A CEREMONY that in the modern era is quite unusual, with a funeral undertaking service being opened up in the town.

Rev Colin Legett, officiating at the opening of the Edith Blanche Funeral Directors in Croft Court, observed that it was established undertakers who generally serve a town, and that these businesses are often passed down the generations.

“It is refreshing to see a new family-run funeral directors opening a facility in Ross-on-Wye.”

Mayor of Ross, Cllr Linden Delves said that it was an honour to be invited to formally open the facility and added: “Amanda George, the director behind Edith Blanche, is a person who I feel will support the local community well over the coming years.”

While Edith Blanche may be new to the town, it has been operational in Tewkesbury for a number of years with the family running this operation having over 30 years of experience in the profession.

At the opening ceremony Rev Colin invited all the guests to light a candle and place it in the newly created chapel, he said: “May we find a moment of gentle togetherness remembering those we personally love and who have died.

“I’m sure this facility will be a comfort to the loved ones of the deceased. It is a calmful reflective place for those in mourning.”

The new facility was created because Edith Blanche helped many families in Ross throughout last year and the directors felt it only right to open its new facility in the town to serve and care for Ross and the surrounding communities.

Ms George explained that being a family-run means that they hold their own personal values whilst they care for client’s loved ones.

Amanda said that they take the time to listen, to understand what matters to their customers, and added: “We help create a farewell that truly reflects the person who has passed, whether that is a simple and quiet farewell or more traditional in style.

“There is no single way to say our farewell, and we respect every family’s wishes.

“Our funeral homes have been created to offer warmth, a safe place, honesty and compassion; values that remain close to the heart of our family today.”

Amanda explained to the assembled guests at the opening ceremony that the business was named after her grandmother, who she grew up with, and said that while she was not connected directly with the funeral industry, she cleaned for a number of funeral parlour operators.

“It’s great moral boost as we see her name on the shop every morning,” Amanda said.

The Ross office will be looked after by Amanda and her son Mitch Moore.

“It will be a natural undertaking that myself, my son and our close family team have a great commitment, passion and integrity for what we do and why we do it remains at the core of our business.”

Edith Blanche Funeral Directors has all the relevant accreditations, and the Ross office team will guide and support customers through every step of the journey.