John Gray & Co, Holywood

28/07/2025

✨ Applications are now closed for the John Gray Funeral Directors Community Assistance Programme.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who applied — we’re honoured to support so many inspiring local groups.

We look forward to reviewing your applications and seeing the positive impact you’ll make in our community.

📅 The fund will reopen in 2026 — stay connected for updates!
🔗 For more information: https://www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/community-assistance-programme/

26/07/2025

🚨 Applications close TOMORROW!

This is your last chance to apply for funding to support your local community project through our Community Assistance Programme.

Submit your application before midnight tomorrow!

📍 Apply here: https://www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/community-assistance-programme/

25/07/2025

🌿 Supporting Inclusive Spaces 🌿

Barbara Wilson, Funeral Manager at John Gray & Co., recently visited Camphill Community Holywood, a local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.

With help from our Community Assistance Programme, they’re enhancing their outdoor space to be more accessible, social, and engaging – with inclusive gardening tools, seating, and games that encourage connection and independence.

We’re proud to support this meaningful project and the incredible community behind it. 💚

24/07/2025

SAMARITANS AWARENESS DAY – THURSDAY 24TH JULY 2025
Every year on the 24th of July, or 24/7, Samaritans remind us that help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — whenever life feels overwhelming.
Across the UK and Ireland, local Samaritans branches will be hosting events to raise awareness and remind everyone that they’re here to listen, day or night, no matter what you’re going through.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 — free and confidential. 💚
Other ways to get in touch are also available. Find out more: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

24/07/2025

A lovely review was recently left for Kevan and the entire team at Gibson’s Funeral Services, Bishop Auckland.

A heartfelt thank you to the team for showing such respect and compassion, helping to make a difficult time a little gentler for the family involved. 💜

24/07/2025

Every year on the 24th of July, or 24/7, Samaritans remind us that help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — whenever life feels overwhelming.

Across the UK and Ireland, local Samaritans branches will be hosting events to raise awareness and remind everyone that they’re here to listen, day or night, no matter what you’re going through.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 — free and confidential. 💚

Other ways to get in touch are also available. Find out more: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

23/07/2025

🌟 Community Support from Miles & Daughters 🌟

Miles & Daughters Funeral Directors have awarded over £5,000 to four local organisations in the final round of their Community Fund.

The fund supports community projects in areas surrounding their funeral homes in Winnersh, Reading, Whitley, Twyford, Binfield, Crowthorne, Maidenhead, and Tadley.

The final recipients are:
💜 Tadley & District Community Association – supporting the Tadley Community Food Pantry, where locals can access groceries for a small fee.
🏀 Reading Rockets Wheelchair Basketball Club – funding their Ball 4 All initiative, encouraging both disabled and able-bodied people to enjoy the sport together.
👁️ Berkshire Vision – enabling social trips and meetings for members living with sight loss.
🎉 Aspire 2 – helping to bring the colourful Whitley Carnival street party to life.

Since launching in 2023, the Miles & Daughters Community Fund has donated nearly £20,000 to 15 local organisations, making a real difference to people across Berkshire and beyond.

23/07/2025

📱☕ Silver Surfers Coffee Morning Update ☕📱

After a lovely and successful morning at St. Colmcille’s Parish Hall today, we’re delighted to announce that the Silver Surfers Coffee Mornings will continue!

This time, we’ll be working with smaller groups of 4–5 people, so we can spend more time with each person and offer one-to-one help. We also encourage everyone attending to bring along their phones, tablets, or laptops, so we can assist with any questions or issues directly.

If you’d like to join us, just register your interest with Claire in the Parish Office.

We will confirm dates closer to the time and will be in the Parish Bulletin.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there for more chats, cuppas, and tech tips! 💬📞💻

23/07/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Emma Moore 🎉

We’re delighted to share that Emma Moore, Area Development Manager at Funeral Partners, has been appointed President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) in Northern Ireland.

Emma has been an active member of the NAFD Executive for the past three years, serving as Vice Chairperson and helping to shape the association’s direction and strategic goals. She now steps into the role previously held by Stephen Larkin, continuing a strong legacy of leadership.

Her appointment reflects a deep commitment to raising industry standards, fostering professional development, and strengthening community engagement.
This is a significant milestone, and we’re proud to recognise the dedication, professionalism, and passion Emma brings to both Funeral Partners and the wider funeral profession.

Congratulations, Emma — a well-deserved achievement.

22/07/2025

Flowers often speak when words fall short. They help us honour the lives of those we’ve lost, offering comfort and expressing emotions we may struggle to put into words.

Through floriography — the language of flowers — many choose meaningful floral tributes that reflect love, remembrance, and respect.

Here are just a few popular choices and what they represent:
🌸 Lilies – A traditional symbol of peace and purity, often used to represent the soul of the departed.
🌸 Orchids – Represent love and beauty, but their meaning can change depending on the colour, for example:
- Purple orchids show admiration and dignity
- Yellow orchids express joy and friendship
🌸 Hydrangeas – Signify understanding, devotion, and true friendship.
🌸 Carnations – A popular choice that represents love and affection for those we’ve lost.

Choosing the right flowers is a thoughtful part of the grieving process — a way to honour someone's life while offering comfort and connection.

21/07/2025

From Hearses to Hiking Boots! 🏔️

The team at Ian Brown Funeral Director are taking on a heartfelt and one-of-a-kind challenge in support of lung cancer awareness.

They’ll be climbing the highest peaks on the five Scottish islands their coffins are named after — Arran, Mull, Jura, Harris, and Tiree.

Running from June to mid-October, the challenge will see them scale over 3,500 metres in total — more than two-and-a-half times the height of Ben Nevis!

The idea came from Funeral Service Operative Arry Renton, who is no stranger to a physical test, having spent 38 years in the Army and will be scouting each climb ahead of the team.
All funds raised will go to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, supporting research and raising awareness of the disease.

To donate and follow their journey, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/coffin-up-for-a-cause

21/07/2025

📣 Final call!

There are just a few days left to submit your application for the John Gray Funeral Directors Community Assistance Programme.

Make sure your group doesn’t miss out — funding closes on 27th July.

👉 Apply today: https://www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/community-assistance-programme/

18/07/2025

Congratulations to Area Development Manager Emma Moore, who has officially taken on the role of President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) in Northern Ireland.

Emma joined the Executive three years ago as Vice Chairperson and has since played an active role along with the other members in shaping the association’s direction and strategy.

She now steps into the position previously held by Stephen Larkin, whose contributions helped guide the NAFD through key developments.

Emma’s appointment signals a continued focus on industry standards, community leadership, and professional growth.

We are delighted to celebrate Emma’s latest achievement and recognise the exceptional contributions she continues to make within Funeral Partners and beyond. Her dedication, professionalism, and passion truly embody the values we stand for. Congratulations, Emma — we are proud to have you as part of our team!

18/07/2025

We’re proud to share that a potentially life-saving bleed control kit has been installed at William H Painter Funeral Directors main hub in Yardley, thanks to a request from our Funeral Service Operative, Darren Barton.

Provided by Birmingham Says No, which is a community interest company, the kit can help treat victims of serious injuries quickly and effectively. Darren shared:

“I hope we never have to use the kit, but if it helps just one person, then it’s completely worth it.

“Having it in our funeral home also means there are more spread around the area in case something terrible happens.”

The team will also receive training from Birmingham Says No to ensure they’re ready to assist in an emergency.

Thank you to Darren and Birmingham Says No for helping keep our community safer. 💜

17/07/2025

🌟 Thursday Thank You 🌟

This week’s thank you goes to Tony Kellar and the team at Burgess & Harper Funeral Directors.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for showing such compassion, care, and sensitivity while supporting a family through an incredibly difficult time. Your dedication truly makes a difference. 💜

17/07/2025

⏰ Just one week left to apply for our Community Assistance Programme!

Don’t miss your chance to secure funding for your community project or group.

✅ Closes: 27th July
📎 Apply here: https://www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/community-assistance-programme/

16/07/2025

THANK YOU DAY – WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY 2025
🌟 Today is Thank You Day 🌟
We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible team.
Your compassion, dedication, and support mean the world to the families you care for — especially during their most difficult times. 💜
We’re proud of the work you do, every day, around the clock. Today, we celebrate you. 👏

16/07/2025

🌟 Today is Thank You Day 🌟

We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible funeral directors, arrangers, and operatives.

Your compassion, dedication, and support mean the world to the families you care for — especially during their most difficult times. 💜

We’re proud of the work you do, every day, around the clock. Today, we celebrate you. 👏

15/07/2025

Did you know some of our Funeral Directors have been serving their communities for over 200 years?

We’re proud to be part of a long-standing tradition of care, compassion, and high-quality service. While we operate nationwide, our roots remain firmly planted in local communities — where generations have trusted us during life’s most difficult moments. 💜

14/07/2025

Celebrating Success at Patrick Ryan!

We’re so proud of two amazing team members who were recently recognised at an award ceremony following the completion of their exams.

🌟 Georgiana Flaherty (Mobile Funeral Arranger) received a Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration with Credit.

🌟 Rachael Kin (Senior Funeral Arranger) achieved an Advanced Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration with Distinction — the first advanced qualification offered by the LAFD, and Rachael is the first person from Funeral Partners to sit the exam!

Huge congratulations to both Georgiana and Rachael on this fantastic achievement! 💐💜

14/07/2025

12/07/2025

Today is a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.

On National Simplicity Day, we reflect on the value of a simpler approach to life — and, for some families, that includes how they say goodbye to a loved one.

A direct cremation offers a respectful and dignified option without the formality of a traditional service, allowing families to say goodbye in a way that feels right for them.

If you're considering a simpler farewell or just want to understand the options available, our team is here and happy to help.

11/07/2025

NATIONAL SIMPLICITY DAY – SATURDAY 12TH JULY 2025
Tomorrow is a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.
On National Simplicity Day, we reflect on the value of a simpler approach to life — and, for some families, that includes how they say goodbye to a loved one.
A direct cremation offers a respectful and dignified option without the formality of a traditional service, allowing families to say goodbye in a way that feels right for them.
If you're considering a simpler farewell or just want to understand the options available, our team is here and happy to help.

10/07/2025

Wondering if this fund is for you? 🤔

We’re inviting applications from local groups, charities, clubs, and organisations that help strengthen our community and support local people.

If you have a project or idea that could benefit from funding, don’t miss out!

✅ Open until 27th July
📎 Apply now: https://www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/community-assistance-programme/