Issue 2
December, 2023
THE BEARER
Business News
Staff Updates
Industry News
BUSINESS NEWS Natural Burial at Harwood Park The team at Harwood Park are making great progress with Natural Burial area. Mature London Plane trees are being planted in the meadow. The aged trees will help the area to look established, which in turn, will add to the already calming and therapeutic feel to the already beautiful grounds.
Progress at 74a High Street, Stevenage The new Stevenage High Street office is taking shape. The work will be completed in phases over the coming 18-24 months. Phase 1 will focus on the rear of the building which will provide access and egress for the company vehicles. The limousines and hearses will also be housed in the building overnight.
Electric Charging Points now available at Harwood Park We’re pleased to announce that Harwood Park’s electric Renault Berlingo will be forever known as ..... SPARKY Here you see Sparky resting in their natural habitat .. the newly installed electric charging points at Harwood Park. The only crematorium in Hertfordshire to offer this service, now has 4 EV points. Page One
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Wesley Media System Wesley Media will be rolling out new software for the media system in the near future. Before the rollout, Amanda and Janine will be undergoing training at Wesley offices in Kettering before offering 1:1 training to the Administration team.
Chapel Visiting Procedure A written procedure for chapel visits was rolled out during November. This will add an extra layer of security for our team and peace of mind for our visiting families. Having this procedure in place sets the Austin’s standard for chapel visits, whilst enhancing knowledge and reducing misunderstandings. If you have any questions about this procedure, please speak to Kerry or Amanda.
New Funeral Manager Updates
New IT Support Company
Funeral Manager continue to roll out regular updates to the software. For any guidance on the updates or queries in general, please speak with Amanda.
We are excited announce Austin’s IT provision will be handled by Ziptech Support Services. The changeover will happen early December.
Remembrance Day Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. This year, we laid the wreath on behalf of the Austin’s team at the Remembrance Service held in Stevenage.
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December, 2023
Carol Service at Harwood Park
Austin’s Lending Library!
This year’s Carol Service will be held on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm. As always, this is a popular event and tickets are in short supply. Please speak to the Harwood Park team if you or any of your families are interested in attending.
New Arrangement Form The Administration team have been working on a new arrangement form. Julie and Sharon have led the content and design. The form is currently in its testing stage. Any helpful feedback from other members of staff is always welcome!
We are excited to launch the Austin’s Lending Library. From early December, grieving families will be able to borrow books to help them deal with their loss. The books will be available from the Stevenage office. We currently have a small selection of books - a list of which is available from Amanda Mac or the Stevenage office. We are looking to expand the library so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
TrustPilot Review We had such lovely feedback from a bereaved family member recently which highlights how, individually and as a team, we go that extra mile for our families time and time again. Here’s a summary. The full letter is available to read. June has a copy. ‘Everybody I came into contact with at Austin’s Funeral have been very supportive. Austin’s have made me feel that you cared about me and the funeral for Anthony from speaking to Gary, support from June and Caroline, receiving a card from Claire Austin and the team on the day of the funeral have made the whole process bearable and I have felt your compassion throughout’
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INDUSTRY NEWS The Fuller Inquiry - Phase 2 We will keep you updated on relevant developments with the Fuller Inquiry. We will keep you posted here.
The Completion of DBS Checks We are pleased to let you know all DBS Certificates have now been received. The DBS check system gives peace of mind to our teams and to our families. Thank you for your cooperation with this. These checks will be carried out every 5 years. Further, all new employees will under go a DBS check prior to employment commencing.
The Introduction of ID Badges We are rolling out ID badges for all staff. Again, this is another measure that will bring reassurance and peace of mind to our families. Here’s an example of what ours will look like.
STAFF UPDATES
Staff Breakfast Social The next staff breakfast social will be held at LOLO Care, High Street Stevenage, on Thursday 7th December, starting 7.30 and finishing at 9.00am.
Farewell Dawn ... We said a fond farewell to our friend and colleague Dawn on Friday 27th October at Harwood Park. Rest easy, Dawn. x
Come warm your cockles on a cold Winter’s morning with a full English cooked breakfast and a catch up with your colleagues.
Austin's Staff Breakfast :
Thursday 7th December 7.30-9.00 am : LOLO, Stevenage Page Four
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December, 2023 arm Welcome AW Lee
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Secret Santa deliveries for 2023 are scheduled to be dropped on 12th December for Harwood Park team and 18th December for Austins team.
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Competition Winner .... The Winner of the most uplifting and inspirational photo goes to Amanda Paine. Congratulations Amanda a £25 Amazon voucher is headed your way! We’ve had some beautiful images Thank you to all that submitted photo’s
Meet the team ... Owen and Emma
Our cleaning duo work hard to keep Harwood Park and Letchmore Road looking their best for us and our families.
Here we see Janine proudly holding her favourite desk accessory. If you too want to feel special, you can rent this direct from Janine for £5 a day. Page Five
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STAFF UPDATES Glow Walk for Mental Health 20km night walk through Central London Theresa Gary Julie John Susannah Sharon
Christmas Fair and Lunch At Knebworth House and The Lytton Arms.
Well done to Lee Mayson who, from 4th December will be conducting funerals.
Upcoming Events Prosecco Friday 8th December 2023 Admin Team Cheese and Wine Night 12th January 2024
Stevenage FC Alan and Lee making use of the season tickets
Bowling Night early 2024 - date to be confirmed
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CELEBRATIONS Birthday Wishes January Mason 1st January
Scott 1st January
Jo 22nd January
Amanda 24th January
Kelly 7th January
Julie 28th January
February Jackie 13th February
Gary 27th February
Neil 6th March
Alan 9th March
John 13th March
Izzy 17th March
March
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Sharon 10th March
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December, 2023
CELEBRATIONS Work Anniversaries Amanda
Janine
Kyle
11 year anniversary on 1st October
13 year anniversary on 4th October
2 year anniversary on 4th October
John
Vee
June
44 year anniversary on 15th October
1 year anniversary on 31st October
19 year anniversary on 1st November
Caroline
Kevin
Lisa
1 year anniversary on 7th November
2 year anniversary on 15th November
2 year anniversary on 16th November
Congratulations Adam
Danny
Congratulations to Adam and his partner on their recent engagement.
Congratulations to Danny and his partner on their recent engagement.
And finally ... Congratulations to David’ Berry’s son James who recently won the US Kids Golf German Championship 8 year old category. After two rounds he finished level with Henry from Berlin and it was a nail biting play off as David proudly watched James win the second play off hole. Here is James sporting his Austin’s golf shirt.
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BREAK TIME
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December, 2023
WELLBEING AT WORK How are you feeling today? Please take a moment to reflect on your wellbeing. Prioritise self-care, and connect with others. Reach out for support if needed. Together, we can foster a positive and healthy work environment. Your well-being matters to us. Stay well and take care!
WELLBEING CHAMPIONS A qualified Mental Health Responder, Amanda can support you with any mental health questions. With experience and an interest in mental Health and wellbeing, Danny can offer practical support.
Aunt Susannah to the Rescue ....... Just for giggles ... Susannah has volunteered to be our resident Agony Aunt. Any problems - don’t call the A-Team - email Susannah!
As HR Rep, Maggie is here for anyone wanting to talk about their mental wellbeing.
Spotlight On ... Depression Experiencing depression can be very difficult. The mental Health charity, Mind, is a great source of information. Head to www.mind.org.uk and search for Self Care for Depression. Please remember the Peninsula Employee Assistance Programme run through Health Assured which offers a telephone counselling service for all Austin’s staff.
Please email Maggie with your contributions for the next issue Page Ten