Allen & Son

05/05/2026

Continuing the SAIF supported posts.....

05/05/2026

Throughout this month, Allen & Son, along with other independent funeral directors countrywide, who are members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), will be posting information which has been prepared by SAIF on our behalf.

The aim of sharing this information is to ensure that those making decisions about funerals, for themselves or for loved ones, are sufficiently informed to make the right choices for them.

Here is Carla, sharing her experience of a direct cremation, arranged with a large national company.

Look out for our SAIF supported posts.

05/05/2026

Dying Matters Awareness Week 4th-10th May 2026.

Talking about dying and planning ahead is not always easy, but can make a real difference for families, bringing comfort and peace of mind.

This week is about encouraging families to open up and have those important conversations.

We are here to offer support and guidance and answer any questions you may have around pre-planning funerals.

Di & James
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

04/05/2026

Having arranged an online direct cremation, 27% of those said they would have appreciated more guidance, reassurance and structure with the arrangements, particularly during their moments of early grief.

04/05/2026

Research has shown that 18% of people who organised an online direct cremation of a loved one now say they regret doing so.

01/05/2026

Planning a farewell shouldn’t feel like a burden you carry alone.

Almost half of us underestimate the work that goes into planning a funeral and wouldn’t know where to start without a helping hand.

Let us take the weight off your shoulders, guiding you every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most.

Di & James at Allen & Son
Your local "SAIF" independent funeral directors.
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

28/04/2026

How rituals of remembrance can help

Research increasingly supports what many of us instinctively feel: Rituals help us process grief. Symbolic acts such as writing, reflection or farewell ceremonies can reduce symptoms of grief and support emotional healing. Similarly, experts note that mourning rituals allow us to “externalise” emotions and begin to integrate loss into our everyday lives.

Carrying out meaningful rituals is a way of collectively remembering and honouring a loved one, and could include:
• Lighting a candle to mark “special” anniversaries
• Listening to their favourite music
• Singing their favourite song
• Reading their favourite poem
• Planting a tree in their memory

And remember...….Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.

Di & James
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

24/04/2026

We bring the sad news that Gordon Orchard, of Bourton-on-the-Water, passed away on the 8th April, aged 82 years.

He was the beloved husband of the late Gillian and a much-loved Dad and Grampy. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Gordon's funeral service will be held at The Baptist Church in Bourton-on-the-Water at 11:00am on Friday 8th May.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of Gordon will be gratefully received for the Oncology Unit at Cheltenham Hospital, and can be made in the collection box at the service or sent by post to us at Allen & Son.

Please can we ask that you share this notice, so that as many people as possible are made aware of Gordon's passing and of his forthcoming funeral arrangements.

Thank you
Di & James
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

17/04/2026

At Allen & Son we’re proud to be your local independent funeral director, serving our community with care and understanding.
What makes us different?
A personal approach that puts your wishes first, delivered with the highest standards of service when the time comes.
We partner with Golden Charter, one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers.*

*Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the funeral plan market size as of May 2024.

For more details, either visit our website, call us or just pop in to our office.

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.

Di & James
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

16/04/2026

They always have an array of different things and some great bargains.

Please help support these amazing people who help support our local community so much.

🛍️💜 Our April Pop-Up Shop is here! 💜🛍️

Come along and grab yourself a bargain while supporting a great cause! From clothing and homeware to books and hidden gems, there’s plenty to browse — you never know what you might find 👀

📅 Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st April
📍 Moreton Area Centre
⏰ 9:30am–4pm (Mon) | 9:00am–3pm (Tues)

Pop in, have a look around, and support the work we do across the community 💛

09/04/2026

We bring the sad news that Valerie (Val) Sluman passed away peacefully on 26th March 2026, aged 93 years.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Val's funeral service will be held at St. Edmund's Church, Shipston-on-Stour on Thursday 16th April at 12:00pm.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of Val will be gratefully received for Cancer Research UK and can be made in the collection box at the service, sent by post to us at Allen & Son, or online using the link below:

valeriesluman.muchloved.com

Please can we ask that you share this notice, so that as many people as possible are made aware of Val's passing and of her forthcoming funeral arrangements.

Thank you
Di & James
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk

02/04/2026

James and I are very privileged to be in our profession, doing the jobs we do and helping to support and guide families through very difficult times.

We also love to help support our local community, and hold regular coffee mornings to help raise funds for Cotswold Friends, which we know many of you enjoy.

It was lovely to see many familiar and new faces yesterday, at our Easter coffee morning. The cakes were delicious, lots of tombola prizes were won and there were several delighted raffle winners!

A big thank you to everyone who helped out, and a HUGE thank you to everyone for their amazing generosity - you all helped to raise a total of £561.00. THANK YOU!!

We wish you all a peaceful and blessed Easter weekend.

Our office will be closed Good Friday, through to Easter Monday, and re-opening as normal on Tuesday 7th, but we are always just a phone call away if we can be of any assistance.

Di & James
01608 650633
www.allenfunerals.co.uk