World Cup Rugby fever in Twickenham
Lodge Brothers are not just funeral directors they are a team of passionate individuals who do so much for the community and ensure they embrace every occasion with enthusiasm and passion.
They recently celebrated the Queen’s record breaking achievement as longest serving monarch of Great Britain. The different branches of Lodge Brothers decorated their windows with colourful patriotic displays and joined in the celebrations. Lodge Brothers funeral directors Surbiton went all out and their display included press cuttings, flags and collages. Such a wonderful tribute in honour of the Queen.
Then Rugby World Cup got underway at the end of September hosting their opening ceremony and game at Twickenham. Twickenham has been buzzing with flags, bunting and celebrations and shop windows are decorated with all sorts of colourful displays. The shops in the high street joining in and businesses in the town preparing festivities for the Rugby World Cup. Lodge Brothers joined in the fun by putting on a fun and festive rugby display.
Some exciting changes have been happening within Lodge Brothers - Paul Bye has been appointed as the Surrey Commercial and Operations Manager for the Lodge Brothers Group based in Byfleet, West Byfleet, Addlestone, Woking, Cobham and Guildford. Paul brings with him his vast experience within the Funeral Profession where he has worked his way through the ranks, obtaining his Diploma in Funeral Directing in the process. We wish Paul every success in his new position.
Susan Areington has been appointed as a new funeral arranger. Susan has been looking after the families at Lodge Brothers Englefield Green since the branch opened several years ago and has helped arrange a wide variety of funerals within the local area. Susan is also a resident of Woking and this local knowledge and experience is what we have been searching for to continue the high standards previously experienced by clients of Lodge Brothers, Woking. We wish Susan every success in her new position.
Ambers Foundation to be founded in memory of Amber Kathan
Lodge Brothers family owned funeral directors Surbiton have been serving the community for over 200 years. Lodge Brothers Cobham and many other branches throughout the UK offer the largest range of memorials, coffins, urns, floral arrangements and tributes and many more ways to give your loved one a fitting memorial by choosing a special way to remember them.
Lodge Brothers recently had the honour of conducting the funeral of a very special angel, who was given a fitting memorial.
‘Amber’s Foundation’ To Be Founded in Memory of Amber Kathan
Lodge Brothers in Ashford recently conducted the funeral of 21 year old Amber Kathan, who’s life was tragically cut short less than a year after being diagnosed with Epithelia Sarcoma.
Before Amber died she told her mother Averil, about her dream of starting a respite project to help homeless people and those impacted by domestic violence. Unlike other mainstream charities, Amber’s idea centres around helping those who need help but who also have pets to care for too.
Mrs Kathan is now determined to take the project forward with the help of a group of friends who supported them both through the past year, aptly called Amber’s Angels. The charity will be called Amber’s Foundation.
Mrs Kathan explained: “Amber had the most amazing ability to get people to do things they did not think they could do. She was a people whisperer and an animal whisperer. She linked together some amazing people.”
Brentford Says farewell to Flight Lieutenant Owen Burns – Battle of Britain Veteran
Lodge Bothers funeral directors Surbiton and Funeral Directors Twickenham have had the privilege of conducting hundreds of funerals and memorials for some of Britain’s most loved people. They recently conducted a private funeral service for Flight Lieutenant Owen Burns.
Local resident Flight Lieutenant Owen Valentine Burns, who was an air gunner on Bristol Blenheims during the Battle of Britain – making him one of Churchill’s ‘The Few’ – has died at the age of 99.
Owen was born in Birkenhead on 20th November 1915 but moved to Brentford in 1983 where he joined Deborah, also from Birkenhead, who subsequently became his wife.
Owen, who was just a few months short of his 100th birthday, when he died on 30 June 2015, had volunteered for the RAF on 3 October 1939, joining up as a wireless operator/air gunner.
Owen joined 235 Squadron, a Coastal Command Squadron assigned to Fighter Command to replace losses incurred during the Battle for France and flew with them throughout the Battle of Britain.
On 11th September 1940 he was one of 6 Blenheims escorting 6 Albacores of the Fleet Air Arm to Calais to torpedo the German fleet. On arrival they were greeted by anti-aircraft fire and then attacked by 25+ ME 109s. Fortunately the attack only lasted a few minutes, it is presumed because the Messerschmitts were low on fuel returning from an attack in SE England but only 3 Albacores and 4 Blenheims made it back. (This is an official entry in Lord Dowding’s Diary).
On 14 February 1941 Burns’ Blenheim was caught in an enemy raid while returning from a night patrol over the North Sea. The aircraft crashed on landing as the flare path lighting the airfield had been extinguished. The observer was killed and the pilot spent a year in hospital, but Owen escaped with a broken collar bone – could the date Valetine’s Day be significant?
In January 1945 he was appointed Gunnery Officer for 19 Group, Plymouth and a month later he became PA to Air Officer Commanding Air Vice Marshal CBS Spackman. Owen left the RAF in March 1948.
After the war Owen worked in the North West of England for a whisky company before coming to London after his retirement. He became involved in Battle of Britain activities and as recently as 10 June 2015, Owen and Deborah attended a tea for members of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association hosted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
He was also recently presented to Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh at the opening of the new visitor centre ‘The Wing’ at the National Memorial to ‘The Few’ in Capel le Ferne, Kent in March.
Owen died peacefully on 30th June 2015 in hospital after a short illness and is survived by his wife Deborah, his 6 daughters and his son.
Click here Funeral Directors Cobham for more information on how Lodge Brothers can assist you.
Lodge Brothers bespoke memorials pay the perfect tribute
Lodge Brothers family owned business for over 200 years have the widest selection of floral tributes, memorials, Headstones and coffins. Memorials are a wonderful way to remember your loved one with a fitting tribute. Lodge Brothers memorials Hillingdon specialise in bespoke memorials ensuring your loved one is remembered in a special way for years to come.
Whether your loved one had a special unique hobby such as fishing or trains or a love of sport Lodge Brothers memorials Shepherds Bush will assist you.
Have a look at this fitting memorials Paddington recently held.
Motorcycle Send-off for Triumph Enthusiast Allan James ‘Wag’
Allan James ‘Wag’ of Cobham travelled on his final journey from his home in a Triumph Thunderbird Motorcycle Hearse to Randalls Park Crematorium for the funeral service.
‘Wag’ moved from Liverpool with his family as a young boy and lived in Downside, before moving into Cobham about 47 years ago. He trained and worked as a carpenter until his retirement. He was a very well know member of the local community, and was involved with a number of local clubs. A very keen gardener, and was still helping his friends and neighbours with theirs until recent times.
His family decided on the more unusual type of transport to the crematorium, as he owned lots of motorbikes including Nortons and Triumphs and enjoyed re-building them. He had a motorcycle and sidecar which Carol his eldest daughter believes was a Triumph. Carol has fond memories in the 1960’s of trips down to Littlehampton from Downside with Mum and herself sitting in the sidecar. She remembers it had a roof, with a little door, so they were kept dry, whilst Dad braved the elements!
Choose a beautiful way to remember your loved one
Lodge Brothers are not just funeral directors, they are a remarkable group of individuals who are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of their customers at the greatest time of need.
When someone loses a loved one they are often is a state of shock and too upset and emotional to make rational decisions. Lodge Brothers recently assisted us through this process; they were patient explaining the important information ensuring we made the right decisions with regards to our loved ones memorial.
Lodge Brothers funeral directors in Surbiton as well as all the other Lodge Brothers situated throughout the UK offer many different memorials fitting for a loved one. Every memorial is individually made and can be personalised through slight changes in design. Lodge Brothers are more than willing to make sure your needs and requirements are met. Their staff have such a wonderful approach that you will soon feel like one of the family.
Lodge Brothers have a large range of Kerb Set Memorials and Classic Memorials where permitted, a memorial may cover the full length of the grave giving a wide variety of choice and design. They have put together some of the many designs available and often modify each design to suit individual requirements (eg adding or removing vase posts). The area in the centre can be left for planting, filled with chippings or covered with an internal or external cover slab.
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Book designs with kerb surrounds shown in Marble.
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Book designs with kerb surrounds shown in Marble.
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Book design with kerb surrounds shown in all polished Karin Grey Granite.
Speak to Lodge Brothers if you a require assistance arranging a Funeral in Surbiton, their empathetic, compassionate staff about this difficult often traumatic decision especially when it comes to our loved ones.
A life remembered….
Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Hounslow and other branches of Lodge Brothers have been exceptionally busy these past few weeks within the community; with Easter Services, St Georges Day and creating community awareness with Shooting Star Chase a leading children’s hospice, Lodge Brothers really care for their fellow members and friends alike. Read what they have been doing recently.
Shooting Star Chase is a leading children’s hospice charity based in Hampton, caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
Whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or years, Shooting Star are there to make every moment count.
Support Shooting Star Chase today by sending your recycled stamps to GS Keates. Caroline Edgington has been collecting used stamps for a while and was only too pleased to hear that the collection of stamps she has been storing could be put to good use for Shooting Star.
Caroline now offers the challenge to the residents of Hampton Hill to bring in their used stamps and support this great local charity.
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ST GEORGES DAY CELEBRATIONS
St George, England’s Patron Saint, has not been forgotten in pictures, flags, information and red roses (a symbol of England) have been put together as a window display to commemorate St George’s Day (Thursday 23rd April).
The eye catching display in Funeral Directors Ruislip and Funeral Directors Uxbridge window was eye catching ensuring that brave St George is not forgotten by the good people of our Nation.
A life remembered
On Friday 24th April the village of Bisley bid a traditional ‘farewell’ to one of its oldest residents, Mr Peter Fuller. Mr Fuller had lived for many years next to St John’s Church, Bisley. He died in Woking Hospice on 4th April aged 90 years. His beloved wife, Mollie, predeceased him in 2011.
Mr Fuller’s Funeral Service took place in St John’s Church, Bisley which was full to capacity with standing room only. A Royal British Legion Standard Bearer was also in attendance. The service was followed by a private cremation.
His coffin was borne from Lodge Brother Funeral Directors in Goldsworth Road, Woking to Bisley Church in a Horse Drawn Hearse following a route planned by Mr Fuller’s son, Richard. Click here Funeral Directors Chertsey for more information
Lodge Brothers will help you to remember your loved one in the most appropriate way
Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ashford and funeral directors Woking as well as the rest of the many Lodge Brothers branches throughout the UK, are passionate about making arrangements easier and less of a burden for memorials and funeral of loved ones. They are also compassionate individuals who strive to make a difference within the community in any way possible.
Every year, Lodge Brothers funeral directors Englefield Green place a ‘Memorial Tree’ in their branch.
Families who have lost a loved one in the past year are invited to write a message on a card to them and hang it on the tree in memory.
At funeral directors Chertsey, Branch Arranger Helen Kempster and District Manager Richard Leachman (pictured) invited the local vicar to host a short service of blessing at the branch.
Over a dozen recently bereaved clients joined in with the service, led by Rev Tim Hillier of St Peter’s Church.
Helen Kempster Celebrates 10 years of Service at Lodge Brothers
Lodge Brothers funeral directors throughout the UK including funeral directors Woking and funeral directors Englefield Green are so committed to the community they found Christmas an exceptionally exciting time to celebrate with the community sharing poems, candle light services, remembrance services to ensure your loved ones are not forgotten, I found some interesting articles which demonstrates their commitment and support including their dedicated staff.
Helen Kempster Celebrates 10 years of Service at Lodge Brothers
Helen Kempster, the Funeral Arranger at Chertsey branch, recently celebrated a decade of service with Lodge Brothers. Helen joined the Company in December 2004, and after three months training she took over the running of the branch in Chertsey. Over the years she has become a well-known member of the local community.
After 37 years’ service working for HSBC bank in the city of London, Helen retired and sought a new direction. She now lives in Hampshire and so has a 45-minute commute to Chertsey, but makes the trip daily to support her families in their ‘hours of need’.
“This is the best job I have ever had,” Helen explains, “and Lodge Brothers funeral directors Chertsey are a super company to work for. Here’s to the next ten years!”
Another interesting articles about Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Ashford held their annual Christmas Memorial and Thanksgiving Service recently.
The service, which took place at St Matthew’s Church on Sunday 14th December, was attended by over 180 people who have experienced bereavement in recent months. They came along to remember their loved ones, give thanks and light a candle in a moving hour-long service led by Father Stuart King and arranged by Lodge Brothers’ District Manager, Richard Leachman.
St Matthew’s Church choir sang, ably led by organist Philip Buckmaster, and local musician Robert Goodhew played a beautiful piece on his saxophone.
Afterwards, refreshments were served by Lodge Brothers’ staff.
“This service is always a highlight of our community’s Christmas” said Mr Leachman. “To remember those we have loved and lost is particularly poignant at this time of year. Many people thanked us with tears in their eyes, grateful for the opportunity to keep alive the memory of their loved ones, for no-one is ever truly gone while there are those who remember them with thankfulness in their hearts.” “It was such a fitting end to a long life well-lived”.
Lodge Brothers offer chauffeur bearers training
Over 2 years of planning and evaluation came to fruition this month with the launch of a new coaching and training scheme for Chauffeur/Bearers at Lodge Brothers Head Office in Feltham.
The initiative runs parallel to the existing training programme but is much more in depth and allows staff to develop both their skills and their career, and is totally unique to Lodge Brothers.
The scheme has 5 levels matched to staffs’ experience, ranging from new entrants to the most experienced Chauffeur/Bearer. Staff are able to gain knowledge and experience outside their normal duties together with acquiring life skills such as communications, leadership and management.
As staff progress through the scheme they are rewarded to reflect their achievements, which are carefully monitored.
Lodge Brothers Director Janet Lodge said, ‘The initiative has already given Lodge Brothers funeral directors Twickenham Chauffeur Bearers more peripheral knowledge of their work which has resulted in an even better service for our clients’.
The picture shows staff receiving their first awards under the programme.
Click here for more information on the Chauffeur Bearers training Funeral Directors Cobham and arrange a funeral Cobham.
Lodge brothers floral tributes Twickenham are not just a funeral director company they care about the community and staff well-being who offer many services including floral tributes Cobham and arrange a funeral Twickenham.
Lodge Brothers you can turn to in time of need
Lodge Brothers are a family owned company who have been serving the community for over 100 years. They are very involved in the community and ensuring that their client’s needs are always taken care on down to the finest detail. They have wonderful dedicated team of staff that are patient and empathetic with an attention for detail. They are constantly expanding and recently opened another branch of funeral directors Cobham. When arranging a funeral in Cobham you will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Their services offer Prepaid Funerals Cobham, Memorials & Headstones Cobham and Floral Tributes Cobham.
Have a look at some of the ways Lodge Brothers are involved in the community.
Lodge Brothers Staff Invited to Address Doctors in May 2014
Chertsey branch arranger, Helen Kempster, and District Manager, Richard Leachman were invited recently to address a gathering of doctors and GPs at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey. The two, who have worked for Lodge Brothers for many years, delivered a presentation on the requirements of the local GP when dealing with the deceased and the funeral director.
The talk, entitled ‘Where Our Paths Cross’, was well received by the 27 doctors who are at various stages of their training. The ‘question and answer’ session which closed their time together was quickfire, touching on many issues including the doctors’ dealings with families and the role of the coroner.
Helen Kempster, whose discussions with her local GP opened up the opportunity to share with a wider audience, was thrilled with the morning. “It all went very well I feel”, she said. “The students wanted to learn and listened very intently to all Richard and I spoke about”.
