Religious leaders with the restored memorial to William McGregor
Dignity help Aston Villa supporters to remember the founder of The Football League
On Tuesday 20 December 2011, Dignity funeral directors, E F Edwards of Erdington, Birmingham, helped supporters of Aston Villa to mark the centenary of the death of William McGregor, founder of The Football League and Chairman of their club during its formative years.
Dignity offered to cover the shortfall in funds raised by Villa supporters who were looking to restore McGregor’s grave at St Mary’s Church in Handsworth and E F Edwards funeral home provided a limousine and chauffer, Chris Harper, to transport high profile guests to the church and the VIP reception at Villa Park.
"As a long time Villa fan and season ticket holder I have a personal interest in helping give William McGregor the resting place he undoubtedly deserves," explained Dignity’s corporate services director, Richard Portman. "Due to the generosity of Villa’s supporters we have only had to make a small financial contribution to cover the shortfall but we were pleased to provide a Mercedes limousine and chauffeur to transport the religious leaders and dignitaries that were attending this special event."
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Chairmen and Chief Executives of the 12 founding clubs of The Football League attended the Service of Commemoration. It was jointly conducted by Reverend Dr Kirsty Thorpe, leader of the United Reformed Church in the UK (McGregor was a devout member of the Congregational Church, now part of the URC), Reverend Leo Osborn, leader of the Methodist Church in the UK (in recognition of Aston Villa’s Methodist origin) and the Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston. Also taking part was the Reverend Stuart Picken, minister of Ardoch Parish Church in Perthshire, where McGregor was baptised.
E F Edwards also provided a limousine for Lord Brian Mawhinney, President of The Football League, who paid tribute to his organisations founder as part of the service.
The Service concluded with a procession into the Churchyard led by the Bishop of Aston, who re-dedicated McGregor’s grave followed by a reception at Villa Park.
Other Stories
-
Funeral Director puts on his 'Blue Suede Shoes' for Marie Curie Funeral director, Fred Davies, based at Derek Moss Funeral Directors in Houghton le Spring, recently organised a charity concert where he showcased his Elvis tribute act.
-
Chislehurst funeral home redesigns garden Staff at Francis Chappell & Sons Funeral Directors in Chislehurst recently redesigned their garden area, creating an inviting and environmentally friendly space.
-
Handbags and Gladrags raise funds for local hospice James Scott and Thomas Marin Funeral Directors based in Edinburgh hosted a 'Handbags and Gladrags' event in May and raised over £400 for Eagle Lodge Care Home, run by the Salvation Army.
-
New crematorium & cemetery in Kent receives the green light On 10 December, Dignity received planning permission to develop a new crematorium and cemetery in Dartford, Kent.
-
Archbishop of York visits funeral home On Friday 22 January, Ernest Brigham Funeral Directors, Bridlington, were pleased to welcome His Grace, the Archbishop of York who was in the area as part of a pilgrimage of prayer, witness and blessing.
-
W G Rathbone opens its doors in Stratford upon Avon W G Rathbone Funeral Directors new premises on 34 Rother Street, Stratford upon Avon, was officially opened on Tuesday 1 December and the Chapel of Rest was blessed by Reverend Neville Beamer of Holy Trinity Church, Stratford upon Avon.