Caring new service is welcomed by Mayor of Shaftesbury

Mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Winifred Harvey, welcomed guests from the local community at a VIP evening hosted by The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare to celebrate the opening of its new funeral branch in the Shaftesbury.

The celebration evening (6 Nov) included a dedication service for the Chapel of Rest which was led by Reverend Jan Crossley, associate Minister in the Shaftesbury Team Ministry and celebrant Louise Jopling. Funeral Co-ordinators at the branch, Pauline Stockton and Jayne Keitch, presented Cllr Harvey with a cheque for £250 on behalf of The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare for The Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital, one of the Mayor’s charity recipients.

Jayne, who is a regular volunteer with the Friends of the hospital, helping at their monthly coffee mornings, said: “Volunteering is an important aspect of our job and we’re actively encouraged to do this and offer fundraising support too, as it’s an important aspect of our co-operative ethos. We’re also inviting local good causes and charities to use our meeting room here at the branch free of charge; it will accommodate up to 15 people. This is all part of the support we’re extending to the local community here in Shaftesbury, so do come and talk to us about how we may be able to help.”

Mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Winifred Harvey, said; “I wish the Southern Co-operative Funeralcare service every success in providing the residents of Shaftesbury with the highest standard of service and care, helping them with dignity at a time when it is most needed. I am also sure that the Westminster Memorial Hospital will be very pleased with the generous donation of £250 which is my nominated Mayor’s Charity for this year”.

The Shaftesbury branch of The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare is located at Greenacre House on Salisbury Road. Groups wishing to use the meeting room are advised to call Pauline or Jayne on 01747 858968 or pop into the branch.