but it didn’t matter because we knew that a bit of elbow grease might give a lift to someone who needed it.

“Our funeral branches are all part of Southern Co-op and we are supported to make a difference to our community through fundraising or volunteering. But it is charities like Stonepillow that are the real heroes.

“Stonepillow makes a real impact on the lives of people on their journey out of homelessness. Thank you.”

Laura Bulbeck, PR & Events Manager at Stonepillow, said: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people who are homeless and we are so grateful for the support we receive from the local community. We would like to say a huge thank you to The Co-operative Funeralcare team for brightening up one of our properties.”

To find out more about how you can help visit www.stonepillow.org.uk.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ aims to help communities become greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/.

All Wight on the night in Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Glamourous ball goers flocked to Wootton Bridge last weekend [7 September] to the second annual charity ball organised by co-operative colleagues in Ryde.

The black tie event raised £500 for The Wight Brainy Bunch and was organised by The Co-operative Funeralcare in St John’s Road.

Located in a designated Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests were treated to an indulgent three-course meal featuring some of the very best of Island produce.

Guests also got bidding on a selection of special items including an afternoon tea at Yelfs Hotel, some specialised Isle of Wight glass Christmas bubbles and a night in a beautiful cabin in Newchurch.

Lesley Borton, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op – the independent, regional co-operative, said: “There was a lot of good natured bidding. The raffle went well and included a very large basket hamper.

“This was our second year of holding the event but there was still just as much work that went into organising it so we are really glad it was another success.

“The food was delicious. In fact, we have already booked in a date for our third event at the Lakeside Hotel on 27 June. This time it will be slightly less formal but just as much fun!”

Just under 40 people attended the event in Wootton Bridge at the four star hotel including representatives from the charity – The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Kathryn Grimes founded the charity with her husband who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.

Kathryn said: “We are still a relatively new and small charity and usually rely on arranging our own events to raise funds, so to have such wonderful support from Ryde Co-op Funeralcare this year is incredible.”

According to the charity, there are over 102,000 people living with a brain tumour in the UK, with more children and adults under the age of 40 dying of brain tumours than from any other form of cancer.

Being part of Southern Co-op, The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde supports charities like The Wight Brainy Bunch through its community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’.

This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

To reserve your place for next year’s event, contact the funeral home on 01983 615746 or via email at rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Everyone is invited to visit Frimley Green’s newest funeral home

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents are invited to tackle the taboo of death at the official opening of Frimley Green’s newest funeral home.

The event will be an unusual mix of charity, cakes and coffins at The Co-operative Funeralcare branch at no. 3 Wharf Road.

Whether residents are overwhelmed by the idea of funeral planning or simply want to plan ahead, the event is open to everyone on Thursday 9th May from 3 to 6pm.

A raffle will be held to raise funds for local charity Mustard Seed Autism Trust which provides professional and practical support for families living with autism.

Lorraine Paice, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op – a regional, independent co-operative, said: “Floral tributes, coffins, caskets, memorial masonry, pre-paid funeral plans – it can all be a bit baffling.

“We want to 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 afternoon will hopefully give people a better understanding should they need our services in future.”

Guests will also be able to find out how the branch can support the local community through Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme. The ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

For more information, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Frimley Green on 01252 837 506 or email frimleygreenfuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

The Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Calling all creative cake makers – a new baking competition is being launched in Portsmouth and everybody is invited.

Whether you have been baking for years or want an excuse to see if you have got what it takes, the Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition is for everyone.

With ‘special guest judges’, the bake off is being held in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust.

Sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare, in North End, cakes will also be available for tastings sold by the slice.

Funeral co-ordinators at the Southern Co-op funeral home have been brushing off their flour skills but have been restricted to tastings on the day itself.

Nicki Button, Funeral Co-ordinator at the North End branch, said: “We felt it was only right that we weren’t allowed to enter the competition ourselves – although I can’t say I am disappointed if it means that I get to sample more cakes.

“We wanted to hold another fundraiser for Wessex Cancer Trust as it is a local charity really close to my colleague’s heart as Emily was supported by the Trust when she was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2016.

“The charity is incredibly special as it enables people like Emily to make lifelong friends through their support groups.”

It is being held at Buckland United Reformed Church, in Kingston Road, North End, on Sunday 5 May from 1pm to 4pm.

There will be two separate categories for Under 12s and Over 12s.

Entry to the Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition will be £5 per cake with special prizes for the winners and runners up thanks to donations from local businesses.

Shopping stalls and hot/cold drinks will also be available on the day.

Entry forms are available from The Co-operative Funeralcare North End at 52 London Road or Wessex Cancer Trust Cosham Support Centre.

To find out more pop into branch, telephone 02392 662534 or email northendfuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.