Insight

Left to right: Father Goonan, Father Johnson and Father Loxley at the Service of Dedication and Open Day at Handsworth & District Funeral Directors

New funeral home blessed by local clergy

Handsworth & District Funeral Directors, Dignity’s new funeral home in Sheffield, was blessed by local clergy on Wednesday 28 March 2012 as part of a Service of Dedication and Open Day.

The Service of Dedication was conducted by Father Johnson from St Mary’s Church, Handsworth; Father Goonan from St Oswald’s Church, Wybourn; Father Loxley from St Catherine’s Church in Richmond and retired minister, Reverend Millward.

The ministers were thanked for providing the service by Dignity area manager, Pat Leeds, who went on to say: "We are very proud to open this new funeral home and we are looking forward to becoming part of the community in this area of Sheffield. In the past two years Dignity has raised £108,000 for children’s hospices such as Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and we are very eager to help any other local charities or community projects."

Pat then invited members of the local community, including Councillor Jackie Satur and Phil Cana from the Christian Life Centre to view the facilities of the new funeral home. Funeral manager, Lynne Grieveson and funeral service arrangers, Wendy Husbands and Julie Starr made everyone feel welcome, served light refreshments and answered any questions that people may have about funeral services.

A traditional horse drawn hearse complete with two horses proved to be a popular attraction at the Open Day.

"The horse drawn hearse certainly provided a talking point," said Lynne. "Several people came to take photographs of the horses and some even fed them carrots and mints."