We chose the Co-operative Funeral service in Tamworth a couple of years ago, after initially visiting 2 other local Funeral Directors, when the decision was made to advance book Mums funeral arrangements.
I had a consultation with Mandie Lynes (Planning & Memorial Consultant), and although I felt uneasy talking about mums funeral and going through details and particulars, found Mandie to be extremely caring and empathetic.
I also felt a reassuring calmness when I was inside of the premises.
Although unfortunately we did have to consider what the cost of Mums funeral would be due to circumstances, it never actually came into the equation in the end, the reassuring feel I got during the consultation was enough.
When mum sadly passed and we had to contact our Funeral Director, our emotions were all over the place and we didn't know which way to turn or what to do.
We dealt with Shelley Wall (Funeral Arranger) for pretty much everything. Shelley was wonderful, she guided us through it all, and helped and sorted so much for us along the way, in fact, too much to list here, so thankyou Shelley x
On the day of mums funeral, the hearse was clean and shiny, the team had put all mums flowers in, and the pall bearer/conductor was an extremely polite and professional gentleman called Andrew Abbott.
Andrew introduced himself and apart from other things he had to do, guided us through the service including, when to enter the chapel, where to stand, when to sit, when to leave etc - he was wonderful.
We had previously arranged with the Co-op for them to display on their easel, a memorial board of mum to sit by her casket during the service, which they were happy to arrange.
On the day itself, last minute when we arrived at the chapel, we asked whether it would be possible to display 30 or so sympathy cards, a lit up engraved heart and a few other items we'd brought with us in addition to the memorial board.
Andrew got straight onto it, liaised with chapel officials and sorted all this out for us.
He then arranged the safe return of it all to us, after the service had concluded.
It just all happened so smoothly. Thankyou Andrew
Mums funeral was a small gathering and we used the Co-operatives Mews Suite after the service for refreshments and a bite to eat. It's a wonderful room for smaller gatherings, and again the staff were polite and courteous.
Each and every member of staff we've dealt with from day 1, have been professional, caring, understanding and helpful, and as a team have ensured mums final journey went smoothly and respectfully - and that means the world to me.
Thankyou all
David, Heather & Matt
