Tag: Ryde

Ryde funeralcare offers residents free bereavement support

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents in Ryde, who have experienced grief, are being encouraged to drop in to a local monthly bereavement support wellbeing group.

The free group is led by an experienced bereavement co-ordinator from Bereavement Care – a support service offered by the Island’s The Co-operative Funeralcare branches, including Ryde.

Anyone who has experienced loss is invited to join, regardless of whether they have used services offered by the branches which are part of the regional independent co-operative, Southern Co-op.

Alex Morley​, who looks after the Isle of Wight branches of The Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “Loss and grief affects us all at one time or another. We know how important support is to help us through this – whether that is soon after a loved one passes or years down the line.

“It was more than 20 years ago the Southern Co-op first introduced free bereavement support so it is really special that we can still offer it to people today.”

The next free bereavement wellbeing support group in Ryde takes place on Friday 13 October at Elim Church, 48 Albert Street, Ryde, PO33 2SB, from 10am to 12pm. They usually take place on the 2nd Friday of every month.

Lesley Hadley, Bereavement Coordinator at Bereavement Care, said: “The drop-in well-being support group offers a relaxed and non-judgmental environment where participants can openly express their feelings, share their stories, and find comfort through mutual support.

“It is a place where individuals can meet others who truly understand what they are going through, fostering a sense of community during a difficult time.”

To find out more or to explore other bereavement support available, visit https://bereavementcare.uk/.

Memories to be placed on trees of remembrance this Christmas

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents are being asked to decorate a Christmas tree with memories this year with the iconic firs being placed in more than 60 locations across the south of England.

Southern Co-op is sending special greetings cards to families they have looked after who have lost a loved one this year. The cards include a pop-out star to let their memories shine bright this Christmas.

They are then being invited to place their stars on the memory trees being put up in Southern Co-op branches of The Co-operative Funeralcare throughout December.

These are based in Alton, Andover, Ash Vale, Aylesbury, Basingstoke, Bishops Waltham, Bognor Regis, Bracknell, Brighton, Camberley, Chichester, Cosham, East Cowes, Emsworth, Fareham, Farnborough, Felpham, Fleet, Freshwater, Frome, Gillingham, Gosport, Havant, Hayling Island, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Hove, Liss, Newport, Peacehaven, Portsmouth, Ryde, Sandown, Shaftesbury, Shanklin, Shoreham by Sea, Sturminster Newton, Uckfield, Warminster, Waterlooville, Wendover, Whitchurch, and Worthing.

Trees will also be located at The Oaks Crematorium in Havant and East Devon Crematorium in Whimple.

The trees are open to everyone in order to give them the opportunity to write a personal message to someone who is no longer with them this Christmas.

Lesley Hadley, Bereavement Coordinator from Southern Co-op’s free Bereavement Care service, said: “This is a meaningful way to acknowledge the absence of our loved ones, and make a start on creating new rituals and traditions that will include them.

“If you are finding this time of year hard, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay to spend time in quiet contemplation if you would prefer that to being ‘jollied along’ by well-meaning friends and family.

“Give yourself the opportunity to do what makes you feel most comfortable, rather than what others think you should be doing.”

Information on free bereavement support is available on www.bereavementcare.uk.

Winter coats needed for Island’s homeless

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A local funeral co-ordinator is hoping to rally the community spirit to help families in need of support this winter.

After a difficult year, Petra Wickens and Tilly Holmberg, Funeral Co-ordinators in East Cowes, are asking Isle of Wight residents to support the work of the local Salvation Army helping those in need.

Petra and her colleagues at the six Isle of Wight branches of The Co-operative Funeralcare have set up collection points for people to drop off donations of sleeping bags, coats, jumpers, gloves/scarves/hats, as well as dry and tinned food and toiletries/hygiene products.

The branches, which are all part of Southern Co-op, will be accepting donations for the Salvation Army throughout the winter, up until the end of January 2021.

Petra said: “This year has been so very difficult for so many, and I am sure there are many individuals and families who have found themselves in a situation that they had not expected. We are hoping to at least offer a little support to all of those in need.

“The Salvation Army does such a wonderful job of ensuring that the homeless are safe and warm over the cold winter months, as well as people who have just fallen on hard times and just need a little help.

“All the goods people donate, will be taken to the Salvation Army outreach centre, where they can be distributed to those in need.”

Southern Co-op, which is the independent, regional co-operative, has six branches on the Isle of Wight branches at 8-10 Ferry Road in East Cowes, The Avenue in Freshwater, The Fairway in Lake, 61 Upper St James Street in Newport, 45 St John’s Road in Ryde, and 76 Regent Street in Shanklin.

The Salvation Army, which has a local branch on the Isle of Wight, offers help to a range of people including the elderly, the young, offenders, drug addicts, blind and disabled people. It also provides food and shelter for the homeless and operates food distribution centres across the country.

To find out more about the Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk.

Winter coats needed for Ryde’s homeless

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents are being asked to dig deep into the backs of their wardrobes and donate any unwanted winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves.

For the last few years, a community hub in Ryde which provides a range of services in a redundant church has devoted an outside area to items of clothing for the homeless to pick up when needed.

This year, donations can also be made to The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde which is just off the High Street in St John’s Road.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op, said: “We’d heard about the space at the collections being made by Aspire Ryde for outdoor clothing and wanted to help.

“It could literally be a lifeline for people who don’t have anywhere else to go during the winter.”

The charity is asking for donations of outdoor and waterproof coats, long scarves, adult hats and gloves.

Julie Croydon, Project Support at Aspire Ryde, said: “By putting a selection of items in our porch, it means they are available 24/7. If someone is really cold then it is there when they need it and we replace the goods straightaway.

“We also have free food in the same area which includes stock that has been donated by local stores after its best before date.

“We don’t require any ID or vouchers and people don’t have to be homeless to use it. We just ask them to be honest and only take what they really need.”

Aspire Ryde works with lots of partner organisations to bring people and services together to be able to transform lives and give people the best chance in life.

They transformed the old church in Dover Street into a unique space and a community hub to ensure that there was something for everyone on site.

Aspire is hoping to redevelop the space further in the next few years to enable a safe space for people to go during the day.

To find out more visit https://aspireryde.org.uk/.

Fundraising quiz in Arreton

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A fundraising quiz is fast becoming a regular date on the calendar as organisers raise money for local families.

Quizzers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to the latest quiz on Monday 4 November at The Dairyman’s Daughter, in Arreton.

The charity pub quiz is in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch and is being held by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde which is part of Southern Co-op – the independent, regional co-operative.

The Wight Brainy Bunch is a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch, said: “Our quizzes are more than just a fundraiser. They are social events and a good excuse to get together with friends for an evening.”

The quiz starts at 7:30pm and costs £2 per person with up to six people per team.

To find out more or book your place, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative tackles four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

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

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.

Put your best pet forward in Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Pets of all shapes and sizes are being invited to be on their best behaviour and show off their shiny coats for a charity pet show in Ryde.

Colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde are brushing up on their pet skills for their first ever pet show on Sunday 14 July.

The show will be held at Ryde Scouts Hall, in St John’s Road, from 2pm to 4pm.

Rosette prizes are up for grabs in all five categories:
• Best turned out dog
• Prettiest cat
• Cutest rabbit or small animal
• Most unusual pet
• Best behaved pet

The event will be in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch – a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “I’ve nervously agreed that all pets are allowed as long as they are not out on the loose. I might regret that but hopefully it will be a laugh!

“Our Operations Manager Elaine is going to be the judge so she is the lucky one who will get up close and personal with the Island’s pets. It is all for a good cause too.

“The Wight Brainy Bunch charity is incredibly special as it was set up by a local couple, Mark and Kathryn Grimes, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

The cost to enter is £3 per pet per category.

There will also be a raffle, a barbecue and refreshments available.

To find out more or to register in advance, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

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

Glitz and glamour returns to Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

With a special opportunity to dine at a four star hotel whilst overlooking a picturesque lake, islanders are being invited to an exclusive charity ball in Ryde.

Located in a designated Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests will get to indulge in a three-course meal featuring some of the very best of Island produce.

Now in its second year, the 2018 charity ball raised just under £1,300 and hosted a array of glamourous guests in ball gowns and black tie.

Tickets have just been released on sale for £38pp for the top-class event being held at The Lakeside Hotel, in Wootton Bridge, on Saturday 7 September 2019 at 6.30pm.

Being organised and sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, the event is in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.

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

Kathryn said: “There was no support on the Island following his surgery and we found the whole experience very lonely and difficult and wanted to do something to change this for other Island families.

“We now support dozens of families on the Isle of Wight by providing emotional support and financial assistance as they face this awful diagnosis, in the hope that their journey is a little easier.

“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.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Ryde funeral home, said: “When we first decided to hold a charity ball, we poured our hearts and souls into making it a success. But we could only dream that it would so successful that we would hold it for a second time.

“We had such amazing feedback from last year’s event. Guests loved the food, the venue and the opportunity to get glammed up at a really charming location.

“This year there are even more tickets available but they are still limited in order to give the event a more exclusive feel.”

The venue is one mile from the nearest ferry with ample free on site parking.

Guests will also be able to take part an auction and a raffle.

The Co-operative Funeralcare, in Ryde, is part of the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op, which 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.

Tickets to the charity ball are available at the funeral home in St John’s Road, by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk or by calling 01983 615746.

Call for Island quizzers to get busy for charity

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, quizzers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to help raise money to support families affected by brain tumours.

This is the third charity pub quiz being held by Southern Co-op’s funeral home in Ryde and, if it is successful, it is hoped it could become a regular event every two months.

The upcoming quiz is being held at The Dairyman’s Daughter, in Arreton, on Monday 25 March at 7.30pm.

It will be raising money for The Wight Brainy Bunch – a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “Our two previous charity quizzes have been a huge success as they raised £380 for the Phoenix Project – a specialist day service for adults with learning disabilities.

“Everyone involved had a great time so we are really pleased to be able to hold another one but this time for The Wight Brainy Bunch.

“The charity is incredibly special as it was set up by a local couple, Mark and Kathryn Grimes, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

Tickets are £2 per person with up to six people per team.

To find out more or book your place, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

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

Mary Poppins returns for charity special

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Poppins, puddings and prosecco are all being offered at a special charity afternoon tea in Godshill.

The Mary Poppins themed afternoon tea on Saturday 26 January will be practically perfect in every way as colleagues at Southern Co-op’s funeral home in Ryde raise money for the Phoenix Project.

For just £14.95 per person, Mary Poppins’ guests will be treated to a full stand of cakes, sandwiches and scones plus extra treats on the top layer with unlimited tea or coffee.

In the last 12 months, Funeral Co-ordinators Sam Walker and Lesley Borton have raised more than £4,600 for the Phoenix Project – a specialist day service for adults with learning disabilities based in Haylands.

The Phoenix Project 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.

Sam, from the Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “Mary Poppins holds a special place in our memories so we jumped at the chance to have it as a theme for afternoon tea.

“We have been so grateful for the support we have had from our local community over the past 12 months. Being able to raise near to £5,000 is absolutely incredible.

“This will be our last fundraiser for the Phoenix Project as the 12 month charity partnership comes to an end but it won’t be the end of our events. We have had people already asking when the next charity quiz will be and plans are already underway for our second charity ball. We can’t wait!”

The themed afternoon tea is being held from 2pm to 4pm at the Woods Restaurant in Godshill.

To find out more or book your place, contact Southern Co-op’s Ryde Funeralcare via 01983 615746 or rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

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