Freeman Brothers: Are you in a good place to die?

from Village Tweet - April 2021

Wey & Arun Canal Trust: Zoom presentations

Are you in a good place to die?

Dying Matters Awareness Week: 10th-16th May

Dying Matters Awareness Week takes place this year throughout week commencing 10th May. With social distancing restrictions looking likely to remain in place at least to some extent, Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors is planning some events to take place online.

The events, as ever, will be free of charge to attend and are aimed at getting people discussing funerals comfortably. The national campaign’s theme this year is ‘Are you in a good place to die?’, encouraging us all to consider whether our affairs and plans are suited to a ‘good death’, and being prepared for the end of life.

Two events are being organised to support the local community with this. The first, taking place at 11am on Tuesday 11th May, is Freeman Brothers Introduces the Funeral Industry, a panel event incorporating a variety of industry experts, facilitated by Freeman Brothers. ‘Due to our network of connections within the funeral industry, we have access to some fantastic suppliers,’ Community Co-Ordinator, Becky Hughes, says. ‘I’m really pleased that they’ve agreed to join us, as they are all enthusiastic and have interesting stories to share.’ Confirmed guests include Clare Shaw, author of a children’s bereavement book, ‘Love Will Never Die’, and Anthony Hill, owner of Somerset Willow, which makes bespoke willow products, including coffins.

The second event, Meet Freeman Brothers, is happening at 11am on Thursday 13th May. ‘This is a chance to ask us absolutely anything about the company and our services,’ Becky tells us. ‘I’ll be directing your questions to Abi Pattenden, Manager of Freeman Brothers, and former-President of the National Association of Funeral Directors. She’s worked in the funeral industry for over 13 years, and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge.’

Whether you’d like to know all about cremation regulations, or what kind of information a florist would like to know prior to providing funeral flowers, the guests will happily take your questions. You can either submit these in advance, or add them via the meeting’s question box live on the day.

To register for the event, email community@ freemanbrothers.co.uk or call the office on 01403 785133.

‘Although it’s sad that we can’t hold events in person again this year, it’s fantastic to have the option of joining together online to provide people with the information they need to make decisions in advance,’ Becky finishes. ‘Above all, we’d like to help people appreciate that talking about death doesn’t make it happen, and that these conversations are worth having.’ Becky Hughes Community Co-Ordinator, Freeman Brothers