Andrew Smith Funeral Services

23/03/2026

Grief can feel very different when there is no funeral.

In the first of a series of six videos shining a spotlight on Direct Cremations, a daughter shares her experience after losing her mum – who had purchased a Direct Cremation plan without her family knowing. With no funeral or moment to gather together, she describes how it felt like her mum had simply “disappeared”.

For many families, a funeral provides an important opportunity to acknowledge a loss, reflect on a life lived, and begin the grieving process together. Every goodbye is personal, and every family deserves the chance to say farewell in a way that feels right for them.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

21/03/2026

This is your chance to win a Ladies Rolex Watch worth £7,000! 🥳 By entering the raffle, you’re not only giving yourself the chance to win a stunning Rolex, but also helping support the important work the Hospice does for people and families in the local community. 🌻

Hospice supporter, Henry Moores is giving you the chance to win a beautiful Rolex Datejust 179171, a classic ladies’ watch valued at £7,000. This elegant model combines stainless steel and rose gold, featuring the timeless Datejust design that has made Rolex one of the most recognised luxury watchmakers in the world. It’s a sophisticated and versatile watch that can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.

Any profit generated from this raffle will be donated directly to East Cheshire Hospice in Macclesfield, on behalf of Winzo and What Women Want.

🎟️ Ticket cost starts at 99p. The draw will take place on Sunday 29th March.

Enter here https://www.winzocomps.com/competition/win-ladies-rolex-datejust-model-179171-worth-7000

21/03/2026

⭐ A spotlight on… Chaplaincy ⭐

Here at East Cheshire Hospice, our Chaplain and Chaplaincy Volunteers offer a listening ear, support, or prayers, respecting all beliefs, faiths, or none, in a non-judgemental and confidential way.

Marion, East Cheshire Hospice Chaplain Lead shares “This is a varied service for the whole Hospice – no two days are the same and most importantly, we hold our conversations in confidence.

We understand the breadth of spirituality but can also provide for specific religious rites as well. We offer prayer or to arrange for a faith leader to come into the Hospice to do so. We can sit with a family at the end of a life, if they would like support.” 🌻

Lead Chaplain Marion conducts funerals upon request. The Chaplaincy team also leads Remembering events both within the Hospice and out in the community, and they regularly speak to groups interested in their work and the wider work of the Hospice.

Come back next month for another spotlight on… 👋🏻

21/03/2026

📣 We Need Your Help! Can You Spare Some Storage Space?

Our Congleton shop is selling lots of beautiful furniture - which is amazing for the Hospice - but we’ve run into a little problem… we’ve got nowhere to store items once they’re sold!

Furniture sales are a vital source of income for East Cheshire Hospice, helping us raise essential funds for the care we provide. Having a dedicated storage space would allow us to keep sales moving quickly and continue supporting local families who need us most. 💛

We’re looking for:
🏠 Storage, outbuilding, barn, or warehouse space
📍 Ideally in Congleton or close by
🌦️ Must be dry and accessible
🪑 Big enough to hold sold furniture awaiting delivery

With so many farms in the area, we’re hoping someone may have a barn or outbuilding they’re not using - if it’s covered and easy to access, we’d love to hear from you!

If you or someone you know could help, please get in touch or email ldelaney@echospice.org.uk Your support will make a huge difference. 💛

Thank you! 🙏

20/03/2026

EAGLES Margaret 'Meg' Ann

On Tuesday 10th March 2026, peacefully in a local care home, Meg aged 86 years.

Beloved and loving Wife of Alan, loving Mother of Nicki and Matt, much loved Mother-in-Law to Simon and Viv, Step-Grandmother to Connor and a dear Sister of Bert.

Meg will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

The Funeral Service will take place at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday 31st March at Macclesfield Crematorium.

Family flowers only, by request, but donations may be made, if so desired, in favour of the National Brain Appeal or the Windyway Trust.

All enquiries to:

Andrew Smith Funeral Services
Park Green House
82 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

Telephone 01625 433853
www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk

20/03/2026

BAILEY Graham
On Friday 13th March 2026, peacefully in a local care home, Graham aged 82 years.

Beloved and loving Husband of the late Sylvia, loving Father of Lesley and Rosalyn, much loved Father-in-Law to Damian and the late Glyn, devoted Grandfather of Amelie and Orlagh and a dear Brother of the late Margaret, the late Shelagh, the late George and the late Winifred.

Graham will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

The Funeral Service will take place at 10.45 a.m. on Wednesday, 8th April at Macclesfield Crematorium followed by private Interment in Macclesfield Cemetery.

Family flowers only, by request, but donations may be made, if so desired, in favour of the East Cheshire Hospice.

All enquiries to:

Andrew Smith Funeral Services
Park Green House
82 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

Telephone 01625 433853
www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk

20/03/2026

📣 We invite you to East Cheshire Hospice's Business Club launch

We'd love you to join us for an enjoyable and inspiring evening, where you’ll discover how your business could support and help make a real lasting difference.

📅 Wednesday 22nd April, 6pm – 8pm
📍Bollington Brewery, Brook Mill, Parker St, Macclesfield SK11 7BQ

What to expect on the night:
🍺 Exclusive access to the brewery, beer tasting, and nibbles
🌻 An introduction to the East Cheshire Hospice Business Club
💛 Stories and insights about the care your support helps make possible

If you’d like to come along, please RSVP by dropping us a message here, or emailing our Corporate Fundraiser Luke O on luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

18/03/2026

The Law Commission has just published its long-awaited report to modernise burial and cremation laws in England and Wales. The proposals tackle some important funeral profession challenges, including burial space shortages, direct cremation and uncollected ashes.

A key proposal allows funeral directors to finally return historic, uncollected ashes to crematoria. SAIF welcomes this but strongly opposes any suggestion that crematoria charge our members a fee for clearing an historic backlog they did not create.

Regarding direct cremation, SAIF supports the push for transparency but urges the Government to go further. National online providers must be required to disclose their full chain of third-party contractors so families know exactly who is caring for their loved ones.

Finally, we welcome the recommendation to extend the grave reuse timeline to 100 years, protecting families from unnecessary distress. Read our full summary of how these vital reforms impact independent funeral directors here: https://saif.org.uk/news/law-commission-publishes-proposed-reforms-to-burial-and-cremation-laws/

15/03/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a remembrance candle so far. Our candle initiative will come to an end today (Sunday 15 March).

Candles submitted before 5pm today will be shared on our page on Monday 16 March.

https://gbnf.online/309101

14/03/2026

13/03/2026

💫 Our Starlight Walk early bird tickets are only on sale for a little longer! Grab yours today and don’t miss out on a discounted price. www.echospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2026 💫

🎟️ Adults £17.50
🎟️ Children £12.50

Well behaved dogs are also welcome 🐶