Joining Dying Matters, the Association of Green Funeral Directors and making memories

In 2009 we were one of the first Funeral Directors in the UK to join the Dying Matters coalition, a group of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.  We have marked Dying Awareness week in May ever since by hosting open days, roadshows, photographic exhibitions, film nights and other events which help to break down the mystery and taboos around death. We also became a founding member of the Association of Green Funeral Directors, set up by Mr William Wainman, a coffin manufacturer.  Funerals can be pretty traditional, but for those that want it to be an environmentally friendly affair, there are surprisingly many options, including woodland burials, a cycle hearse and plastic free flowers. A Hevingham man was able to attend a royal garden party, with a little help from Rosedale.  Michael was very, very excited to receive the invitation, but had been diagnosed with a debilitating and progressive illness and he would not have been able to make the journey by train.  We had known Michael for many years through his fundraising activities for Cancer Research, and when we heard the news that he was going to decline his invitation, Simon agreed to personally chauffer him in one of our limousines.  “I was so thrilled to meet the Queen” said Michael, “It is a day I will always remember.” We gave Wymondham Cemetery Chapel a new lease of life so that bereaved families could visit for a time of quiet reflection when they come to attend a grave in the cemetery.  Our staff volunteered to clean and polish the chapel and we also donated a book of memories.