Bright Brew Monday
Funeral Arranger Wendy Heathfield organised a coffee morning with a difference in aid of the Samaritans.
‘Brew Monday’ took place on Monday 28th January and was an opportunity for people to open up over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Wendy said: ‘The need to look after our mental health is important. As a former Samaritans volunteer I can appreciate this even more so.’
Wendy wanted to create a safe space for people to feel comfortable enough to relax and connect over the classic British beverage. An informal gathering of like-minded people opening up about their own worries, and you realise you are not alone in your feelings.
The Samaritans supplied some helpful leaflets on how to get someone to open up.
To find out more about Blue Mondays contact Wendy on 01303 264 400.
Coats for Kids
Funeral Arranger Anita Wilson nominated her branch as a drop-off donation point for people who wanted to donate to Coats for Kids, a worthy cause that helps local children.
Anita responded to an appeal on Facebook and quickly put herself and the branch forward. The initiative helps local families who would otherwise struggle to purchase winter coats for their children.
Anita said: I saw the appeal on Facebook and thought it was an excellent idea so I put my branch forward as a drop off point
Children grow out of their clothes so quickly especially coats and it’s so heart-warming to know that the coats donated can help a child stay warm this winter. Not all families can afford to keep buying new coats so with the coats for kid’s campaign they can just ask for a little bit of help when they most need it.”
To find our more about Coats for Kids or how you can donate speak to Anita Wilson at our Tunbridge Wells Funeral Home:
Email: Groombridge.tunbridgewells@funeralpartners.co.uk
Telephone: 01892 525004
Reuse and Recycle
The team from Burgess & Harper Funeral Directors found a useful way to recycle unwanted stationery.
Finding new space saving storage for files meant that they had many A4 ring binders that were redundant. As they were in good condition Funeral Director Andy Foster decided to donate them to Gloucester Street Community Centre.
Gloucester Street Community Centre is a non-profit voluntary organisation which was founded by Gloucester Street Church in 1987, providing a range of services including job clubs and education.
The church were delighted to receive the donation which will hopefully benefit the community who use the services on offer.
Christmas tree Festival
St Hildeburgh’s annual Christmas Tree Festival has now grown into a remarkable display of fabulously decorated exhibits, all decorated and funded by the local community.
Funeral Director Tina Morris attended the three-day extravaganza at St Hildeburgh’s Church, Hoylake, which launched on Friday, 6 December 2019. Local businesses, nursing home, schools, nurseries and even the RNLI were asked to dress a Christmas tree. Over the weekend, the public who attended the festival were asked to vote for their favourites in a variety of categories:
Most Fun – Island Electrical (winner)
Most Original – Pawprints (winner)
Most Elegant – Red Rocks Nursing Home (winner)
Most Overall Votes – Holy Trinity School (winner)
Tina also supported a Christmas Fair in conjunction with the tree festival to raise funds for the church, providing delicious homemade treats for the cake stall. Over £4000.00 was raised for the church over the festive weekend.
Tina said: “I was able to enjoy the festivities by partaking in a cuppa and a mince pie whilst attending the fair and the atmosphere was joyful, with a real feeling of community spirit.”
Alongside Area Development Manager Angela Worrall Tina also supported the Singing Café at St Luke’s church in Hoylake over the Christmas period, making cakes, serving drinks and putting away tables and chairs after their festive event. They also made table decorations for the tables in the community room and donated mince pies.
