Walking the talk – we support the Mind Firewalk!

Walking the talk – we support the Mind Firewalk!

We are pleased to confirm that The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group are the key sponsors of this year’s Mid and North East Essex Mind FireWalk, to be held at Writtle University College on World Mental Health Day, Tuesday 10th October 2023.

Mental health and wellbeing is a topic close to our hearts, so we were very pleased to get involved. However, while we’re happy to provide sponsorship, we found we couldn’t do it just in principle; we couldn’t resist getting more thoroughly involved, so a courageous eight of our team members signed up at once to do the actual Firewalk!

At 6pm on 10th October 2023 two teams of intrepid Hunnaball heroes will be, quite literally, stepping out of their comfort zones onto hot coals, to complete the Firewalk in aid of Mid and North East Essex Mind. They would love your help to raise funds for this extremely important cause.

You can make donations on our JustGiving page here.

The event is open to spectators, so if you would like to come and cheer them on, Chris, Zena, Sarah, Tom, Iain, Amber, Cara and Mark would love your support on the day – or in this case, the evening!

Unlike other sponsored walks, the course is just twenty feet, but it will be across far more challenging terrain that most marathon runners will ever see! We’re so proud of our team for volunteering. We’re told that this can be a life-changing experience, and we certainly hope to make an impact for this great charity. Please join us in making this a success.

Here’s when and where to find the Firewalk:

Date: Tuesday 10th October 2023

Location: Writtle University College, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3RR

Time: 6pm-9pm

 

Here’s where to make a donation to spur our team on to victory! Hunnaball Firewalk 2023 JustGiving


Hunnaball at 40 – A company history (part 1)

Hunnaball at 40 – A company history (part 1)

We’re tremendously proud in 2023 to celebrate 40 years of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group and one of the ways we want to mark this special event is by sharing our story. This is part 1:

However, our story should begin with words from our Chairman and founder, Trevor Hunnaball, which beautifully summarise the very soul of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group. “We are a family business dedicated to upholding the traditional values of respect and dignity, and our simple ethos is to provide funeral services with humanity, compassion and the greatest of care.”

Our entire business is established on these principles, and our work and culture are the same now as they were 40 years ago. In fact, they are they have been the same throughout Trevor’s professional life in the funeral industry which began more than 65 years ago.

Our Company History

The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group started in 1983, when Trevor and Melanie Hunnaball purchased Geo. Paskell Funeral Service of Wix. By that time, Trevor had already worked in the industry for 25 years, much of it serving as Managing Director of WH Shephard in Colchester, and his depth of knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to the company ever since. Trevor and Melanie were already running a number of successful businesses, including a successful limousine and car hire business, Hunnaball Car Hire, which from 1979 had supplied the Mayoral car for the Borough of Colchester, a flower shop in Manningtree, and a wedding shop in Colchester.

Geo Paskell Funeral Services of Wix (c.1983)
Geo Paskell Funeral Services of Wix (c.1983)

In 1985, they opened Trevor Hunnaball Funeral Services on Hythe Hill, and the journey had truly begun. In 1987, the Hythe Hill branch relocated to York House, on Mersea Road, now known as Hunnaball of Colchester. In the same year, a second Colchester branch was opened on Crouch Street, with Melanie’s Floristry next door. Colchester Funeral Service opened in Stanwell Street and the company was then renamed as Hunnaball Funeral Services, although the traditional Paskell name was retained in Manningtree.

In 1988, JK May Funeral Services of West Mersea was acquired, and John May continued to work in the business. JK May of West Mersea continues to thrive and serve the community on Mersea Island.

Family

Saul joined the business in 1986 followed by Chris in 1991 then Polly in 1993. Their three spouses, Jennie, Zena and Joe became involved soon afterwards, and in 2023 Saul and Jennie’s daughter Emilia joined the family business, so that today the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group is served by three generations of the family.

The Hunnaball Family (c. 2010)
The Hunnaball Family (c. 2010)

The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group, as it is now known, really is a family business, and it quickly built a reputation for excellent service in every part of their work. Families returned time and again when they needed our help, because they found that our professionalism went hand in hand with real compassion. Our business continues to exemplify the same culture of professionalism and compassion in all of our branches throughout Essex and Suffolk.

NAFD

Our family group are proud members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), the leading association in the UK which represents the funeral profession. In 1995, Trevor became President of the NAFD, the highest accolade in the funeral industry, and continued to serve the association in many roles, both locally and nationally, to promote best practice across the industry in the UK.

Trevor and Melanie during his year as NAFD President (1995)
Trevor and Melanie during his year as NAFD President (1995)

Into Suffolk

In 1996, Hunnaball of Ipswich opened its doors, with Melanie at the helm. She had already qualified as one of the first female funeral directors in the country, and she championed the ‘Ladies in Hats’ brand, which continues to be so important across the business. Compassion, elegance, and style were embodied in our lady funeral directors and the Hunnaball family was at the vanguard of change in the funeral industry. When Hunnaball Funeral Services began, the majority of public-facing employees across the industry were men; now most are women, and we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in making that change.

Innovations

In 1997, at the very beginning of the green burial movement, Trevor Hunnaball began his involvement with Oakfield Wood, near Manningtree, which was the first ‘green’ burial ground in Essex. The Hunnaball family continues to champion and support new ideas within the funeral industry, provided they serve the people we serve, not only in the area of green burials, but in relation to funeral transport too.

Hunnaball at 40 – Part 2 to follow…


Ashes to ashes

There are a huge number of options following a cremation, but the question has to be, what is best for you and the cremated remains of your loved one?

Laying the remains of your loved one to rest can be a big decision which takes time to finalise. That’s why our branches have a sanctuary where cremated remains can be safely and securely kept, until a decision is made about what to do next. However, eventually, a decision will need to be made, and when you’re ready, your local funeral arranger will be here to offer support and advice. Here is an outline of some of the options.

Burial

Perhaps the most traditional way to lay cremated remains to rest is by burial. Very often it will be in a graveyard or cemetery, perhaps with a family member or partner who has already passed away, but it might also be in a garden or other venue. There is a wide variety of caskets to choose from; made from a variety of materials like wood, cardboard, and wicker, as well as those decorated with pictures or carvings on the outside. We also offer a wide range of permanent memorials from our specialist memorial department, specific to cremated remains.

Scattering

Another traditional way to lay cremated remains to rest is by scattering. Scattering ashes can take place almost anywhere; from football grounds to a favourite woodland… but you must get permission. It’s also important to remember that the volume of cremated remains is significant, so scattering must be undertaken carefully. A scatter tube will help, and we offer a wide range of beautiful scatter tubes; from plain colours to specific images that might reflect the interests of your loved one.

Keepsakes

A popular choice is to use a little of the cremated remains as part of a special keepsake that will always be close to you. Options can include jewellery, ornaments, vases, and paperweights, and your local branch has more information. You can also find out more on our website, as well as view a brochure. The choice is entirely up to you, and we will help in any way we can.

Urns

Some families like to keep the remains of the one they miss at home, and we are able to supply a range of urns and containers to suit any preference. Most of our branches have samples to help you to choose.

Fireworks

The sky is literally the limit when you’re choosing how to deal with the cremated remains of a loved one. We partner with Dynamic Fireworks, who will incorporate cremated remains into fireworks so they can be sent off with a spectacular bang. Please ask your local funeral arranger to explain this option to you.

A nautical send off

As an island nation, we have long had an affinity to water and some people can think of nothing better than to make their final journey on the sea. We can offer a personalised service to help scatter your loved one’s remains at sea, and there are also specialist biodegradable caskets to facilitate casting the entire remains in one container into the sea.

We are here to help

Whatever thought you might have about cremated remains, the best thing to do is talk to your funeral arranger and they will help you to make your choice a reality. No matter how ‘out there’ you might think your wishes are, we will always listen and help in any way we can.


A lifetime of achievement

We’re so proud of you, Trevor

On 4th July 2023, our own Trevor Hunnaball was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Funeral Directors, in recognition of more than 65 years’ service to the funeral industry. The Award was presented by Andrew Judd, CEO, NAFD, and Suzy Middleton, CEO of sponsors SEIB. The SEIB NAFD Lifetime Achievement Award simply could not go to a more deserving person; one that we, as his work family, are proud to serve alongside.

With characteristic modesty, Trevor said, “I really don’t know what to say. I’m a bit overwhelmed, and just want to say thank you to SEIB and the NAFD for this honour. It has been a privilege to look after so many bereaved families for so many years, and to have the support of my family and a great team working with me.”

Trevor is so unassuming that it didn’t occur to him that his own industry held him in such high esteem, but we, of course, knew better. He sets such a great example of hard work, mixed with kindness, integrity, good humour, and service to our clients, that he makes us proud to work with him, not just on this special day, but every day.

We’ve been receiving congratulations via social media and personal messages, all agreeing that this is such a well-deserved honour for him. Among them was this lovely message from former NAFD President, Miss Alison Crake, Senior partner of Crake and Mallon Funeral Service, Stockton on Tees.

Alison spoke for many when she wrote, “I just wanted to drop you both a line to offer my warmest congratulations on Trevor’s very well deserved lifetime achievement award.  A true recognition of all you have done (and do) not just for bereaved families and your community, but also to the wider NAFD membership.  I was delighted when I saw the news, you must both feel so very proud (and rightly so!). I hope there is a celebration with your friends and family on your horizon (and that there are a few corks popping somewhere!).”

On the day, Trevor’s wife Melanie, who helped found the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group with the purchase of Geo Paskell of Manningtree in 1983, was there to watch his surprise as his name was announced. Also cheering him on were Trevor’s son Saul, and his daughter Polly, both of whom many of you know, as they also work with him in the business.

As a company, we have had plenty of cause to celebrate and be proud this year, marking the 40th anniversary of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group, as well as Trevor’s amazing 65 years in the industry last December.

Seeing Trevor win the SEIB NAFD Lifetime Achievement Award was not just the crowning glory of a brilliant career, but also recognition of the true gentleman, friend to many and the excellent leader that we are all proud to follow.

Congratulations, Trevor, from all your work family.

 

Photo: Trevor Meeks

Andrew Judd, CEO of the NAFD, presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Trevor Hunnaball. Suzy Middleton, CEO of sponsors SEIB was also there to congratulate him.


Choosing a memorial

Choosing a memorial

One of the most important tasks for many families is to choose a suitable memorial for a loved one. In many ways, it is like making a final, lasting gift to that person, to ensure that they are remembered. The new memorials section of our website contains lots of information about this.

However, depending where the burial takes place, there may be some regulations to bear in mind when choosing. We asked our expert, Jennie Hunnaball, who heads up our memorials team, to explain the process and what families and friends need to bear in mind. Jennie told us:

To begin with, in almost all cases, there will a time lapse of six to twelve months between the funeral and the installation of a headstone. This is because the ground needs time to settle after the burial, so that the stone doesn’t topple due to future ground movement. This can seem like a delay in moving on, but it does give you time to understand any regulations and make a fitting choice.

Churchyard memorials

Churchyards tend to be very traditional and, increasingly, have rules that we are required to follow. Although historically, quite ornate memorials may have been installed, the guidelines now require much simpler shapes and finishes, and fewer embellishments. The rules do differ from area to area and from parish to parish, but most churches in our area only allow a camber or rounded top or a straight top to the headstone. No polished or reflective finishes are allowed in churchyards, and neither are what we call kerb sets. Kerb sets, as the name suggests, have a kerb of matching stone defining the outline of the grave, in addition to the headstone. We still see older versions of these in churchyards, but new ones have not been allowed for many years.

Churchyard memorials now, therefore, tend to be noted for their elegance and simplicity. Only a simple spray of flowers or cross are allowed as decoration, but this can make for a stunningly beautiful stone. We will guide you through your choices for a churchyard and complete all the formalities of gaining church approval for your design.

Cemetery memorials

In cemeteries there is a lot more choice. Polished and part polished finishes are allowed, with a lot more choice of shapes and decorations. Kerb sets are permitted, and Illustrations can include photographs and QR codes to a memorial webpage, as well as flowers, small animals and angels, or depictions of the deceased’s passions or hobbies. For babies and children, teddy bears, stars and fairies are popular choices.

Family memorials

Many families choose to have a further burial in an established grave, reuniting family members. This is no problem for our stonemasons, who can remove the stone temporarily, add new inscriptions to include the more recently deceased and then securely reinstall it. Restoring an older headstone or kerb set can give you more possibilities than a new stone, especially in churchyard settings. Restoration and reinstallation of an older stone is permitted, while a new one of the same design would not be allowed. Our stonemasons can completely resurface an older memorial, adding further inscriptions and making it look new.

Cremation memorials

Cremation memorials, which are generally either a smaller version of a headstone, but can also be a flat tablet or a sloping ‘desk’ form, also offer a lot of choice, especially in cemeteries.

The full array of memorials can look overwhelming at first, but our memorial advisors or your funeral arranger can help you to narrow down and understand your options. They will make sure that the memorial you select is within the guidelines for your chosen location, and handle any of the administrative or approval processes that must be completed.

Even if we were not your original funeral director, or the headstone for restoration is many decades old, we are still here for you and delighted to help you.

Our memorials team are always pleased to help you.


hunnaball team 2022 Brave Futures

Why Hunnaball supports Brave Futures

As a funeral director, the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group might seem to be more concerned with the end of life than the future, but we disagree. Our work is with people, and people face all kinds of challenges in life. Death will affect the lives of every single one of us at some point, but there are other challenges in life too and they can be even more overwhelming.

“We spend a lot of time with people contemplating end of life scenarios,” says Melanie Hunnaball, “but we’re also at the heart of our local communities. Both death and abuse have been taboo subjects in our society, but we’re now learning to talk about them more and to do something to help people through.  When I heard Patsy from Brave Futures speak at a lunch a few years ago I felt an instant affinity. Her stories of children and young people finding help and support in the midst of some truly awful circumstances were both heart-breaking and inspiring. I knew it was right for us to get involved with Brave Futures and so that’s what we have done.”

Brave Futures

Brave Futures are a charity who offer support to children and young people, up to the age of 18 years, who have experienced sexual abuse. Working in Suffolk and Norfolk, they provide a safe place for children and young people to make sense of the confusion they feel and help to equip them with the skills and tools they need to re-build their futures, manage the trauma they’ve experienced, and help them move from victim to survivor.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years,” says Melanie, “it’s that life does indeed go on, and we must do everything we can to make a better future for everyone, no matter what they go through.”

The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group have two branches in Ipswich, in Norwich Road and Spring Road, the teams in which were very quick to respond and are now firm supporters of Brave Futures. They look for every opportunity to do what they can to support Brave Futures. In fact, across Essex and Suffolk, the entire Hunnaball Family Funeral Group have offered enthusiastic support in any way they can.

Supporting Brave Futures

In June 2022, for the first time, we entered a team in the Brave Futures Dragon Boat Race at Ipswich Waterfront, raising both valuable funds and awareness by competing with other businesses in the area. Before the day was over and the last race had begun, the team had decided to enter again in 2023. They simply loved being involved in such a good cause and wanted to find other ways to support Brave Futures too.

In May 2023, we are sponsoring the Brave Futures afternoon tea, held in the Willis Towers in Ipswich.

On 3rd June 2023, from 10am, another Hunnaball Family Funeral Group team will race in the Dragon Boat Race on Ipswich Waterfront. You can sponsor our team through Just Giving by following the link.

They are quietly plotting their tactics, but we suspect that the Oxford and Cambridge teams don’t have anything to worry about.

Whatever the future holds, the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group wants to make the world a better place, and supporting charities like Brave Futures is simply another way we can do that.


The Coronation of King Charles III

The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group offer their very best wishes, thoughts, and prayers to those of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the occasion of the Coronation of King Charles III. We hold high hopes for his reign and the future of our nation, and are thankful for the new King.

The Coronation on the 6th May is a significant moment for our nation. We’ve lost our Queen, who was so dearly loved by many and respected worldwide, and now King Charles III must step up and seek to fill the void she has left. A fearsome task and one which, we are certain, he will do to the very best of his ability.

We stand together

King Charles is not alone. He is surrounded by his family, upheld by his government, and supported by the people of the many nations he serves. Yes, it’s a time of significant challenge for so many people around the world in so many ways, but on this day we hope that all of our best wishes and high hopes abound.

We can be sure that as he stands before the nation and God, Queen Camilla by his side, the congregation of the Abbey around him, and billions of people watching all over the world, the promises he makes will be spoken from his heart with humility and a desire to serve.

We offer King Charles III our congratulations and best wishes, now and in the future.

king charles

Contemporary coffins

Every person is different

Every person is one-of-a-kind, and everyone wants to reflect the uniqueness of the person they love in the funeral they arrange for them. Most families still want a funeral service which has traditional aspects and will be recognised as a funeral by the people attending, but they also want to include elements which reflect the person they have lost. One way to reflect their individuality is through the choice of coffin.

A wide choice

Some coffins and caskets are simple, others more ornate. Coffins might be highly polished or simply waxed. They can be made of alternative materials, like wicker or cardboard, or more traditional woods, like oak or walnut. Some have elaborate handles and others simple ropes, and there are any number of other options which might be suitable. Simply talk to your funeral arranger and they will help you to choose.

Contemporary coffins

In recent years, there’s been an increasing fashion for coffins which have images printed on them to reflect the interests and personalities of the people they carry. There are many popular images; beautiful views, flowers, sports team colours, footballs, and any number of others. They can even be bespoke reproductions of photos or locations which mean a great deal to the family. The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group call them Contemporary coffins and we partner with the excellent Colourful Coffins to provide coffins and caskets with almost any image or pattern.

Colourful Coffins are a family business, like our own. They offer massive scope for grieving families and friends who wish to customise the coffin of their loved one. Their tagline is, “As individual as you,” and they say, “We’re often told that having one of our beautiful, bespoke designs for a loved one brought a smile to their face on a very difficult day.” We heartily agree. There are a great many families who have chosen a Contemporary coffin and found that it helped them to say goodbye in a more personal way.

The choice is yours

With their help, we can offer a wide range of Contemporary coffins in a variety of materials; including wood and cardboard. The people at Colourful Coffins care about the work they do as much as we do, and they believe that choosing one of their coffins is a wonderful final gift. Their range doesn’t just include pictures, they also provide caskets decorated with glitter, crystals, or carved with initials or other designs. They have caskets of different sizes too, including children’s coffins, American caskets, and a full range of containers for cremated remains.

All the branches of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group have information about our Contemporary range of coffins, as well as actual examples. Our funeral arrangers are compassionate and professional, and will be very happy to discuss the options and help you to imagine something different to make a difficult day more special.


We say thank you for the music

We thank Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for the music

Hunnaball Family Funeral Group Directors Trevor and Melanie Hunnaball and Thomas Atherton, Community Funeral Director for Hunnaball of Sudbury, attended the concert given by the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra at St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Lavenham on 26th March 2023. The company sponsors the orchestra and has done for several years, helping to continue the tradition of live classical music in the county.

Trevor Hunnaball, founder and Director of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group said, “We are very pleased to be able to help keep this exceptional orchestra alive at a time when funding for the arts is so difficult. It would be so sad to lose such a vital part of our local community, which brings so much pleasure to so many.”

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra’s Summer concert will be held on Sunday 2 July in St Gregory’s Church, Sudbury.

http://www.sudburysymphonyorchestra.com/diary-dates/


Hunnaball supports Mind in 2023

Choosing a corporate charity

As a business, we support lots of different charities. These include health charities, hospices, bereavement support, foodbanks, and a host of local community groups. In addition to these, the members of our work family, who are in our branches all over Essex and Suffolk, support charities which are close to their hearts.

However, this year, we also wanted to focus our combined efforts as a company with branches and locations all over Essex and Suffolk, on helping a charity which benefits the region and supports people in need.

To decide which of the many worthy causes we would support as a company, we asked our entire team (who we often call our work family) for nominations. Then we put the most popular nominations to the vote, among both front of house and support staff. By an overwhelming majority, they chose Mind.

MIND

MIND is a network of local mental health charities which come under a national umbrella. In the areas where we have branches, our local Mind groups are Mid and North Essex Mind and Suffolk Mind. They work supporting people of all ages in their mental health and advocating good mental health. They have amazing teams of employees and volunteers who work with people when they need real help, as well as to raise funds, and especially awareness.

We look forward to partnering with them both in 2023, supporting a number of their projects and programmes. We will also be asking for them to work with our work family in the area of training and support of mental health.

Mental Health Matters

In the work we do as funeral directors we see first-hand the pressure on people’s mental health when they face a bereavement. But we are also very aware, and concerned, for the positive mental health of the people who work for us and with us, something that has become more obvious in our society since the pandemic.

Mental health matters, so please watch this space for opportunities to join us to engage with, learn from, support, and raise funds for Mid and North Essex Mind and Suffolk Mind.