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A Message From Us
Karen Dootson
I have lived in Astley all my life, attending St Stephens Primary School and church. Being an integral part of the uniformed organisations from a young age, through Girl Guiding, Cubs and Cub leader at 1st Astley, participating in lots of activities, raising funds for the Cub unit and enjoying every single minute!
I have worked within the funeral industry for approximately 18 years initially helping the families of Leigh and surrounding areas of Atherton, Tyldesley and Astley. I feel I can connect with families almost instantly, having a chat firstly and then gently moving on to the funeral arrangement. Getting to know our families is crucial, most become friends and continue to visit years later, this is the nicest part, I meet a family at their worst time and even making their experience a smidge better makes it worthwhile.
Making a funeral bespoke is so important, this can range from photographs, themed funerals such as ‘butterflies and bees’ to a favourite song, colour or flower. I am quite crafty so this is often put to good use, making personal items such as pillows from a loved ones favourite clothing, to a bespoke ashes casket: Thomas the tank engine, diamante. Families appreciate the little touches which mean so much more at their most difficult time.
People often say ‘ I don’t know how you do your job ‘, to me it is a vocation, by being myself, tuning into the needs of our families, empathising fully, showing care, support and respect for them and their loved one, by going the extra mile and listening to their concerns reassures all involved.
John Harrison
I was born in Urmston and have had a number of jobs over the years from a timber machinest, transport manager to a professional childminder until I found my true ideal job. I started as a part-time driver/bearer for an independent funeral director in Chorlton South Manchester. Here, I gained my training in the different aspects of the funeral industry, soon becoming a full-time member of their team, going out on hire to other funeral directors and progressing to conducting their funerals myself.
enjoy DIY this became invaluable when renovating our premises in Tyldesley, from building walls to decorating, both Karen and I are very proud of our achievement in turning a basically blank canvas into a warm and relaxing place to meet our families.
I have always been involved with the local community, from an early age I have been involved in my local church, using DIY skills again, progressing to taking my reader training. At the moment I am a member of Audacious Church in Manchester, being part of the security team. I attend worship and find comfort and peace within.
Although I did not go through the scout movement myself as a child, when my three sons joined beaver scouts it seemed the logical thing to do, from parent helper to becoming a group beaver leader and assistant cub leader.
From 13 years old I played the cornet in Flixton Brass Band for over 25 years, playing in the 3rd davyhulme scout and guide band, even playing at the 2012 Olympics in London. During the last three years, I have been chairman of Farnworth and Walkden Brass Band, playing at numerous events throughout the year. Using my talent also to play the last post on funerals if requested by the family. Recently I have taken up Crown Green Bowling and have found enjoyment as well as success in the mixed pair competition.