Tag: event

Gosport remembers as new war memorial plaque is commemorated

Posted on by ashleymarsh
Andrea Witham with Cllr Dawn Kelly

Gosportarians gathered together yesterday to remember those who suffered during the enemy action of World War II after a replacement plaque has been sited in Stoke Road.

Marking one of the worst nights of World War II for those living in Gosport – 10/11 January 1941, the replacement war memorial plaque is located on the newer Marina Buildings which were destroyed in air raids.

Yesterday’s commemorative ceremony was organised by Councillor Dawn Kelly, who arranged the replacement plaque thanks to funding from Southern Co-op and its funeral care branch in Stoke Road, after the previous plaque became weather-worn and difficult to read.

The plaque now states: “Marina Buildings. This stone was laid as a memorial to the people of Gosport who lost their lives due to enemy action. Here on the night of 10/11 January 1941 Marina Buildings were destroyed in air raids. Rebuilt December 1947. Architect Ernest I. Thomas FRIBA, Builder John Hunt Ltd, Owner George Brigden.”

Dawn Kelly said: “The previous plaque started life in St Edwards Road and over the years it was moved and had become very weathered. The stone was so hard to read that it made reproducing the text a challenge.

“It needed replacing so I was very pleased when Southern Co-op offered to do it for free via their stonemasons. It is a mark of respect for people who put their lives on the line so it is only right for it to be restored and a commemorative ceremony to mark the occasion.”

During World War II, a total of 114 people lost their lives in Gosport as a result of air raids.

According to Gosport Heritage Open Days, Gosport experienced 1,591 alerts, 61 raids, it was hit by more than 400 high explosive bombs and over 10,000 incendiary bombs were dropped.

Andrea Witham, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Stoke Road, Gosport, said: “With war in the forefront of our minds, it seems even more poignant than ever to mark this occasion and commemorate all those who have lost their lives over the years.

“With many of the people who lived through World War II no longer with us, it is important for the rest of us to take up the baton and ensure their experiences continue to be remembered.”

Special thanks also to Haven Memorials and The Queens Hotel.

Cancelled: Emsworth hat event

Posted on by ashleymarsh

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE BELOW EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.

Funeral directors will be exchanging their top hats for something a little bit different at the end of March to celebrate Wear A Hat Day 2020.

Hat wearers from Emsworth and beyond are invited to join colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare and Cafe Moka on Friday 27 March for cakes, coffee and hats.

Set to be the biggest, boldest and ‘hattiest’ yet, Wear A Hat Day is an awareness day for Brain Tumour Research

Funeral co-ordinators at The Co-operative Funeralcare – Emsworth decided to get involved this year and hold an event in memory of their colleague, Roger Gregory, who passed away from a brain tumour earlier this year.

Cath Walter, Funeral Co-ordinator, said: “Roger was a much loved colleague and friend so the event will mean we can give a special nod to a special man.

“We are really grateful to have Café Moka, in North Street on board as everyone can come and enjoy cakes whilst wearing a hat of their choice.

“Plus there will be plastic wrist bands and lapel badges to buy on the day. It’s time to put our best hats forward!”

The event will take place from 8am until 4pm on Friday 27 March.

The Co-operative Funeralcare – Emsworth is part of the local co-operative Southern Co-op which has a community engagement programme to help communities become greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive.

To find our more about Wear A Hat Day in Emsworth, contact The Co‑operative Funeralcare ‑ Emsworth on 01243 376458 or via EmsworthFuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Time for some flippin’ good fun in Waterlooville

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents, businesses and shoppers are all invited to take part in this year’s annual Waterlooville Pancake Race.

Being organised by The Co-operative Funeralcare – Waterlooville, the event will see participants race up and down the precinct flipping pancakes in frying pans.

The race to cross the line first is done in heats with the overall winner taking home £200 for a charity of their choice.

The event is taking place on 25 February in Waterlooville precinct, PO7 7DT, from 11am.

Ali Davison, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare – Waterlooville, said: “We are partnering up again with The Waterlooville Events Team to put on the event which we hope will be ‘batter’ than ever.

“Everyone always has a great time and we get to promote our lovely town centre at the same time.

“The race is done in teams and past events have seen racers dressed up in some very imaginative fancy dress – although this isn’t mandatory. We can’t wait to see what this year brings.”

Last year’s winners, Phone Repair Doctors, didn’t crack under the pressure and fought off other teams from Motiv8, MMO Accountants, Tillison Consulting and Pink Party Shop.

Phone Repair Doctors donated their winnings to The Rowan’s Hospice, in Waterlooville, which provides free care and support to adults who have a life-limiting illness and their families.

The event was previously held by Havant Borough Council until four years ago. After a year’s break, it was resurrected by Ali Davison and her colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare – Waterlooville who were the reigning champions.

The funeralcare team still competes but Ali promises that it is judged fairly and there is no cheating involved.

To book a place or to find our more, contact 02392 266105 or email waterloovillefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Double the charity spirit at upcoming pub quiz

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Quiz goers are being encouraged to polish off their favourite pens as a special quiz is being held in aid of two local charities.

The stimulating evening of trivia is returning for a second year and being organised by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Leigh Park – part of Southern Co-op.

To add a bit of healthy competition into the evening, teams will also be competing from J Edwards Funeral Directors in Waterlooville and Bedhampton who are helping to organise the event.

Last year the quiz raised £150 for Park Families, in Leigh Park, which provides childcare and education, respite for families and training for individuals and companies.

This year, the two chosen local causes will be The Rosemary Foundation – a charity providing a ‘Hospice at Home’ service around Petersfield, and Malmesbury Lawn Care Home in Havant.

Rachel Cast, Funeral Co-ordinator in Leigh Park, said: “Last year’s event was great fun as everyone had a good laugh – whether they knew the answers or not!

“But we wanted to go one bigger this year so we have roped in our neighbouring funeral directors. However, the night won’t be doom and gloom as we promise to keep the conversation light-hearted and on topic.”

The charity quiz night is being held on Wednesday 31 July from 7.30pm at The Swan Pub, in Jessie Road, Bedhampton.

Tickets cost £10pp with six people per team including a buffet and entry into the prize draw.

Caroline Hayter, Funeral Co-ordinator at J Edwards in Waterlooville, said: “The Rosemary Foundation is a hospice at home team based in Petersfield helping families within a 15 mile radius. They were absolutely brilliant last year when they helped my mum who passed away on the 11 July.”

To book, visit The Co-operative Funeralcare in Leigh Park, J Edwards Funeral Directors in Bedhampton or Waterlooville, call 02392 484499 or email leighparkfuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Everyone is invited to visit Alton’s newest funeral home

Posted on by ashleymarsh

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

The event will be an unusual mix of charity, cakes and coffins at The Co-operative Funeralcare branch at 71 High Street.

Whether residents are overwhelmed by the idea of funeral planning or simply want to plan ahead, the event is open to everyone on Wednesday 10 July from 3pm to 6pm.

A special donation will also be made to The Vokes Lunch Club which provides a local place for the over 60s in Alton to meet others and have an enjoyable lunch in a safe place.

Funeral Co-ordinators Emma Dulieu and Jane Turk are looking forward to welcoming people into the branch which is part of Southern Co-op – the regional, independent co-operative.

Emma said: “We know first hand how baffling funerals can be. There is a lot to think about – floral tributes, coffins, caskets, memorial masonry, pre-paid funeral plans and lots more.

“Our open event will be a time to celebrate our opening and a chance to support some of our valuable local causes. But it will also give people the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed environment.

“People will be able to find out about all things funeral-related whilst enjoying some drinks and nibbles.”

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 Alton on 01420 85298.

Hunting for treasure in Felpham

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Become Sherlock Holmes for the afternoon and practice your detective skills for a charity treasure hunt in Felpham.

Everyone is invited to the treasure hunt on Saturday 18 May to raise money to tackle fuel poverty in and around the local area.

Being organised by colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham, the event starts from Grassmere Car Park at 11am – parking is free.

It is a walking treasure hunt with clues located in and around Felpham village finishing with a Ploughman’s Lunch at the end venue.

Shirley Heaton, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Rose Green funeral home which is part of Southern Co-op, said: “Being part of the regional, independent co-operative, we get the opportunity to support local good causes like The Bognor Regis Lions Club and its Wenceslas Appeal.

“The appeal supports those that have to make a choice between food or heat so we hope any money raised will make a big difference to people living in the area.

“We also wanted to do something a bit special so have partnered with our colleagues to put on the treasure hunt. There will also be a raffle and a series of mini games to take part in along the route weather permitting.”

Tickets are £8 per person or £6 for children under 12-years-old with teams of up to six people. Entries need to be made by 13 May.

To get an entry form, visit your nearest funeral homes in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham. Locations and contact details can be found by clicking here.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about the Love Your Neighbourhood scheme, click here.

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.

Christmas Trees and Memorial Stars 2018

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents are being invited to let their loved ones shine bright this Christmas by dedicating a memory star to them.

Christmas trees are being spruced up in preparation for families and friends to place memory stars on their branches throughout December.

The trees will be placed in Southern Co-op funeral home branches across the south of England to give everyone the opportunity to write a personal message to someone who is no longer with them this Christmas.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry, from Southern Co-op’s free Bereavement Centre, said: “After someone close to you has died, any celebration can be particularly hard.

“The memory stars give people the opportunity to re-live happy moments and make sure their loved ones are still included in this special time of year.

“For those who are finding it particularly hard, we have advice on our website, such as starting a new tradition, and our free bereavement support is available to everyone.”

Residents are also invited to attend special events in December when they can pop in and have a mince pie.

The events will be held on either Wednesday 19th or Friday 21st December from 12-3pm – see your local branch for details.

All memorial trees will be up and ready for stars by Friday 30th November and will remain within the reception area of each funeral home until the end of the Christmas season so that friends and family can visit to read the messages and add their own if desired.

For more information about Southern Co-op’s bereavement support, click here.