Celebrating with other nominees and winners at the Association of Green Funeral Directors ‘Good Funeral Awards 2022’.
A Glittering Night
It was a glittering night, where the dress code encouraged guests to sparkle – and, as the photos below testify, many did.
Unable to hold a face-to-face event since 2019, the AGFD were determined to make the evening bigger, better and even more special. And it certainly was!
The weather was kind, so guests were able to enjoy drinks in the beautiful grounds of The Crazy Bear at Stadhampton, followed by a delicious meal in the stunning dining room.
Meet and Mingle
It was a lovely opportunity to meet and catch up with the many wonderful people in the industry and celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into running successful and innovative businesses that help people at their time of greatest need.
Congratulalations to the Nominees and Winners
whiteballoon was honoured and delighted to be shortlisted in two categories – ‘The Most Promising Newcomer to the Trade’ and ‘Best Innovative Product or Service’.
Our congratulations go to all the other nominees and to the winners in each category:
Gravedigger of the Year – Maria Brancati
Crematorium of the Year – The Birches, Northwich
Most Promising Newcomer to the Trade – Lucy Derrick, West Wiltshire Crematorium
Best Burial Ground – Respect Burial Ground
Coffin Supplier of the Year – Woven Farewell
Low Cost Funeral Provider – Farewill
Best Funeral Support Service – Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity
Celebrant of the Year – Kirstie Atherton
Florist of the Year – Kathrine Armstrong-Bisson, Fleuradamo
Funeral Information Provider – The Coffin Club UK
Funeral Director – Reverend Daniel Ackerley, John Duckworth FD
Funeral Arranger – Sarah Bax, Poppy’s
Most Promising Trainee FD – Darren Lucas, Southgate and Roberts
Most Promising Trainee FD – Darren Lucas, Southgate and Roberts
Green Funeral Director of the Year – The Cornish Funeral Company
Carriage Masters of the Year – Regency Horse and Carriage
Bereavement Awareness – Grief Chat
Best Innovative Product/Service – Funeral Streaming
Direct Cremation Provider – Farewill
Anatomical Pathologist Technician of the Year – Gemma Norburn
Minister of the Year – Reverend Daniel Ackerley
Yearly Achievement Award – Russ Bravo and Denise Walker, Funeral Service Journal
Lifetime Achievement Award – Alan Jose, Westerleigh Group
It has been a challenging few years for everyone, with the pandemic requiring many to adapt and change quickly, often working in very difficult circumstances. But out of adversity comes strength, resiliance, innovation, and an even greater sense of community and co-operation.
Thank you to Gemma and her team at the AGFD for all their hard work and for bringing us together to celebrate, and in such wonderful surroundings.