The team from The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group had a wonderful time at The Tendring Show 2024 and this year, we certainly made a memorable impression with our unique and eye-catching display, ultimately winning The Harry Gray Bowl award for the best tradestand (over 12m).

In honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, on 6th June this year, our stand was military themed. We have a long-standing association with the military and recently celebrated Armed Forces Week, to share our heartfelt thanks to all those who have or continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

The display incorporated a Spartan CVRT FV103 army tank which was graciously loaned by Jim Carr – onlookers were certainly surprised to see the ex-combat vehicle driven through the streets to the showground at Lawford House, near Manningtree, Essex.

Sarah Dewey, our PR and Marketing Manager, said: “We had a massive reaction from the public to the tank, especially from the Army Cadets who were thrilled with it. The tank – which had a coffin inside – drew lots of attention and lots of people wanted photographs with it… it was just so unusual. We also have our own Sankey Military Trailer, currently converted as a Hearse, for military funerals as part of our Hunnaball Family Group fleet of funeral vehicles.

“We borrowed the tank for the show but if anyone asked us for a tank for a funeral, we would ensure that was delivered. We never say no to any request and do everything we can to make something happen.”

But our award-winning stand didn’t stop there, also featuring a motorcycle hearse, as well as a display of a selection of coffin options – including a glitter coffin, a customisable option displaying a beautiful sunset design, and an example of a handcrafted woven coffin with biodegradable lining, which is a popular choice for green burials.

We were also delighted to be joined, alongside the Memorials team, by master engraver and stone mason Nick Hindle, who demonstrated his amazing skills to the crowd by working on a special Hunnaball Memorials stone plaque throughout the day.

Of course, our friendly team members were also on hand throughout the event to meet and chat to visitors, share information about what we do and the care we can offer to those when they need it most – as well as to openly answer any questions they had.

Sarah said: “Our whole ethos is laying myths to rest, and we try to do that when we meet the public. It was about people asking questions because you are approachable in that environment. There were so many people who were interested in what we do.”

As a business, we are always proud of our team members – not only as they work hard to serve the deceased and their families on a daily basis, but also when they are out meeting with members of the public at local events, conducting themselves to an always-high standard wherever they go, representing The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group wonderfully.

We’re delighted that the team’s hard work, and our company’s unique offering, has been recognised with this award from the Tendring Show… and we are already looking forward to next year’s event!

Keep an eye on our social media channels (on Facebook, X and LinkedIn) for updates and news about upcoming events – and more – and please do get in touch with the team in your local Hunnaball branch with any questions.