The team here at Wathall’s has organised the memorial service since 2008 – inviting families who have lost loved ones during this and previous years.

We were joined by members of Dandelions Bereavement Support groups in Derby and Ashbourne as well as representatives from local churches, charities, hospitals and nursing homes.

The early evening inter-faith service included Christmas carols, readings and finished with the moving poem by a 13-year-old boy ‘My First Christmas in Heaven’.

Staff from Wathall’s branches then served refreshments and families were invited to light a candle and hang a message of remembrance on a memory Christmas tree.

Managing Director Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run the company.

She explained: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time of year when the ‘empty chair’ at the table is particularly poignant – regardless of how far people are in their grief journey.

“The Celebration of Remembrance and Hope is therefore a welcome opportunity for people of all faiths, or no faith, to remember loved ones and draw on the calm positivity that runs through this service.”

For information about help available through Wathall’s Dandelions Bereavement Support service, please visit https://www.wathalls.co.uk/bereavement-support/

The post Memorial Service Gives Families Time to Remember Loved Ones appeared first on Wathalls.

Wathall’s, which is Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors, organises the memorial service every year – inviting families who have lost loved ones during this and past years.

They will be joined by members of Dandelions Bereavement Support groups in Derby and Ashbourne as well as representatives from local churches, hospitals and nursing homes.

The early evening inter-faith service will include Christmas carols, readings and will finish with the moving poem by a 13-year-old boy ‘My First Christmas in Heaven’.

Staff from Wathall’s branches in Derby city centre, Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Burton, Borrowash and Chaddesden will then serve refreshments and families are invited to light a candle and hang a message of remembrance on a memory Christmas tree.

Managing Director Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run the company.

She explained: “The memorial service is an opportunity to remember their loved ones at what is an especially difficult time of year.

 “We organised the first service in 2008 and it has grown every year with some people returning every December to remember a family member – joined by those who have been more recently bereaved.

 “Every year we support a charity at the service and this year’s donations will be go towards Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity who provide incredible care and support for so many of our families.”

For more information about the service please email info@wathalls.co.uk

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The computers have been wiped clean of content and will be protected with high privacy settings before being given to young people who at present do not have access to computers to support their education.

Safe and Sound also took the opportunity to present Wathall’s with a trophy and specially designed poster to celebrate their nomination as Supporter of the Year which was decided by young people involved with the charity.

Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run Wathall’s – Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors.

She said: “We were proud to be one of the companies who supported Safe and Sound during this, their 20^th anniversary year.  Therefore, when we replaced some of the office computers – we contacted Safe and Sound to see if they could be put to good use.

“I hope that they will be useful to young people who are still facing a challenging time to catch up with their education which was so badly disrupted during the pandemic and will take the pressure off families who are struggling with the cost of living at this expensive time of year.”

Tracy Harrison, CEO of Safe and Sound, added: “Wathall’s have been an amazing support to our charity for many years and we are delighted to be able to pass on these computers to families who really need them.

“In these challenging times, donations such as this show what can be achieved to improve people’s lives by businesses recycling unwanted equipment to charities so that they can be given to those who need them.”

Safe and Sound also have an ongoing recycling programme for unwanted mobile phones and tablets which are recycled and a proportion of the profits donated back to the charity.

For more information about this and other ways to support Safe and Sound, please visit https://www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk/make-a-donation/

Picture shows, from left: Safe and Sound fundraising and marketing officer, Lucy Dey and CEO Tracy Harrison with Wathall’s managing director Helen Wathall and business development manager Bec Wathall.

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Our team here at Wathall’s have organised an annual memorial service since 2008 – inviting families who have lost loved ones during this and past years.

We will be joined by members of Dandelions Bereavement Support groups in Derby and Ashbourne as well as representatives from local churches, charities, hospitals and nursing homes.

The early evening inter-faith service will include Christmas carols, readings and will finish with the moving poem by a 13-year-old boy ‘My First Christmas in Heaven’.

Our team from our seven branches will serve refreshments and families are invited to light a candle and hang a message of remembrance on a memory Christmas tree.

Managing Director Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to Wathall’s. She explained: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time of year when the ‘empty chair’ at the table is particularly poignant – regardless of how far people are in their grief journey.

“The Celebration of Remembrance and Hope is therefore a welcome opportunity for people of all faiths, or no faith, to remember loved ones and draw on the calm positivity that runs through this service.”

Places need to be pre-booked for the service to give us a guide on attendance numbers. Please email info@wathalls.co.uk or call 01332 345268.

The post Memorial Service 2022 appeared first on Wathalls.

Visitors to the natural woodland and lake over two weekends in November and December can follow a beautiful trail of sparkling lights, see a rainbow of lasers and delight in a musical  light show on the lake and then enjoy refreshments and stalls.

The latest support from Wathall’s has contributed towards lighting around the contemplation clearing where the company has previously installed a six foot stainless steel dandelion structure and a sturdy oak table and bench for visitors to sit and remember their loved ones.

The illuminated woodland walks will take place between Friday November 25 and Sunday November 27 and then Friday December 2 to Sunday November 4 between 4.30m and 7.15pm.

Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run Wathall’s which has offices in nearby Ashbourne as well as Allestree, Alvaston, Borrowash, Burton, Chaddesden and Derby.

She said: “Heritage Wood is a popular place to dedicate a tree and we have always enjoyed visiting the natural woodland as a family because it is so peaceful and tranquil and the perfect place to be at one with nature.

“We have, over the years, worked in partnership with Heritage Wood to create a focal point in the contemplation clearing with the dandelion sculpture and bench which are dedicated to the members of our Dandelions bereavement support groups who meet regularly in Ashbourne and Derby.

“I am delighted to now be supporting the illuminated woodland walk which is a popular annual celebration of this special place and look forward to enjoying the uplifting atmosphere with the other visitors.”

Family-owned Heritage Wood was first established in 1988 as an area for people to dedicate a tree to a loved one – either in their memory after they pass away or to mark a milestone in their lives. So far more than 8,000 trees have been planted and there is capacity for almost as many again.

Further information and tickets for the woodland walks are available at www.heritagewood.co.uk

For more information about Dandelions Bereavement Support Service please visit Our Bereavement Support Page or call 01332 345268.

Picture shows: the illuminated dandelion sculpture during last year’s Woodland Walk

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The new branch in Nottingham Road, Chaddesden, joins the existing branch network of Macklin Street in Derby city centre, Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent.

The new branch, managed by long-standing Wathall’s employee Sarah Yeomans, was officially opened this week by two city councillors representing the Chaddesden ward – Jonathan Smale and Jerry Pearce – who welcomed Wathall’s to the area.

Cllr Jonathan Smale said: “It is great to see a well-known family business expanding in the city and particularly into the Chaddesden area.

“Nottingham Road is a thriving business community and I know that the neighbouring businesses will extend a warm welcome to Wathall’s.”

The refurbishment of the building was overseen by business development manager Bec Wathall who is the sixth generation of her family to work in the company.

She said: “There has been a great deal of interest in the office opening – particularly when we uncovered the old post office sign above the front door during the refurbishment.

“We are delighted with the results of the refurbishment which has provided us with a comfortable and easily accessible environment where families can feel at ease as they pre-plan and arrange funerals and visit their loved one in the Chapel of Rest.

“We also have sample memorials and all the information available for our sister company Art Stone Memorials to enable families to choose a lasting memorial to their loved one – whether that is for their own garden or the cemetery where they are laid to rest.”

Managing director Helen Wathall MBE concluded: “I have wanted to open a branch in Chaddesden for sometime to better serve the local community here who have previously come to our other Derby branches.

“We look forward to becoming part of the Chaddesden business community and are particularly grateful to the two local councillors for their warm welcome and good wishes.”

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In simple terms, the memorial clearly indicates where a person or their ashes are buried so that family and friends can visit to remember and honour the memory of the person who has died.

They are however much more personal and meaningful than that so the responsibility of organising a memorial after losing a loved one can seem like a daunting prospect and yet another thing to organise when you are already facing the difficult emotions of bereavement.

Creating the right lasting memorial to a loved one is just as important as the funeral service and with the right support, can be another healing step in your grief journey.

Rather than being a time-consuming process with potential to become a source of conflict between family members, this should be regarded as a positive and healing experience.

However, it should not be rushed.

Some families feel that they should get on with installing a memorial as soon as possible – concerned that others might think they are neglecting the grave. 

However, in reality and for practical reasons, choosing and erecting a stone memorial often cannot be completed straight away.

This is particularly the case following a burial if the churchyard or cemetery does not have pre-installed concrete beams as the ground needs time to settle. In fact, many cemeteries and churchyards recommend waiting 12 months before the headstone is erected.

Ordering a cremation stone can be much faster and simpler process, but it is still important to make considered decisions as these memorials equally stand the test of time and will also be around for future generations to discover.

Talking to colleagues at our sister company Art Stone Memorials, I have been amazed at the complexities of this process and the importance of their in-depth knowledge of all the permissions required under strict rules and regulations relating to the size, style and inscriptions permitted on memorials. So it really is worth obtaining the advice of those in the know.

Whilst it is tempting to forge ahead with these big decisions to create a sense of closure and to tick off your ‘to do’s’, my advice would be to take a breath after the funeral to process all that has happened.

Once you are ready, and sure of what you want, then gently start the process with a company such as Art Stone Memorials who will guide you through the whole process.

Please visit their website https://art-stone.co.uk/ or call them on Burton: 01283 539 531;

Derby: 01332 949 374.

This blog is written by Fay Bloor, bereavement support coordinator and counsellor at Wathall’s.

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The Year of Light initiative has been spearheaded by Business Development Manager Bec Wathall who, alongside sister Charlotte, is the sixth generation of the family to work in the company – Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors.

Bec explained that the 12 neon signs would be featured in stages around the company’s branches in Derby city centre, Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash, Burton-on-Trent and Chaddesden which is due to open next month (June).

She said: “I was inspired to develop the Year of Light messages after reading a book about living life to the full and someone’s dying wishes.

“After such a turbulent couple of years for most people and particularly the families that we support, I wanted to create a series of messages that would uplift and inspire people to make positive changes.

“The overriding theme is that tomorrow isn’t promised and ensure that you don’t have regrets – including telling your nearest and dearest that you love them.”

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As part of the Rams’ ongoing relationship with preferred partner Wathall’s, the club confirmed earlier in the season that it would stage two ‘Rams Remember’ fixtures at Pride Park Stadium in the 2021/22 season.

The first took place on Monday 27th December 2021 when the Rams hosted West Bromwich Albion and ran out 1-0 winners over the festive period.

The second will be held on the final day of the season against Cardiff City on Saturday 7th May (12:30pm kick-off).

The club would like to offer supporters the opportunity to submit the details of their loved ones who are no longer with us by completing the submission form that can be found on the DCFC website https://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/ramsremember

The names of loved ones who have sadly passed away will appear across various assets during the RamsTV production ahead of kick-off at their selected fixture.

Supporters should note that there is a limited capacity for names per fixture.

Wathall’s Managing Director Helen Wathall MBE is a lifelong Rams fan and the fifth generation of her family to run the funeral directors which has been serving local communities since 1858.

She said: “As Derby’s longest established funeral directors, we are proud to partner with DCFC and particularly to support the Rams Remember fixtures.

“This is an opportunity for fans to nominate and celebrate their loved ones who have sadly passed away.”

Working in Partnership

Wathall’s, which is Derby’s longest established independent funeral director, works in partnership with DCFC to enable Rams fans to have a unique and personal send-off.

Wathall’s, which has branches in Derby city centre, Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent, give families special access to Pride Park Stadium following the funeral of their loved one.

Options include the chance to place a commemorative brick and ashes around the perimeter of Pride Park Stadium; using the club logo and colours for flower arrangements and coffins; inclusion in the remembrance book at the stadium and ashes interment gatherings.

These are available either as part of a funeral pre-payment plan for someone who is in the process of planning their own funeral or to the bereaved’s family after their death.

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Gallacher sadly took his own life at the age of 54 in 1957, but his legacy will now continue as he has been etched into the brickwork by Art Stone, part of the Wathall’s funeral directors who are preferred partners with DCFC.

A small ceremony took place outside Pride Park Stadium and Hughie’s son and grandson were in attendance, as was Rams supporter Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa who led the campaign. Club Ambassador Roy McFarland was also present at the event.

Hughie Junior, Hughie’s son, said: “It means almost everything to me. Nothing has ever happened in the past. I was content to just sit back and leave his name to the record books and be proud of that, but this is extra special.

“As far as I know, it’s the first tribute anywhere, from any club, but that has never bothered me. It’s special for me and special for all of us.”

Kalwinder, who has contributed to several tributes at Pride Park Stadium including the Steve Bloomer bust, the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor statue, as well as the Dave Mackay statue, was pleased to help honour Hughie with a foundation stone.

The Rams fan, author and local historian explained: “The thing I share with Hughie Gallacher Junior is that we were both born in Derby and both our fathers died by suicide. I have always found that suicide stops people from talking. It stops their loved ones from talking as well and the same applies in football too.

“Anybody else who had not died as tragically as Hughie did, in the manner that he did, would have statues everywhere but people are uncomfortable and awkward at times to reflect that.

“They are worried about upsetting and offending people. I thought ‘no’. Whilst Hughie Gallacher Junior and his brother are still alive, on my watch, I’m going to make sure we get the first tribute in the land here at Derby where Hughie Gallacher Junior was born – and we’ve done it.

“That what has been laid is effectively the foundation stone for the Hughie Gallacher statue in Newcastle, in Derby. We have laid the foundation stone for Hughie Gallacher.”

Former Rams defender McFarland added: “Like a lot of the players from that era, it feels a long time ago – but his record still stands. The short time Hughie had here at Derby County and the number of goals he scored in that time is an unbelievable record.”

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Wathall’s, which is Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors has organised the memorial service since 2008 – inviting families who have lost loved ones during this and past years.

They will be joined by members of Dandelions Bereavement Support groups in Derby and Ashbourne as well as representatives from local churches, hospitals and nursing homes.

Last year’s event was held virtually but the service has returned – albeit with reduced numbers.

The early evening inter-faith service will include Christmas carols, readings and will finish with the moving poem by a 13-year-old boy ‘My First Christmas in Heaven’.

Staff from Wathall’s branches in Derby, Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Burton and Borrowash will then serve refreshments and families are invited to light a candle and hang a message of remembrance on a memory Christmas tree.

Managing Director Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run the company.

She explained: “We are relieved to be able to hold the memorial service in person this year after holding it virtually last December.

“Christmas can be an especially difficult time of year when the ‘empty chair’ at the table is particularly poignant – regardless of how far people are in their grief journey.

“The Celebration of Remembrance and Hope is therefore a welcome opportunity for people of all faiths, or no faith, to remember loved ones and draw on the calm positivity that runs through this service.”

Places need to be pre-booked for the service as numbers are limited.  Please email info@wathalls.co.uk or call 01332 345268.  In line with Government guidelines, everyone is asked to wear face masks unless medically exempt.

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Wathall’s runs its multi-faceted Dandelions Bereavement Support across its branch network in Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent.

One of the best-known aspects of the Dandelions programme are the free bereavement support groups which meet in the afternoons in Derby city centre and Ashbourne.

The support groups are free of charge and open to people of all ages who have experienced a bereavement – whether recently or several years ago and regardless of whether they used Wathall’s for the funeral.  

Following feedback from the public, a new evening group will also start on Tuesday January 4 – meeting at Derby Rugby Club in Haslam’s Lane between 6pm and 8pm and will continue on the first Tuesday evening of the month.

This will be in addition to the group dates already confirmed in January: Tuesday 11 and 25 at the old central library in Wardwick between 1.30pm and 3.30pm (and then every second and last Tuesday of the month, please contact Wathall’s for venue confirmation details) and Wednesday Jan 5 at Cornerstone Café in Ashbourne between 1.30pm and 3pm (followed by every first Wednesday of each month).

The expansion announcement coincides with National Grief Awareness Week (December 2-8) which is spearheaded by the Good Grief Trust aims break the taboos of talking about grief as well as raise awareness of bereavement services available across the UK https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw/

Wathall’s bereavement support coordinator Fay Bloor leads the full Dandelions Bereavement Support programme which includes one to one counselling, the unique Grief Journey Derby four-week course and support for businesses and their employees.

She said: “National Grief Awareness Week is particularly poignant this year as many more people have been struggling with bereavement during the pandemic – regardless of when they lost their loved one.

“Since re-opening our in-person Dandelions Bereavement Support Groups, we have been contacted by several people who say they would love to join us but can’t get time off work or other commitments during the day.

“We are therefore delighted to be launching the first evening group and look forward to welcoming anyone, at whatever stage of their grief journey, to join us.  There is no need to pre-book – just turn up.

“Our aim is to create an informal and welcoming environment to give people the chance to meet like minded people in a social and safe setting with support from our skilled and experienced facilitators.

“Everyone has the common bond of having suffered a bereavement and this is an opportunity to share stories and express feelings freely knowing others will understand, be non-judgemental and supportive.”

Fay Bloor continued that there had also been a surge in interest for bereavement counselling since lockdown restrictions ended.

“Throughout this difficult time, most people have not been able to say goodbye to their loved ones in hospital and restrictions have meant that family and friends have not been able to come together to mourn and hold the funeral they would have wanted.

“People have therefore been isolated and are coping with grief alone and have really benefited from counselling to help them come to terms with their loss.”

For more information about Dandelions Bereavement Support, please contact Fay Bloor, Tel: 01332 345268, email fay.bloor@wathalls.co.uk 

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As part of the sponsorship the Wathall’s logo is displayed on all senior team’s kit and sponsor boards at Chapel Lane, Clifton.

Clifton CC near Ashbourne play in the Derbyshire County Cricket League and the three senior teams have played in Division 1, 6S & 9SW for the 2021 season.

Out of the three senior teams it was the 3Xl who had success by finishing runners up in Division 9SW which should see them promoted.

CCC also have the ECB Clubmark accreditation – an accreditation scheme for cricket clubs shows that a club is sustainable, well run and provides the right environment for its members.

Clubmark accreditation also recognises a club as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as assuring parents and carers that they are choosing the right option for their young people.

Clifton CC run numerous Junior teams from Kwik Cricket, Dynamo’s, U11, U13, U15, U17 & U19 hardball cricket teams throughout the season with over 100 members.

The club’s ladies’ team has played in several softball tournaments this season and are entering a hard ball team next season.

Helen Wathall, who is the fifth generation of her family to run the company with branches in Ashbourne, Alvaston, Derby, Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent, added: “Wathall’s has been part of the Ashbourne community for many years, and we have a long-held tradition of supporting organisations which make a positive difference to people’s lives.

“Sport is an important part of everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing – even more so this year – and we are delighted that our sponsorship has, in part, enabled even more people of all ages play and enjoy cricket during the 2021 season.

“It was lovely to be invited to the ground to help celebrate a successful season and we wish everyone continued success in the coming years.

Clifton CC Chairman Roger Jones continued: T2he club are most grateful for Wathall’s support which will help sustain and promote the club over the forthcoming years. Our attentions are now turning to winter training which will run at Denstone College and Ashbourne Leisure Centre.”

For more information about Clifton CC please visit https://cliftonderby.play-cricket.com/home

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Wathall’s has dedicated its sculpture, located opposite the Council House on Corporation Street, to members of its Dandelions Bereavement Support groups in Derby and Ashbourne and to the families who have lost a loved one in the past year.

Rescheduled from last summer, the Derby Ram Trail is being brought to the city by Derby Museums, in partnership with Wild in Art and is an amazing public art sculpture event with 30 individually painted 5ft tall Rams, threading through the city centre between May 27 and August 22.

Wathall’s Ram sculpture has been created by Glasgow-based artist and ceramics expert Catherine Bell who has taken her inspiration from the Derbyshire-born John Flamsteed.

The famous figure was appointed the first English Astronomer Royal in 1675 and, during his eminent career, catalogued a number of new stars and mapped certain constellations.

Catherine Bell explained: “My passion is art and history so, during my research I discovered the Derby link to John Flamsteed and that the Peak District National Park has designated dark skies discovery sites.

“I obviously don’t want to give too much away and ruin the surprise for visitors to The Derby Ram Trail but suffice to say that my design is inspired by the stars.

“I want visitors to look at the Ram sculpture and then up at the sky to appreciate the infinity of the universe and how we are only a small part of the wider expanse.”

Helen Wathall MBE, who is the fifth generation of her family to head up the company, continued: “We are delighted with Catherine’s work and very much look forward to our sculpture being part of the Derby Ram Trail this summer.

“We consulted members of our Dandelions bereavement support groups way back when we were first choosing the designs and everyone agreed that Catherine’s design beautifully reflected how many people take comfort from the night sky during their grief journey.

“She has even cleverly incorporated a dandelion in the design and many of our members are already making plans to get together and enjoy The Derby Ram Trail having not seen each other face to face for so long.

“I think this design is even more poignant with so many people having suffered the loss of loved ones and not being able to say final goodbyes in the way they would have liked during the pandemic.

“I hope that visiting our Ram on the trail will encourage people to stop and take a quiet moment of reflection to remember loved ones and hopefully gain strength to move forward with their lives.”

Catherine was able to finish her hand-painted sculpture literally the day before the first lockdown in March 2020.

She concluded: “I came down to Derby to complete the work and headed out to see more of the city as I was waiting for the different layers of varnish to dry.

“Lockdown was on the horizon and the enormity of the pandemic began to hit home when less and less people were out and about every time I ventured out of the studio.

“I have been involved in several different trails since 2014 and this is definitely one of the most interestingly from an artist’s point of view because of the shape and curves of the ram sculpture.

“I really hope to be able to travel down from Glasgow to see the Derby Ram Trail in all its glory, meet the other artists and get feedback from visitors.

“The auction at the end of the trail should be great fun and it’s always amazing to raise money for such great causes and see the sculptures go to new homes.”

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Funeral Services – Branch Manager/Funeral Arranger

As a Funeral Arranger/Branch Manager you will manage one of our branches located within the Derby City Boundary. Experience is preferred, but full training will be given to the right person. The successful candidate will be well presented, caring and an empathetic person who holds a full and clean driving licence.  You will have excellent time keeping skills and work well within a team, with initiative and under pressure. You will also be committed to upholding our high standards and reputation, with attention to detail always.

Funeral Services – Conductor/Bearer

As a Funeral Conductor/Bearer, you would provide an exceptional standard of service to the families we care for. You would also work behind the scenes bringing peoples loved ones into our care and preparing them for the funeral, and also coffin preparation and vehicle cleaning.

For more information visit https://uk.indeed.com/wathalls-jobs or email info@wathalls.co.uk, with CV and covering letter/email.

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Here at Wathall’s, we have teamed up with Derby Cathedral to ensure that local people can still take time to remember their loved ones with a special pre-recorded service that will be available online.

First held in 2008, Wathall’s annual Celebration of Remembrance and Hope is usually attended by more than 800 people at the Cathedral – but this year will be different.

Due to Covid restrictions, the service will now be virtual and available to watch at the time when the physical service would have been held – on Thursday, December 10 at 6.30pm – and then at any time through a link on our website.

The service is available to watch free of charge with the order of service available to download online.  Alternatively, a printed order of service can be posted by calling us on 01332 345268

Filmed by Derby company Future Proof Films, the service will start with an introduction by Helen Wathall MBE who is the fifth generation of our family to head up the business.

The Dean of Derby The Revd Dr Peter Robinson will welcome everyone to the service and then give the address.  The greeting and Act of Remembrance will be led by the Cathedral’s Canon Precentor The Revd Richard Andrews.

The Cathedral Choir will lead the advent carols and also recite the poignant Psalm 23 and Fauré’s ‘In Pardisium’.

In keeping with tradition, the service will finish with the moving poem by a 13-year-old boy ‘My First Christmas in Heaven’.

Instead of the usual procession to hang a star and message on the Christmas tree in the Cathedral, everyone will be invited to light a candle at home to signify remembrance and hope.  Wathall’s is also inviting families to send them stars and messages which will adorn the trees in the windows of the branch offices in Derby, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent.

Helen Wathall said: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time of year when the ‘empty chair’ at the table is particularly poignant – regardless of how far people are in their grief journey.

“The Celebration of Remembrance and Hope is, therefore, a welcome opportunity to draw on the calm positivity that runs through this service.

“We organised the first service in 2008 and it has grown every year with some people returning every December to remember a family member – joined by those who have been more recently bereaved.

“We are obviously disappointed not to be meeting up in person this year to offer our support to the hundreds of people who usually join us in the Cathedral.

“I hope that, through the darkness of grief and sorry, we can all be lifted by the promise of life, light and hope through the virtual service.”

Wathall’s chooses a different charity each year to receive donations made in person and online and this year we will be supporting Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity Covid-19 Support Appeal to help the hospitals through the pandemic but also to enable them to support staff and patients in the transitional period afterwards.

More information will be available of how you can attend, along with a downloadable version of the ‘Order of Service’ within the next few days so please keep an eye on our social media and website for more details.

We will also share details of our award-winning Dandelions Bereavement Support programme with support groups currently meeting online before being able to join together again monthly in Derby and Ashbourne.

For more information about the Celebration of Remembrance of Hope and Dandelions Bereavement Support, please call us 01332 345268 or contact us via our online form

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The striking sculpture, which is the National Monument against Violence and Aggression, is made up to 100,000 bladed weapons collected during police surrender schemes.

It was created at the British Ironwork Centre by sculptor Alfie Bradley to highlight the impact violent crime, particularly those involving knives, has on people, families and communities.

Wathall’s funeral directors were amongst the community-focused businesses across Derbyshire who worked together to bring the 27ft ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture to the city.

Wathall’s helped sponsor the transportation of the statue and has also provided tags for visitors to leave personal messages.  The plan is for these to be incorporated into a lasting tribute in the Cathedral.

Helen Wathall, managing director and fifth generation of her family to run the company, was amongst the speakers at a service to mark the event where she highlighted her experience of the particularly traumatic impact on families of sudden and violent deaths including young people who are victims of knife crime.

Helen said: “The installation of the Knife Angel in Derby was incredibly poignant and particularly encouraged people to talk about knife crime which is an important step forward if we are going to tackle this as a society.”

Here is a link to a short film to highlight the successes of the visit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjY0u_sg8B4

The film features the voice of Rachel Webb, whose son Tom was killed in Derby in January 2016, as a result of a knife attack. Her words are taken from an interview she gave to BBC Radio Derby at the time of the visit.

It includes the following facts:

• More than 200,000 people visited the Knife Angel during the month it was in Derby
• 130 volunteers were trained and gave up their time to inform visitors of the danger of carrying a knife
• 1,273 handwritten tags were written with heart-felt personal messages
• 23 special educational events were held to discuss knife crime.

Rachel Morris, Diocesan Secretary & Derby Cathedral Chapter Steward, Chief Executive Diocesan Board of Finance, said: “Derby Cathedral were humbled and honoured to host the Knife Angel in Derby. The perseverance and hard work of key partners, generous sponsors and wonderful volunteers brought the project together in a way which benefitted the many thousands of visitors who experienced and were affected by the statue.”

Superintendent Sarah McAughtrie, from Derbyshire police, said: “I have spoken to a number of people that attended who said what a real sense of emotion they felt, thinking about all the people that have lost their lives due to this senseless crime.

“The carrying of knives is still an issue in society and as part of the legacy of the knife angel’s visit we continue to work tirelessly as a police service, with our partners and the community, to tackle the problem”.

Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It would be hard for anyone who saw the Knife Angel not to be moved by it. It is a potent symbol of a blight that is sweeping the nation, but also acts as a catalyst for change. I hope that by bringing it to Derby we have started conversations, and not just in education settings but also in homes.”

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Helen is the fifth generation of her family to head up Wathall’s funeral directors in Derby, Alvaston, Borrowash, Ashbourne and Burton-on-Trent.  She is also board chair of St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).

Having recently re-discovered cycling as a pastime, she is planning to complete the 11-mile route around five Derby parks – Markeaton, Darley and Alvaston as well as Bass and Markeaton recreation grounds.

She has also set up a Justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-wathall1  to raise money to help the Derby charity support more young people across the county who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation.

Miss Wathall said: “I used to love cycling but haven’t done it – or indeed very much else – for several years since injuring my knees doing the Team Wathall charity walk from Derby to London.

“My friends and family are very surprised to hear that I am back on two wheels and they have promised to sponsor me to encourage me to do this challenge as the first step.

“It will also be a great way to get out and about back into Derby’s parks and enjoy the greenery that is on our doorstep across the city whilst supporting a great local charity.”

Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison added: “We are very grateful for Helen and the Wathall’s team’s continued support for Safe and Sound ,she is a great role model for re-discovering the joy of cycling as a fun and healthy sporting pastime!”

Everyone signing up and donating to the charity receives details of an easy to follow and cycle-friendly circular route, taking in the parks, which they can do whenever they want and at their own pace, either in one day or in stages.

The ride information pack also highlights the parks’ history and interesting landmarks to look out for on the way.

Sponsorship forms and online giving are available for those wishing to raise further money for the charity and everyone who completes the challenge will receive a certificate.

Money raised will go to the charity’s Butterfly Appeal which was set up a year ago to help transform the lives of children, young people and their families across Derbyshire whose lives are affected by child exploitation.  This includes sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking and modern slavery.

For more information about how to join the Five Park Ride and support the work of Safe and Sound, please visit https://safeandsoundgroup.org.uk/what-you-can-do/cycle/

About Safe and Sound

Formed in 2002, Safe and Sound is an inspiring Derbyshire charity that transforms young lives affected by child exploitation with innovative, hands-on programmes.

The charity works at grass root levels delivering individual support to each child as well as families and carers.  This vital support enables them to move not just to a place of safety, but emerge unshackled and undefined by their experience and enabled to reach their full potential.

The charity continues to specialise in child sexual exploitation and is now developing its services to support children and young people facing or at risk of wider exploitation which are often interlinked.  These include physical and emotional violence, neglect, modern day slavery, radicalisation and human trafficking, domestic abuse, missing episodes and County Lines.

Safe and Sound is led by former police superintendent Tracy Harrison with the support of a specialist team; an experience board of Trustees and now a team of Ambassadors who are helping to raise the profile of the charity and the issue of child exploitation.

Safe and Sound’s expertise came to the fore during the 2010 landmark case – Operation Retriever – which was Derby’s first prosecution for child sexual exploitation and abuse.  The charity’s specialist team supported every young person affected by the criminal actions of 13 defendants who were jailed in total for up to 22 years for 70 offences.

For more information about child exploitation, Safe and Sound Derby and how to support their work, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk

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The service will also provide the opportunity to write a message on a star to hang on our memorial Christmas trees, light a candle in remembrance, and enjoy a mince pie and glass of cherry.

This year, we have sign language interpreter, Sarah Gatford joining us and seating will be reserved at the front of the Cathedral for those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

We hope you can join us.

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Here, Helen Wathall, managing director and the fifth generation of her family to head up Wathall’s funeral directors in Derby, Alvaston, Borrowash, Ashbourne and Burton, offers a personal reflection on the effects of crime on families.

“I am proud that Wathall’s has been part of the county-wide effort to bring the 27ft ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture to Derby.

The striking sculpture, which is the National Monument against Violence and Aggression, is made up to 100,000 bladed weapons collected during police surrender schemes.

Wathall’s has helped sponsor the transportation of the statue and has also provided tags for visitors to leave personal messages.  These will be incorporated into a lasting tribute in the Cathedral after the ‘Knife Angel’ has moved on.

I was particularly honoured to be asked to speak at a special service at the Cathedral recently to offer a personal reflection on the effects that we as a profession see and feel when a death may have been the result of knife crime, or in fact any crime.

With 35 years’ experience as a funeral director, I have unfortunately dealt with a number of deaths as a result of this type of crime in this time.

Frontline services such as funeral directors, police, paramedics, firefighters and others involved in critical incidents soon discover that people exposed to traumatic events often react in a much more primitive and basic way than ‘normal’ grief.

Feelings of unfairness, disbelief, anger and despair are heightened and families may also encounter unwanted intrusion and interest from their local community, the press and on social media.

They have no control over the interest that other people show towards the death of the person they loved and this often leads to greater isolation as they try to protect themselves.

Furthermore, a death of this nature leads to result in a long-winded criminal justice process meaning that those who have lost a loved one have to put their grief on hold whilst focusing on all these procedures.

In the midst of all this, there is a funeral to arrange – often with a lengthy delay from the time of death. It’s the last thing that a family can do for your loved one but, at the same time, the very last thing they want to be doing.

As funeral directors, we are always struck by the bravery of the families that we meet in these circumstances. We see numbness, anger, fear, confusion, shock, forgetfulness, impatience, panic, guilt, – the list goes on.  But by putting one foot in front of the other, the arrangements begin to take place.

Deaths as the result of crime often affect younger people, where no conversations have been had about funeral preferences so this huge decision is made in a place of great numbness and shock.

As well as dealing with the practicalities, we as funeral directors become a safe haven for the family to talk openly and freely. Many are desperate to talk about their loss, the incident, their loved one and their feelings.

Quite often the delay in arranging the funeral due to the investigations means that the family cannot see their loved one in our chapel of rest. We are therefore questioned by families on the injuries their loved ones have received. The need for information is immense and there is often no-one else to ask.

The very nature of the death often brings large crowds to the funeral itself, and for the family this can be seen as a great comfort or create huge anxiety about the public nature of it all.

As we bid farewell to the Knife Angel, I hope that its visual power and the messages left at its feet carry hope that those inclined to carry knives may now think twice about their actions and recognise how the impact of two minutes of madness spreads quickly and silently through the veins of a community far and wide.”

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The striking sculpture, which is the National Monument against Violence and Aggression, is made up to 100,000 bladed weapons collected during police surrender schemes.

It was created at the British Ironwork Centre by sculptor Alfie Bradley to highlight the impact violent crime, particularly those involving knives, has on people, families and communities.

Derby has been the latest city across the country to host the ‘Knife Angel’ which will be situated outside Derby Cathedral throughout October.

Wathall’s has helped sponsor the transportation of the statue and has also provided tags for visitors to leave personal messages.  These will be incorporated into a lasting tribute in the Cathedral after the ‘Knife Angel’ has moved on.

More than 3,000 visited the ‘Knife Angel’ on the first day alone and special events during the month will include a service in the Cathedral on October 20.

Helen Wathall, managing director and fifth generation of her family to run the company, will be amongst the speakers – highlighting her experience of the particularly traumatic impact on families of sudden and violent deaths including young people who are victims of knife crime.

She said: “The Knife Angel is incredibly poignant and is already encouraging people to talk about knife crime which is an important step forward if we are going to tackle this as a society.”

Rachel Morris of Derby Cathedral and Chair of the Derby Knife Angel Steering Group concluded: “I want to thank everyone involved in bringing the Knife Angel to Derby, particularly the hundreds of volunteers who have come forward to act as marshals and the local companies who have given up their time and expertise.”

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We would like to invite you to this year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning hosted by our lovely receptionist Lynne.

Being held at our Derby branch on Macklin Street between 10am-12noon, come and sample some delicious cakes baked by Team Wathall, join in the activities as well as raise some money for this amazing charity!

Join us on Friday 27th September at 10am. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Join us at The Quad, Derby at 5:30pm.

For more information please visit https://coffinclub.co.uk/coffin-clubs/derby/

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We will be joined by other funeral industry professionals and you will also have the opportunity to view the state of the art facilities.

For more information on the event, please call Trent Valley Crematorium on 01332 321064

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Ashbourne Show is being held on Saturday 17th August and gates open at 9am.

To buy tickets, please visit https://event.bookitbee.com/20187/the-ashbourne-show-2019-visitor-tickets

See you there!

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Elvaston Steam Rally is held at Elvaston Castle Country Park. There will be free parking, cheap admission and a day full of activities, vintage steam engines and even an old-time fairground.

For more information, please visit http://www.elvastonsteam.co.uk/index.htm

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We are proud to sponsor this amazing event, bringing people from far and wide to experience one of Derbyshires most beautiful settings.

This event is being held on 20th & 21st July, with no gates, so whenever the first stall starts serving is when the fun begins.

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For more information on the regatta, please visit http://www.burtonregatta.co.uk

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