And here they are – after hundreds of entries and hours of deliberation by the judges, the winners of this year’s Good Funeral Awards have been named and honoured at the fabulous ceremony at Porchester Hall today.
Most of the well deserving winners were there to receive their awards from former GMTV host Penny Smith at the event with more than 250 people attending to applaud their friends and colleagues.
Unprecedented interest from the media and guests including representatives from both major trade organisations has confirmed that the Good Funeral Awards are now something to be taken seriously – funerals are changing, the unsung heroes are being appreciated, and the best party in funeralworld takes place every September!
If you missed out this time round, nominations for next year’s awards open in April 2017…
With thanks to our main sponsor Funeralbooker, all the category sponsors, and everyone who worked so hard to make the day such a brilliant success, from all the team at the Good Funeral Awards, we would like to congratulate the 2016 winners.
The Winners
Minister of the year
Revd. Canon Gill Behenna Chaplain among Deaf People in the Diocese of Bristol
Celebrant of the Year (sponsored by Civil Ceremonies Ltd)
Stevie Glover
Embalmer of the Year
Andy Holder
Coffin Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Ecoffins)
Musgrove Willows
Florist of the Year
Debbie Western Flowers
Gravedigger of the Year
David Homer of D. T. H. Burial & Churchyard Services
Cemetery of the Year
Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery
Crematorium of the Year (sponsored by Scattering Ashes)
Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff
Best Internet Bereavement Resource
Muchloved
Best Funeral Caterer
Claret Catering
Best Alternative to a Hearse
Respect Bentley
Best Green Funeral Product
Brahms Electric Hearse
Most Significant Contribution to the Understanding of Death (sponsored by Final Fling)
Tamworth Co-operative Funeral service
Best Maker of Hand Carved Memorials in an Indigenous Material
Stoneletters
Low Cost Funeral Provider of the Year
Coulbert Family Funerals
Green Funeral Director of the Year (sponsored by The Association of Green Funeral Directors)
Higher Ground Family Funerals
Funeral Arranger of the Year
Sarah Lee of Holmes & Family Funeral Directors
Most Promising New Funeral Director (sponsored by The Church of England)
Judith Dandy of Dandelion Farewells
Modern Funeral Director of the Year (sponsored by The Natural Death Centre)
A Natural Undertaking
Traditional Funeral Director of the Year (sponsored by A. R. Adams Funeral Directors)
Trevor E. W. Hickton Ltd.
Most Innovative Death Public Engagement Event 2016
Bristol Culture
Mortuary Assistant of the Year (APT)
Louise Milligan at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Crematorium Assistant of the Year
Steve Biggs at Mortlake Crematorium
Bridging the Gap Award
Special award for the industry supplier doing most to move the funeral business forward:
Julian Atkinson of J. C. Atkinson
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Paula Rainey Crofts)
Nicholas Albery (posthumously) & the Natural Death Centre Charity.
Once again a great success.
Thank you to the amazing team who produced an epic event. Looking forward to next year already.
Well done.
From The Chair, Trustees and Manager at The Natural Death Centre.