Washington funeral directors helps vulnerable residents wrap up warm for Christmas
The Washington community has donated coats, jackets and hats to a local funeral directors so vulnerable residents can stay safe on the run-up to Christmas.
Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors received dozens of clothes after appealing for donations towards the latest initiative by the community hub Mickey’s Place.
Funeral Administrator Linda Locking said: “Wrapping up warm in these freezing temperatures is something many of us take for granted, yet a number of people simply can’t afford to. This can result in hypothermia or even death.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer a number of coats, jackets and hats to Mickey’s Place, who will hand them out at St Michael’s Church in Sulgrave thanks to the generosity of the local community.”
Supported with donations gathered by Walker & Morrell, Mickey’s Place began as a ‘pay-as-you-feel’ café at the height of the pandemic in 2020, which was praised by councillor Jill Fletcher for giving away 150 hot meals a day and over 3,000 meals across summer to those in need.
This year, the community hub has continued its outreach by asking people to donate warm outer clothing for those less fortunate around the festive season.
Linda said: “We met Mickey’s Place through St Michael’s Church, which is where they’re based and where we often carry out funeral services for local families.
“After hearing about their plans we knew the local community would want to help, so we’ve committed to raising awareness and donations towards their worthwhile initiatives.”
Walker & Morrell took to social media to appeal for warm clothing and designed posters for its front windows to encourage donations from passers-by.
The funeral directors has so far received over 25 items of clothing and is pleased by how high quality they are.
Linda described: “These are durable and well-made coats, jackets and hats that anyone would be delighted to own.”
Linda looks forward to continuing working closely with Mickey’s Place and getting involved with future community initiatives.
Donations can be made to Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors at 4 West View, Concord, Washington, NE37 2DT.
Festive window display and donations from local schools spread hope and joy across Donaghadee
A Donaghadee funeral directors created a beautiful Christmas window display and worked closely with primary schools to support bereaved families and care home residents during the festive period.
Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors incorporated robins into its window display to symbolise families’ loved ones being with them at Christmas, as well as posters appealing for donations of hats, gloves, toiletries and more for local care home residents.
Funeral Arranger Terrie Mallon said: “Our annual Christmas memorial service had to be cancelled this year due to social distancing restrictions, so we set out to support the local community in other meaningful ways.
“Robins are often seen as a symbol that loved ones are still here, which can be especially comforting for those missing loved ones at Christmas. We therefore hope our window display brings comfort to bereaved families and passers-by, while the amazing donations we’ve received, particularly from local pupils and their families, keep care home residents warm during the cold winter months.”
Funeral Partners funeral homes across Northern Ireland created Christmas window displays as part of an internal competition to spread the theme of hope and joy in their local communities, with Shields of Donaghadee being awarded first place.
The funeral directors decided to send a star to each family under their care who had lost someone in the last 12 months so they could write on it the names of their loved ones and hang it on the funeral home’s Christmas tree in remembrance.
Pupils and their families from Donaghadee Primary School, St Anne’s Primary School, Ballyvester Primary School and Killard House School decided to donate around 150 gifts towards Mullaghboy Nursing Home, Northfield House and Edgewater Lodge after seeing Shields of Donaghadee’s appeal in the window display.
Marketing Manager Beverley Brown said: “We received some incredible entries for our window display competition which made it really hard to choose, but Shields of Donaghadee is a well-deserved winner.
“It’s a testament to not only the creativity of our funeral teams but also their drive to brighten up their local communities with the theme of hope and joy while many families who have lost loved ones struggle this Christmas.
“It’s always uplifting to see our funeral homes going the extra mile, and we look forward to continuing to support local communities through a range of initiatives in the new year.”
Season’s greetings from all at Shields of Donaghadee, wishing you hope and joy for the new year.
Funeral home supports Amaranth FC’s first under 12s competition with kit sponsorship
A Halton funeral home sponsored 17 Amaranth FC rain jackets to help its new junior football team compete in winter conditions as it enters the local league for the first time.
Wm Dodgson & Son Funeral Directors donated £400 to Amaranth FC’s newly formed under 12s team after it joined the Garforth Junior Football League, marking its first competitive outing.
Manager Shawn Rowley said: “This is the first time the boys are playing competitively as a group, and we don’t want anything to stand in their way.
“Wm Dodgson & Son were kind enough to provide funds for 17 Amaranth FC rain jackets so our team will be ready to play whatever the weather while looking the part.”
Coach Steve Austin approached his wife, Lee, who works as a funeral arranger at Wm Dodgson & Son to see if the funeral home would be interested in supporting the club’s new team as it prepares for its first competition.
Wendy Ambler, Area Development Manager for Wm Dodgson & Son, was immediately taken with the idea and arranged a £400 donation on behalf of the funeral home, which has provided rain jackets for every player and coach in the team.
She said: “Everyone works incredibly hard at Amaranth FC and we’re proud to see the under 12s wearing the Wm Dodgson & Son name as they go for gold.”
Steve handed out the new kit to his players who were over the moon along with their parents. He described: “They weren’t expecting it at all. It’s very encouraging to have the backing of a respected name like Wm Dodgson & Son.
“Team Manager Shawn Rowley, Coach Ash Eddleston and I would like to thank Wm Dodgson & Son for the generosity in providing sponsorship to enable the purchase of these jackets.”
All eyes are on the under 12s as Shawn, Steve and Ash focus on honing the players’ football skills as well as supporting their wellbeing in time for their first competitive matches.
Shawn, Steve and Ash concluded: “Along with building on their fitness and health, we place great emphasis on life skills such as teamwork and forging friendships, which are invaluable to the sport. Above all else, we want our players to enjoy playing football.”
Wendy added: “Everyone at Wm Dodgson & Son is rooting for the under 12s team. Good luck boys!”
Festive Window
Steven Mears Funeral Directors in Lewisham are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. The window was also credited with second runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Steven Mears Funeral Directors in Sydenham are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. The window also supports the local foodbank which is a cause close to the team.
Festive Window
Doves Funeral Directors in Bromley are getting in the festive spirit with their magical seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. The window was also credited with first place in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Blackheath Funeral Service are getting in the festive spirit with their elf on the shelf seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. The window was also credited as runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Roy Quinton Funeral Directors in Bushbury are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. Their ‘Hope’ window was also credited as runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Roy Quinton Funeral Directors in Tettenhall are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. Their ‘Hope’ window was also credited with first place in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Hemming & Peace Funeral Services in Henley-in-Arden are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy. Their ‘High Steet Advent Calendar’ window which was number 10 was also credited as second runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services in Middleton are getting in the festive spirt with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Their bauble inspired window was also credited as runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services in Kippax are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Their snowman window was also credited as second runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition and has been enjoyed by all the children in the village.
Festive Window
James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors in Dunmurry are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Their window was also credited as runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Walker & Morrell Funeral Directors in Washington are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Funeral Administrator Linda Locking made knitted mice which created a village scene. The window was also credited with first place in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
TW Boorman Funeral Services in Tonbridge are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
The snowy window was also credited as runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
TW Boorman Funeral Services in Tunbridge Wells are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Their beautifully lit window was also credited as second runner up in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Douglas Mercer & Son Funeral Directors are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
The Santa window was also credited with first place in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition.
Festive Window
Payne & Sons Funeral Directors in Eastbourne are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Festive Window
JH Way Funeral Services in Dawlish are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
The impressive windows were also credited with first place in the Funeral Partners Christmas window competition for their homely and charming appeal.
Festive Window
JH Way Funeral Services in Teignmouth are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display which looks stunning in the evening with the lights switched on. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Festive Window
Wilton Funeral Services are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Festive window and scavenger hunt
J & L Sturney Funeral Directors are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
The window was also part of a village scavenger hunt for Lyndhurst Fun Day. The funeral directors were asked to hide a strange or uncommon item in their window display. They picked a dark green life-sized toad/ frog as the ‘Stranger’ item. Children then walked around local shops and businesses participating in the competition to spot the ‘stranger’ items and wrote them down. Prizes were given to the children who guessed them all correctly.
Festive Window
Waterside Funeral Home are getting in the festive spirit with their seasonal window display. The team take great pride in creating displays which are eye catching for the local community to enjoy.
Lunchtime Recital
Robert Nuttall Funeral Service in Oldham have been holding lunchtime recitals last week with self-proclaimed Euphonium virtuoso and Funeral Arranger Paul Rayner.
A selection of carols were played inside during Paul’s lunch break, with the community listening through the branches large open windows.
The team have a beautifully illuminated tree placed by the window in the ground floor lounge with two side windows that open out to the street at ground level, so the music was heard by those walking by.
The branch asked for those requesting carols to make a small donation to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
Tree Festival brigs joy to the community
The team sponsored a tree at the St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival. The free to enter festival ran from 8-12 December with a closing Wassail- A musical celebration of Christmas.
