Michael Gamble Funeral Directors

18/10/2025

13/10/2025

Thank you SO much for everyone that has popped past daily this week, myself and my little side kick have been picking daily to restock everyday and they’ve sold out! We’ll be back at the cutting patch tomorrow with a fresh array of florals ready for the flower shack. (This was before the last lonely bouquet went to its new home!) 🍂 🎃 🌿

13/10/2025

11/10/2025

Our new flower shack has been refilled! The lights are on daily til at least 8pm.. cash and card accepted - once you’re onto the estate you’ll see a green sign with arrows.. GL11 4PE 🌿

Don’t need flowers now, but at a later date? Pop us a message and we can make to order!

Finished with your jam jar? You’re welcome to drop them back off so we can recycle them!

Find us also at Kingshill House weekly! ⭐️

07/10/2025

03/10/2025

Grand Opening – Pinks Funeral Directors, Caterham

On 1st August, we proudly celebrated the grand opening of our new Pinks Funeral Directors branch in Caterham. While the location is new, Pinks has a long-standing legacy of compassionate care, and we’re thrilled to extend that tradition into the Caterham community.

The event was a fantastic success, thanks to the dedication of Karen, our Area Development Manager, and the brilliant team at Pinks who worked tirelessly to prepare the branch and welcome guests.

We were honoured to be joined by The Hon. Councillor Mike Crane, Chairman of Tandridge District Council, whose presence added a special touch to the occasion.

A highlight of the day was Caterham Town Crier and valued team member Sonia, who brought tradition and ceremony to life with her official duties—making the celebration truly memorable.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in marking this exciting new chapter for Pinks in Caterham.

02/10/2025

This month we’re exploring the topic of coping with grief. Check in each week for helpful advice and guidance.

Grief is a unique journey for everyone; there's no set timeline.

It can bring overwhelming emotions like anger, guilt, and deep sadness, and even manifest as physical symptoms.

All of these reactions are normal. Don’t be afraid to seek support from loved ones or professionals.

29/09/2025

Don’t miss a beat on World Heart Day.

One in five people will die early from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Yet, up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable. That’s why, every 29 September, we celebrate World Heart Day to raise awareness of CVD and the importance of taking care of your heart.

Find out more about World Heart Day and what you can do to join in: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/about-whd/

26/09/2025

James Brown & Sons Supporting “Saddle Up” Holiday Bible Club

Last month, our Newtownabbey branch had the joy of supporting the “Saddle Up” Holiday Bible Club, made possible through the James Brown & Sons Community Fund.

Led by our fantastic team member Claire, the initiative brought together children and families for a week of western-themed fun, crafts, games, and storytelling—all hosted by the local church. The energy was infectious, and it was clear how much the event meant to everyone involved.

We were proud to play a small part in making the week a success. Claire spent time at the club during the week, joined the family BBQ on Saturday, and attended the Sunday Church service—strengthening the bond between our team and the local community.

A huge thank you to Claire for championing this initiative. It’s moments like these that remind us how powerful community connections can be.

24/09/2025

Walking Through Fire for a Cause

On 9th October, Tony Harms, Funeral Manager at James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors, will be stepping up—literally—for charity. Tony is taking on a Fire Walk to raise vital funds for North London Hospice, an organisation that provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to families across the region.

This bold challenge reflects the same unwavering dedication Tony brings to his role every day. We’re incredibly proud of his courage and commitment, and we’re rallying behind him as he walks through fire for a truly meaningful cause.

Donate today and help make a difference: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anthony-harms13

22/09/2025

We’re proud to congratulate six outstanding colleagues on their achievements:

✨ Diploma in Funeral Directing
Tutored by Ian Reynolds, NAFD Approved Tutor and Operational Support Manager at Funeral Partners:
• Aimee Hughes
• Lisa Parker
• Katie Halford
• Victoria Fallon

📜 Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration
• Mollie Dowling
• Jade Cross

Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism are an inspiration to us all. Here's to the next chapter in your journey supporting families and communities with care and dignity. 💐

National Association of Funeral Directors

19/09/2025

GE Hartley & Son Take on Malham Cove – and a Bull – for Charity!

The incredible team from GE Hartley & Son Funeral Directors recently tackled a challenging charity walk through the breath taking Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.

What was meant to be a 13-mile trek turned into a 15-mile adventure—thanks to an unexpected detour caused by a runaway bull! From rock climbing to rugged terrain, the team powered through with laughter, resilience, and plenty of Yorkshire grit.

Together, they raised an amazing £1,385 for the Alzheimer's Society. A huge well done to everyone involved—your determination and good humour turned a wild walk into a wonderful memory.

18/09/2025

A Fond Farewell to a True Country Gentleman

G&M Goold Funeral Directors, were honoured to conduct a heartfelt farewell for a beloved local farm hand whose life was deeply rooted in the land—and in his love for tractors.

The service reflected his passion for the countryside, with thoughtful touches that celebrated his character and the life he lived. It was a privilege to support his family in saying goodbye.

A fitting tribute to a well-respected member of the local farming community.

15/09/2025

September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of prevention and early action.

Vascular disease often develops silently, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle early is key to prevention. Staying active through daily movement, choosing heart-smart foods, quitting smoking, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can make a profound difference.

This month, let’s commit to small changes that lead to stronger vessels and healthier lives. Share this message, encourage loved ones to get screened, and be part of a movement that prioritises prevention over crisis.

10/09/2025

W. Storey Funeral Service had the honour of working with Cleveland Fire Brigade to pay respect to one of the brigades former colleagues.

The 93 minute procession to the crematorium involved 8 Fire Engines, over 300 serving men and women and a guard of honour in the local fire station.

09/09/2025

If you're considering a funeral plan, why not call in to either our Stonehouse or Stroud offices and discuss the options. We currently have a limited time offer of £150 off all our Choice Funeral Plans.

08/09/2025

Did you know that 1 in 2 strokes and heart attacks are caused by high blood pressure—and 6 million people in the UK don’t even know they have it? That’s why this week matters.

Each September Blood Pressure UK holds Know Your Numbers Week, raising awareness about the silent risks of high blood pressure and encouraging everyone to have their blood pressure tested.

Why it matters:
- High blood pressure often has no symptoms
- It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and dementia
- Early detection means better outcomes and healthier lives

Find your nearest free blood pressure check at https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/find-your-nearest-free-blood-pressure-check/

Blood Pressure UK

05/09/2025

Murray’s Funeral Directors have launched a community allotment where people who have experienced grief can get together and enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening.

Thyme to Grow – a dedicated plot at the Thorntree Lane Allotments in Swadlincote is open to anyone looking to reconnect with nature, share peaceful moments, and enjoy discovering what can be grown.

Funeral Director Megan Smart who is leading the project said : “Sometimes families that we have looked after can feel lost following the funeral of their loved one, and we thought this might be a nice way to gently introduce something new to their week, where some focus can be placed".

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

Let’s catch up over lunch! 🥪

Our Sunflowers community are invited to join us for our Lunch Group. 🌻

This monthly gathering is all about enjoying good food with friendly company and connecting with others in a welcoming space. 💛

We hope to see you there!

📍 Unit 8, The Courtyard, Montpellier St, Cheltenham, GL50 ISR

🕣 12pm - 2pm

02/09/2025

Come and visit our stall next weekend

02/09/2025

✨ "This life. This night. Your story. Your hope. It matters. All of it matters.” – Jamie Tworkowski

September can feel like a month of change. As summer draws to a close, we return to school, college, or university. The evenings grow shorter, the air cooler, and leaves begin to fall. In the middle of all these transitions, please remember this: you matter, you are loved, and the world is better with you in it.

September 10th marks World Su***de Prevention Day 2025. The theme in 2025 is, "Changing The Narrative On Su***de".

As part of our commitment to raising awareness around su***de prevention, we want to take a moment to highlight how Sunflowers are supporting this year's theme throughout the whole month of September and onwards into each day.

Here are some of the events and activities to look out for:

🌻 Glimmer Of Light & Storms Walk - a moving event at Bristol Memorial Woodlands on 14th September, that welcomes members of the community, opening up conversations surrounding su***de, offering a shared sense of solidarity and unity, and providing hope to those in their darkest moments . ✨🕯 Sign up here: https://sunflowerssu***desupport.beaconforms.com/form/1471e178

You can also find us as WellFest, Gloucestershire College and Stroud College as they welcome their new students; we will be there with our awareness stands - connecting with students and sharing our story. 💛 Our team will be at Gloucester Pride on 13th September and then we are up in Manchester for the annual Su***de Bereavement Conference.

We are excited to launch our Do Not Be Alone campaign as part of our on going commitment to raising awareness and creating a su***de safer community.

🌻 Do Not Be Alone - a week-long event taking place in November that encourages people to organise their own coffee mornings to connect over a cup of coffee, set in place to remind individuals that they do not have to face life's struggles alone. 🍩☕

Let’s walk into September looking out for one another. 💛 Together, we can shift the conversation by showing care, compassion, and connection. A simple “How are you?” can make a big difference. We encourage you to take the first step, and start the conversation - it could save a life.

Why not take your own pledge to change the narrative:
🌿 Ask someone how they’re really doing.
🌟 Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
☀️ Step outside, notice the sunshine, the stars, or the turning leaves.
💨 Pause, and take a deep breath.

Small moments of kindness and connection can change everything. Reach out. Check in. Stay connected

If you would like to participate in any of our upcoming events , please follow the link in our bio!

***depreventionday ***depreventionday🎗 ***deprevention ***depreventionmonth
***deprevention ***depreventionmonth ***de

02/09/2025

Are you considering a funeral plan?

Buying a funeral plan is a big decision and can require a lot of careful thought, especially if you don’t already have a clear idea of what your wishes are, or which plan will suit you best.

Each plan is different, but knowing what you want from your plan may help guide your decision.

Our helpful guide will help you understand what you may need to consider before buying a funeral plan.

https://www.choiceplan.co.uk/guides/what-to-consider-before-you-buy-a-funeral-plan-from-choice/