NEW FUNERAL RULES MEANS MORE CATERING OPTIONS FOR GREIVING FAMILIES
“One of our biggest selling points, other than the stunning setting, is that families are given the opportunity here to mourn, remember and celebrate their loved ones life for longer than the set time you get given at a crematorium. “Giving people the opportunity to stay and take in the wonderful surroundings here while enjoying a bite to eat and reminiscing with friends and family is really important to us and we hope everyone will be pleased with our latest offerings. It also means one less thing for the organisers to worry about at what is already a stressful time.” Catering at Bristol Memorial Woodlands is bespoke and families can choose food options from a menu. A selection of hot and beverages can be provided or organisers are welcome to provide alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee.
Grieving families organising an occasion to celebrate the life of a loved one will now have more catering options available to them at South West funeral venue Bristol Memorial Woodlands. The Alveston site, a nature reserve which hosts funeral services and burials within 100-acres of woodland and meadows, can now offer mourners several hospitality options since the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions. Families are now able to book indoor catering and refreshments for up to 15 people after the service at the venue’s Georgian Reception Rooms, meaning people can spend time with friends and family and reflect. Catering can also be arranged for more people outside providing social distancing measures are in place. Alternatively, families can order picnic bags filled with homemade savoury and sweet treats to be enjoyed on the grounds or can opt for takeaway bags for the journey home. Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “It is wonderful to be able to offer more hospitality to the families in our care. It is a huge part of what we do here and we have really missed being able to make a difficult day more pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable for our guests in the last year. 40
The picnic and takeaway bags are filled with a homemade sandwich, a homemade sausage roll, a homemade cake, scones with jam and clotted cream, a packet of crisps and a variety of hot and cold refreshments. There are vegetarian and vegan options available as well as gluten free and dairy free adaptations. Chris continued: “After the service guests can congregate in the grounds and share memories, all while keeping to social distancing rules. “We really try to provide a bespoke service to each occasion so if a family requests a certain type of sandwich which reminds them of their loved one, or if they want us to set up a table of glasses for some bring your own fizz, we’ll happily accommodate them. We want to be known, not for a conveyor-belt service, but for an unhurried experience to remember fondly.” Bristol Memorial Woodlands is a 100-acre burial ground which is being transformed into a beautiful woodland with trees and wild flowers planted around the plots where loved ones are laid to rest. The area is managed by a charitable trust and will be open forever for future generations to visit. Bristol Memorial Woodlands has its own chapel, Georgian reception rooms and dedicated burial grounds for the Muslim and Jewish communities. For more information click the image above.
