Church leaders unite to rededicate Halliwell Pelsall funeral home following £130,000 renovation

Senior church leaders from different faiths joined recently bereaved families for the rededication of the Halliwell Pelsall funeral home following an extensive £130,000 renovation.

The service was also attended by the Mayoress of Walsall, Andrea Longhi, who unveiled a granite plaque during the ceremony.

Reverend Prebendary Carl Ramsay, Anglican Rural Dean of Walsall, and Father Malcolm Glaze, Catholic Dean of Walsall and parish priest of St Francis of Assisi in Shelfield, led the prayers and read psalms.

Revd Ramsay, vicar of St Michael and All Angels in Pelsall, also lit a candle and blessed the two chapels of rest with holy water. They were joined by Reverend Alison Morris, Anglican associate minister of Pelsall, who gave a reading from the Bible.

Julian Coles, chief executive of Tamworth Co-operative Society which operates the Halliwell branch in Norton Road, welcomed guests including people who had arranged funerals with the home in the past.

He said: “The Society has made an investment of around £130,000 to extensively remodel  these facilities which I’m sure will be a tremendous asset to the local community.”

Mr Coles also paid tribute to the funeral staff who, he said, ‘were always there for people when needed at such difficult times.’

“The professionalism and care they show is incredible and I’m very proud of them.”

David Rose, chairman of the Tamworth Co-op board of directors, was also present at the event, along with funeral division general manager Amanda Woodward, who gave a Bible reading, deputy manager Glen Speak and civil celebrant Jackie Wilson.

Derek Painter, from Pelsall, who arranged his brother’s funeral through the funeral home, said: “It’s the first time I have been to a service like this. My wife Sandra and I found it very moving.”

The layout of the building was revamped during the refurbishment to include a second chapel of rest where the rededication service was held.  A feature wall carved out with lit alcoves displaying ornaments forms the centrepiece of the room. New carpets and an updated heating system have also been installed, with the reception area and arranging room redecorated to provide a bright, uplifting environment.

The improved interior also means there is easy access to the toilets and disabled facilities.

Pictured clockwise below: One of two chapels of rest at the funeral home which features an ornamental centrepiece; Reverend Prebendary Carl Ramsay, (left) and Father Malcolm Glaze chatting with Reverend Alison Morris following the rededication ceremony; Mayoress of Walsall, Andrea Longhi, helping funeral operative Dave Thomas hand out coffees to guests following the rededication service; and the redecorated arranging room.