Health & Family

Direct to cremation?

fUNERAL director Rod Major says it is easy to be swept away with the latest fads and trends, including “direct to cremation” services – as chosen by the late superstar David Bowie.

The service is a funeral that has no service, no flowers, minister or celebrant and certainly no congregation. Rod, who runs Wells funeral Services, says such funerals are an option to be considered where money is an issue or very few people are able to attend a service because of lockdown and travel restrictions. Lack of available finance can sometimes be an important factor too.

But Rod said: “However, given the choice, I still believe that most people see a final farewell as a way to recognise and honour someone’s life and the difference they made in ours. Here at Wells funeral Services, as I reflect on the first few (busy) months of this year, our records show that Somerset does not have many David Bowie followers.

“A ‘direct to cremation’ funeral costs somewhere between £997 and £1,499 and we have only delivered two such funerals. Ninety five per cent of our funerals have been traditional funerals: a hearse, limousine, flowers and order of service. The cost of this can be anywhere between £2,995 and £4,495.”

Covid-19 restrictions on the number of people able to attend a funeral in person have seen a rise in the use of Zoom and facetime and the live broadcasting of services on YouTube and facebook.

Rod added: “Many of us have friends and family living all over the world so I think we will see increased demand for the use of Zoom-type technology in the future. Crematoriums and churches are installing broadband and webcams, providing varying degrees of quality and viewpoint. Surely this is a good thing if it allows relatives who are being shielded or friends who live elsewhere in the world to attend and pay their respects?”

Middlewick: relax, unwind

THE Spa at Middlewick, on the edge of Glastonbury, offers views of rolling hills, blue skies and airy spaces designed to keep you connected to your beautiful surroundings. find your space to unwind: choose from meadow gardens, relaxation lounges, or the indoor pool and steam room. for the ultimate pamper, their luxury shepherd’s hut treatment rooms, lit by lanterns, complete the Spa at Middlewick’s quiet, contemplative and restful experience.

Their spa is a little different to others you might have visited. They say their focus is your holistic wellbeing and the nourishment of your mind, body and soul. They do this by drawing on the wisdom of Glastonbury, with a distinctive Somerset twist.

The stunning relaxation room is where you can drift away following your treatment and fully absorb the benefits of unwinding in the calm and reflective space.

Everyone is talking about Wells Funeral Services. Why?

We have an unblemished record of 5-star Google reviews which speak for themselves:

“If you are searching for a high-touch, high care, bespoke funeral director, then without question, I would recommend Rod and his team.”EK “Thank you very much Rod for the professional and caring service, and the guidance you provided during such a difficult time. I believe that what you offered was way above and beyond what a typical funeral director would do.” LGN “From the first time of speaking to Rod, regarding our dad’s funeral, he just made a very difficult time a little less so. When I would come off the phone, my husband would say it sounded like I was talking to a member of the family, and really it felt like that, he put you at ease, everything was thought out professionally but with a sense of humour, which we felt was the right way to go, always providing a personal touch.” ML 01749 670 100 • wellsfuneralservices.co.uk

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Mobile: 07849 033 055 Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk

Spring is in the air at Stanton Court

RESIDENTS at Stanton Court Care & Nursing Home in the Chew Valley have been celebrating springtime with a month of spring-themed activities in a national care home competition.

Throughout March, each of Country Court’s 33 care homes took part in activities with a different spring inspired theme for each week, with prizes for the winner.

At Stanton Court, residents have enjoyed taking a stroll in the sunshine and admiring the spring flowers around their village of Stanton Drew. One of their first gardening activities of the year was planting sunflowers and broad beans which they’ll nurture and track the progress of as they watch them grow over the next few weeks.

Staff bought a little bit of wildlife into the home with a visit from two lovely little guinea pigs; Olga de Polga and Pearl were a source of great amusement for residents who enjoyed making some new furry friends.

Residents also enjoyed some Easter crafts, making Easter bonnets, cards and baskets to decorate their home. Local people have been encouraged to get involved in the spring activities by entering a wildlife photography competition.

Residents enjoyed reviewing the photos and judging over 70 entries sent in by friends and family members. The winner was Maria Ianni whose mother lives at nearby The Laurels Care Home in Draycott near Cheddar, who sent in a fantastic shot of lions taken in Tanzania National Park.

Wendy Perkins, Home Manager at Stanton Court, said: “It’s been a long winter for our residents so we’re celebrating spring with some new activities for residents to engage with. With the first day of spring on March 20th, it’s the ideal time to feel hopeful and optimistic about the coming summer and gradual return to normal life for our residents.”

Country Court wellbeing teams have received support and information with a series of workshops from its wellbeing partner, Oomph! Wellness.

Its senior client impact manager, Bianca Vercoe, said: “This has been ideal for creating a meaningful home environment at Country Court Care Homes. It has been wonderful to see the homes so full of life and hope during their spring-themed activities.”

Details: Wendy Perkins 01275 332410 or email stantoncourt@countrycourtcare.com

A time to reflect

The service was led by the cathedral chancellor the Rev Canon Dr Rob James

PEoPLE gathered in Wells Cathedral for a short service of reflection and prayer on the first anniversary of the first lockdown.

At mendip District Council’s offices in Shepton mallet, staff and councillors observed a minute’s silence at midday. the nationwide event, organised by end-of-life charity marie Curie, was to acknowledge the collective loss of the nation, to support those left behind and

symbolise hope for a brighter future.

Both Somerset County Council and Bath and north East Council are organising award schemes to recognise the work of volunteers and organisations during the pandemic. Somerset has launched the Somerset medal which will be presented on Somerset Day, monday, may 11th.

North Somerset Council marked the anniversary of the death of its first resident from Covid by lighting 334 candles on the steps of the town hall in Weston-super-Mare The cathedral chapter gather in front of a plaque remembering those who lost their lives to Covid or who continue to suffer and people who have helped during the pandemic

Taking a moment to remember

Shining Light awards for Covid heroes

Communityheroes in Bath and north East Somerset who have made an exceptional contribution to helping others during the Covid-19 pandemic are set to be recognised in a raft of special new awards. the Shining Light Awards aim to highlight people who have gone above and beyond to volunteer or to support members of their community over the past year.

nominations are now open for the ten awards for volunteers, carers, charities, businesses, nurses, teachers, public sector workers, and anyone who has exceeded what is expected of them in order to help their local community or an individual over the past 12 months.

Councillor Andy Furse, council chair, said: “over the past year i have found it staggering to witness many extraordinary acts of kindness and support by people in Bath and north East Somerset to those in need.

“We have always known there are true heroes in our community, but the challenges posed by the pandemic have highlighted these exceptional people more than ever before. it’s really brought out the best in our communities.” nominations close on April 30th.

Food bank sees surge in demand

tHEKeynsham Food Bank has seen an increase of 60 percent in the number of people they have been supporting through the pandemic. they say this increase has been dealt with successfully thanks to the continued support and generosity of people who make donations.

Project manager, Alan Hale, said: "it has been a very challenging time for us but i am immensely proud of the volunteers who have worked extremely hard to ensure that we continued to deliver the service to those who needed our support. Also a big thank you to Keynsham and District Dial a ride who do the deliveries for us."

Since April 1st, 2020 the food bank has supported over 2000 people which is a 59% increase on numbers in 2019/20.

Alan Hale said: "i am always at pains to make clear to people that food banks are not synonymous with benefits and this year has reinforced that fact as over 25 percent of those we have supported have been referred to us due to them being on a low income.

“there are many, many families out there in our community who lead extremely hard lives and it is heart-warming that the community comes together to support and help them with their donations of food and money and my grateful thanks go out to them.

“the sad fact is that any of us might one day find ourselves in distinctly different circumstances. the food bank and its volunteers are not judgemental." in the meantime all food banks anticipate a further increase in demand, as unemployment increases with pandemic measures starting to wind down.

Details: keynshamfoodbank@gmail.com

Lions’ laptop appeal

CHEDDAr Vale Lions’ appeal for laptops saw 87 of them distributed to local families, but left them with 14 iPads/tablets, which they have donated to Weston General Hospital.

As well as being used for patients to talk to families when visiting is not allowed, they will help volunteers dealing with dementia patients. the Lions are still taking in devices if anyone has any to donate and have schools and families waiting. they will also be contacting other hospitals to see if they require any small devices.

Support for young people

tHE Jack Hazeldine Foundation, based in Clevedon, has been granted £35,100 from the Charities Aid Foundation resilience Fund to provide outreach support to young people who are vulnerable and disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Coronavirus has presented JHF service users with an incredible challenge this year and the demand for bespoke mentoring, tutoring, and therapeutic support packages has increased dramatically.

JHF managing director Pearl Cross said: “it is clear the impact of Covid-19 has been acute and far-reaching across Somerset. young people are now in emergency need of complex support. our charity has seen a significantly greater call on services and significant changes to delivery of activities.

“We are witnessing a huge impact on the very people we are here to support, many without necessary funding for support services. this emergency grant will enable us to reach out to more in need young people, and will strengthen our community and the quality of life of vulnerable families.”

Details: hello@thejhf.org visit www.thejhf.org https://www.facebook.com/JHFcharity or call 01275 873962

Taking positives from the pandemic

BLinD, educational speaker, James Shone, from Beckington, near Frome cycled 150 miles from Bath to Big Ben raising over £20,000 for his charity i Can and i Am. it will fund a new double decker bus which will visit schools to help tackle mental health challenges in young people. James was accompanied on his tandemathon by colleague Anthony Dutton.

James, a school teacher and house master, was forced to quit teaching in 2013 following a brain tumour that left him without sight and his body partially disabled. motivated by his desire to see children fulfil their potential, he set up his charity and has spent six years visiting hundreds of schools to speak about his journey and the importance of how to inflate young people’s “balloon of self-belief”.

He said: “the pandemic has been challenging in so many ways to our young people but i know that from it we can take so many positives. i want to help break the negative cycle so prevalent among young people today and to equip them with the tools they need to believe in who they are and what they can do so that they can live their lives with confidence.”

Chicks bring Easter cheer

DurinGthe dark winter months of lockdown, members of Bishop Sutton and Stowey Wi decided to start making knitted Easter chicks, which they hung around the cherry tree on the green opposite the village Post office. they also crowned the post box with an Easter post box topper featuring a mother hen with eggs and small chicks surrounded by crochet flowers. the group’s president, Jenny Harris, said: “We found out that

Pictured (l to r) Jenny Martin, Denise Stirrup, Janet Thornhill, Nita Wendover, Julia Young, Meriel James and Jenny Harris Janet Thornhill (left) and Jenny Harris with the post box decoration

Bishop Sutton Primary School were holding an Easter trail on Easter Sunday and arranged for our decorated tree and post box to be part of this.

“We had reached 100 knitted chicks, which were threaded on twine by Janet thornhill, for hanging around the tree. Beaks and eyes were added by Janet and also Denise Stirrup. most of the chicks were stuffed with re-used bubble wrap to keep their shape even if it rained.

“We had initially started knitting the chicks to fill them at Easter time with chocolate creme eggs for family, but someone had the brainwave of hanging them from the cherry tree at Easter to raise the hopes and expectations of the community after our long winter of lockdown.

“Eggs and chicks symbolize the promise of new life and a future – especially meaningful as we emerge from lockdown.”

New lease of life for laptops

A LoCKDoWnLaptop appeal, launched to help families with home schooling, has received so many devices it has stopped further collections until it deals with all those it has been given.

Paulton councillor, Grant Johnson, said he has been “gobsmacked” by the level of support for the scheme, which has seen the roll-out of reconditioned laptops across north East Somerset and Bath.

He’s spent his weekends driving all over the district to make collections. richard Stelling has then wiped each laptop clean and set them all up as ChromeBooks, which was considered the most user friendly for school children. richard said: “i managed to set up a little factory production line in my house to get through all the donations we received and even roped my son in to help.”

Cllr Johnson said: “Lots of children who have had access to the technology lent out by schools are now finding that it needs to be returned, so we are fulfilling a need for those children in our community.

“the response i have been getting as i distribute them across the area has been fantastic, and it just goes to show what these donations mean to our youngest residents.

“What’s incredible about this scheme is that it's stopping a lot of these laptops eventually ending up in landfill as e-waste. We are giving it a new lease of life and more importantly a very grateful home.”

Grant Johnson