News

Are you planning ahead?

60% of over 50s have made no financial arrangements for the cost of their own funeral service. A survey commissioned by funeral plan provider, Ecclesiastical Planning Services, has revealed that 60% of over 50s have not made any form of financial provision for the cost of their own funeral service.…...

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Dying Matters Awareness Week

Every year, people around the country use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a moment to encourage communities to get talking about death, dying and bereavement in whatever way, shape or form works for them. Starting conversations about dying is often not as hard as you might think. For Dying Matters…...

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Over 50s would choose to spend final 24 hours with ‘family, friends and partners’ or ‘in the pub’

New research reveals how people aged 50 and above would choose to spend their time if they were given just 24 hours to live. Spending time with family and friends or a romantic partner and in the pub were all popular responses. The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf…...

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Bambi’s mother tops poll of famous movie deaths, survey finds

A survey has revealed that the most memorable cinema death in the minds of over 50s is that of Bambi’s mother in the 1942 animated feature film. The research, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, a national funeral plan provider, asked 1,000 people aged 50 and above,…...

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Survey shows a third are aware of negative funeral plan press.

Research carried out by OnePoll asked 1,000 people aged 50 and over if they were aware of negative news stories relating to funeral plans. In recent years there have been reports of different issues with pre-paid funeral plans sold by some providers, including cases of fraud, poor sales and marketing…...

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The Queen’s funeral got people thinking…

23% of over 50s said Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral made them consider their own funeral arrangements   Research carried out by OnePoll asked 1,000 people aged 50 and above whether the Royal Funeral made them consider their own arrangements.  The survey commissioned by pre-paid funeral plan provider, Ecclesiastical Planning…...

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Christmas Memorial Service 2022

Religious and humanist representatives gathered at our Clare Road, Braintree branch last Friday to hold an online Christmas memorial service, to remember the loved ones we lost in 2022 and continuing to honour those lost in years prior. Introduced by our Vice-President, Tony Prince, the compact service was compered by…...

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Christmas Memorial Tree Lighting to be streamed online

With Christmas fast approaching, we’re keenly aware of the absence of loved ones in our lives. This is why, for well over a decade, we’ve been holding an annual Christmas Memorial event. This year, with many of our clients nervous of a coronavirus resurgence, we’ve made the decision to hold…...

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Working with the Royal British Legion

Were you wearing your Royal British Legion poppy today, in honour of fallen soldiers? Every year, as we approach Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, our team assist the Royal British Legion in distributing their poppies and collection pots to venues across Essex. So if you bought your poppy in one…...

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Notice regarding Monday 19th September…

We are all greatly saddened by the recent passing of our dear Queen Elizabeth II and our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family as they move through this period of very public mourning, whilst remembering their own very personal experiences of a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her Majesty…...

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New Funeral Home opens in Basildon

A new Co-op Funeral Directors branch has opened in Whitmore Way, Basildon. The ninth branch owned by your local independent co-operative society, Chelmsford Star, opened its doors on Friday 6th May, ready to support and assist the Basildon community. The ribbon was formally cut by Society President Judy Saunders, during…...

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Bereavement Service comes of age

Co-op Funeral Directors‘ free bereavement support celebrated 21 years of helping the people of Essex this week. The local business, owned by Chelmsford Star Co-operative, operates 4 Bereavement & Aftercare Support groups and 2 coffee drop-ins across the region, each meeting regularly according to the community’s requirements. Winnie, a regular…...

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Notice regarding changes to pre-paid funeral plans

Legislation is due to take effect from the 29 July 2022 that requires any pre-paid funeral plan provider to be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Co-op Funeral Directors will not be seeking direct authorisation or regulation by the FCA but intend to work in partnership with a provider…...

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The Best Funeral Provider in Essex. Officially.

Co-op Funeral Directors have been recognised as the ‘Best Funeral Provider – Essex’ at the 9th annual Business Excellence Awards held earlier this month. Co-op Funeral Directors, a part of the Chelmsford Star Co-operative with branches across Essex, were highlighted for demonstrating grace and compassion under fire as they “battled,…...

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Officially the Best Funeral Director in Essex

Co-op Funeral Directors have been recognised as the ‘Best Funeral Provider – Essex’ at the 9th annual Business Excellence Awards held earlier this month. Co-op Funeral Directors, part of the Chelmsford Star Co-operative which has independent funeral branches across Essex, were highlighted for demonstrating grace and compassion under fire as…...

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The return of our weekend bereavement support

We are pleased to announce the return of our weekend bereavement support group. We’ve provided support groups for those who have recently experienced bereavement for over two decades now, with multiple meetings taking place every month across Essex. Not just restricted to our own clients, but rather available for anyone…...

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The best in Essex. Officially.

We’re thrilled to announce that our wonderful team have been recognised as the Best In Essex for their ‘Excellent Customer Service’ in the Countywide Business Awards 2021. The team have won multiple customer service awards in the past, but to have done so again in 2021 – a year that…...

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Watch our Christmas memorial service

Our popular annual memorial Christmas service took to the internet for the second year running recently, as the team live-streamed the event from their Baddow Road funeral home in Chelmsford. The event was introduced by our Society President, Judy Saunders, with Reverend Rod Reid and Ken Lodge supplying readings and…...

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Excellent Customer Focus leads to awards nomination

Our team are proud and excited to learn that they’ve been selected as Finalists within the Excellent Customer Focus category of the Countywide Business Awards 2021. The award is for companies or organisations who demonstrate the highest standards of customer care, with this year’s batch of nominees having the added…...

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Memorial Service to go ahead virtually

Our annual Christmas Memorial event, which we’ve held for well over a decade, is the highlight of our team’s working year, so we’re sad to announce that a physical gathering will once again be impossible in 2021. Last year, due to government restrictions surrounding the coronavirus, we adapted to create…...

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Facemask Latest

Following the Prime Minister’s press conference last Saturday, the rules regarding the wearing of face-masks in public places have been updated. The latest precautionary measures mean that, from first thing Tuesday 30th November 2021, face coverings have once again become mandatory for all colleagues and clients unless medically exempt. Those using…...

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New ‘funeral builder’ service launched

We’re proud to have launched a new ‘Funeral Builder’ service. Aimed at assisting those recently bereaved, it allows the user to receive a quote for a funeral that is “as accurate as possible to their individual wishes” without them having to pick up the phone. Funeral Operations Manager, Craig Jackson,…...

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Social Media vs Death

Most of us have at least one social media account. Many of us have more than one. But have you ever given any thought into what happens to these after you pass away? After someone dies, their loved ones may find it impossible to access their accounts due to the…...

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New regulations may benefit the bereaved

A series of new rules, stemming from an investigation into the country’s funeral services by the government’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), take effect for all funeral homes across the nation next week. These new regulations, which are fully supported by Co-op Funeral Directors, have been put in place to…...

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Top accreditation awarded once more

Once again Co-op Funeral Directors, Chelmsford Star’s Essex-based independent co-operative funeral service, has been awarded with Good Funeral Guide accreditation. The accreditation was presented by representatives of the GFG following a series of COVID-safe online interviews and Zoom calls, which included branch tours and indepth questioning about our procedures during…...

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Floral service goes online

Clients are now able to order flowers and floral arrangements 24/7, with our new online floral service. The handy new service is the next step on our digital journey, which will see a number of additional developments to our website over the next few months, each designed to help take…...

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Vaccinations for our team

We’re pleased to announce that all our funeral operatives, and the vast majority of our Family Liaison Officers, have now received the first part of their COVID-19 vaccinations....

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Christmas Cheer for Writtle

Our Writtle branch has installed a beautiful window as part of the village's annual Christmas Tree Festival....

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Popular Christmas Service to be live-streamed

With current Government advice prohibiting group gatherings, singing, and even certain instruments, it will come as no surprise that this year's Christmas Remembrance Service will not be happening....

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Recommended by the Good Funeral Guide 2020

Coop Funeral Directors in Essex, part of the independent Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, is one of the UK’s best funeral directors, according to the Good Funeral Guide, an independent funeral consumer advocacy organisation. In its review of the business – which you can read here – the Good Funeral Guide describes…...

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Limousines to make a comeback…

As of Monday 20th July we are so pleased to be able to offer our limousines again to our families! We have made some changes to protect you and our staff....

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Coronavirus Update for Clients

Our Family Liaison Officers and Funeral Operatives continue to work as normal as possible during the developing Coronavirus situation. We would ask that you help us protect both them and our clients by taking all necessary steps to minimise direct contact....

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Loved ones remembered this Christmas

Two special remembrance services were held last week, with a heartwarming Christmas message for those recently bereaved or struggling during the festive period. They took place at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford and in our own private chapel in Braintree, in what has become an increasingly popular annual tradition.…...

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Remembering loved ones this Christmas

Many people find this time of year difficult. As families gather for laughter and gifts, it can make the pain of bereavement or loneliness all the stronger. We’ve won multiple awards for our efforts in bringing comfort to those struggling, and this year we’re once again holding our popular Christmas…...

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Remembrance Day Services…

Our Funeral team in Danbury provided ‘poppy’ motif locally-sourced muffins alongside teas and coffees to keep people warm during the services at the war memorial on the green in Danbury on Sunday. Crowds gathered to take part and mark their respects for Remembrance Sunday including the Royal British Legion and…...

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Choosing an Eco-option for your final celebration

For those wishing to preserve and protect our environment, eco-friendly funerals have become increasingly popular. After all, protecting the environment is something that many people feel passionate about throughout their lives, so why would it be any different when it comes to their final celebration? Whilst not a topic many…...

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Writtle Fair Fun

The beautiful village of Writtle had their annual fair week, and our team was pleased to take part in all the fun happening on the green. Cara and Craig, from our Writtle Co-op Funerals branch, were on hand with a gleaming limousine full of balloons for a ‘Guess How Many…?’…...

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Members offered £150 discount on a funeral plan

Members Benefit: £150 discount on funeral costs Every funeral involves a large number of decisions about many different aspects which often have to be made during the worst time of someone’s life when faced with bereavement. Thinking about your own funeral is never an easy thing to do but planning…...

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Co-op Funeral Directors – Recommended by experts, Again

Once again, the experts at The Good Funeral Guide have recommended Co-op Funeral Directors, part of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, within their 2019 publications. The Good Funeral Guide is the trusted, independent, not-for-profit, information resource available for clients, customers, supporters and allies of the funeral industry. A representative said, “A test…...

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We’ve always pledged to be fair

Our clients all know we’re open and transparent when it comes to our pricing, and we’re not afraid to shout that from the rooftops either. Which is why all Co-op Funeral Directors across Essex signed the Fair Funeral Pledge almost as soon as it existed. The Fair Funerals campaign was…...

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Cost of Funerals in Essex

There is currently much discussion in the media about the cost of funerals and whether funeral directors are charging too much for their services. At Co-op Funeral Directors, part of Chelmsford Star Co-operative, we take great effort in keeping our costs down, recognising the difficulties that many families are facing when…...

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Recently Bereaved given Christmas Support

Families of the recently deceased were given comfort last week when we arranged two Christmas Remembrance Services across Essex, at the same time. Co-op Funeral Directors, owned by local co-operative, Chelmsford Star, always strives to offer a personal service, so this year we held one service catered to Chelmsford audiences…...

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You’re not alone this Christmas…

Christmas and the New Year can be a difficult time for many, particularly if they’ve recently lost a loved one. If you feel you will struggle over the coming few weeks, know that you are not alone. We hold support groups across Essex specifically for people like you, going through…...

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Join us for an evening of joyful remembrance…

It’s that time of year again, and our teams are preparing for our annual Christmas Remembrance Service. Mince pies have been bought, mulled wine is being heated, and singing voices are being warmed up. Taking place on 7th December, from 6pm, our teams will host the usual evening of heart-warming…...

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Local Support on Remembrance Sunday

Our Danbury Co-op Funeral Directors were out in force on Remembrance Sunday, as locals gathered at the War Memorial nearby. Providing free refreshment and locally sourced muffins adorned with iced poppies, locals flocked to their gazebo after the service for some much needed warmth and a cuppa. Remembrance Sunday is…...

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Best In the UK for Community Impact!

Chelmsford Star, the local and independent co-op that owns Co-op Funeral Directors, as well as the likes of the Quadrant department stores in Chelmsford and Braintree, has been awarded ‘Best For Community Impact’ in the National Business Charity Awards.  Chelmsford Star, which has a total of 50 branches in Essex,…...

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New Charity Partnership Announced

Co-op Funeral Directors has begun a new year-long partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, just in time for Dementia Action Week.  We’re already planning a few fundraising ideas, such as a “Sponsored Hair Chop” from one of our ladies. Keep an eye out for details in our branches or on our…...

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Record Funds Raised For Charity!

Co-op Funeral Directors, together with the other businesses who make up local independent co-op society Chelmsford Star, has raised their highest amount of fundraising ever for the charity Little Havens Hospice. Together, colleagues and customers have collected a whopping £77,912 for the charity, which is the only place in Essex…...

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Bereavement Support For Under 50s

Bereavement is not suffered exclusively by the elderly or retired. We already run 4 support groups across Essex for those going through bereavement and needing additional support; in Ingatestone, Chelmsford, Braintree and Writtle. The free service, available to anyone who needs it – not just our clients – has won the team multiple awards over the…...

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Christmas Service of Remembrance

Our annual Christmas Remembrance Carol Service was held at Trinity Methodist Church in Chelmsford city centre on Friday. We arranged the service, an uplifting mix of choir and carol singing, to assist those recently bereaved or who struggle to cope at this time of year. Candles were lit at the start of the…...

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Our new name is Co-op Funeral Directors

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Funeral Services have a brand new look. Falling under the umbrella of Co-op Funeral Directors, each of our branches has now been specifically named after the community it serves to really highlight our local roots. Part of the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society family, Co-op Funeral Directors will…...

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George Yard Centre receives new funeral support

A new Co-op Funeral Directors have opened in George Yard Shopping Centre, Braintree. The eighth branch owned by our local independent co-operative society, Chelmsford Star, its doors are now open six days a week ready to support and assist the Braintree community. The ribbon was formally cut by Society President…...

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Co-op Funeral Directors on Remembrance Sunday

Chelmsford Star Co-operative, Essex’s local and independent co-op, is 150 years old this year, which it has celebrated with museum exhibitions and the publication of a book highlighting its work in our community since 1867. As we look to remember those lost in all conflicts on Remembrance Sunday, Chelmsford Star…...

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Funeral team walked 10 miles for Little Havens

Our Funeral team, coordinated by Kim Myers, Family Liaison Officer from our Ingatestone branch, walked 10 miles around Chelmsford on Saturday 2nd September, 2017, to raise money for our Charity of the Year, Little Havens. The walk took them just over 4 hours. To sponsor the team please visit: www.justgiving.com/chelmsfordstar....

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Bereavement counselling available

Our funeral division offers a free counselling service from our Danbury branch. The Danbury branch has held regular bereavement and aftercare support groups for over 15 years, and recognises that some clients have a need for more specific and in-depth counselling. Award winning colleague Jill Rushbrook, Family Liaison Officer based at our…...

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Applications sought for Charity of the Year

Since 2006, we have supported a different local charity each year to be the focus for our fund raising. Over this time through a variety of initiatives and events, we have raised over £283,000 which has benefited the Essex Air Ambulance, Helen Rollason Heal Cancer, Little Havens Children’s Hospice, Macmillan…...

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Team supports charity during local Victorian evening

Our Ingatestone team got into the spirit of things when the village held their annual Victorian Evening in December. Employees at many local shops and businesses dressed up in period gear, with special deals and activities held up and down the high street. Our team raffled off a hamper of…...

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Warm memories shared on Remembrance Day

Our Danbury team hosted an event at the local War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, supplying muffins and hot drinks to those who came out to pay their respects in the cold. Although the temperatures were low, the atmosphere was warm and friendly as memories were shared amongst the dozens of…...

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Historically award winning

There will be celebrations next year, as Chelmsford Star as a Society hits its 150th anniversary, but our funeral department reached our very own landmark year this year, as we reached our 80th anniversary. Our first branch opened on April 10th 1936, and offered a service using motor vehicles rather…...

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Funeral division signs Fair Funeral pledge

In the last six months five co-operatives around the UK have signed the Fair Funeral pledge. East of England, Lincolnshire, Scotmid, Tamworth and Heart of England co-ops – a total of nearly 100 branches – have all joined with us in campaigning against funeral poverty. Today we’re pleased to announce…...

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Special Christmas service held in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Funeral Services are holding their annual Remembrance Service this year in the Trinity Methodist Church Hall, in Rainsford Road, Chelmsford on Friday 11th December from 6.30pm to 8pm. The event ran for a number of years initially from the funeral home at Baddow Road, but it became…...

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Refreshment provided for chilly locals

Our Danbury branch recently provided home-baked treats and hot drinks to those attending a Remembrance Day service at St. John the Baptist Church. Family Liaison Officer, Jill Rushbrook said: “It was very much appreciated as we didn’t charge for the goodies and offered some hot sustenance in very chilly temperatures!…...

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Ingatestone Funeral Directors celebrates 10th anniversary

The Funeral division of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society celebrated its 10th anniversary of opening its Ingatestone funeral branch, with a memorial walk....

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Braintree celebrates 20th anniversary

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Funeral Services has celebrated the 20th anniversary since it first opened the doors of its Braintree Funeral Home in Clare Road, near the town centre. The branch is run on a daily basis by Family Liaison Officer Pam Goldberger, who has been there since the start. Prior to…...

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