My Easter Update

I wanted to start this week’s blog by paying tribute to our wonderful colleagues working across our Funeral services business. I appreciate that they are not always at the front of the queue when it comes to media coverage, but what they do and how they do it has never been sharper in focus or more tested then it’s being right now.

We have always been extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism exhibited by our funeral colleagues and as I have seen how they have been adapting to operate within the restricted circumstances now facing us, I couldn’t be prouder of them. We have seen their innovation in the creation of new online services such as ‘remembered from afar’ and the adaption of our funeral packages to reflect the reduced services. We have seen how they have moved from in-branch appointments to telephone conversations and yet still be there for families to view their loved ones. And we have seen how they have stepped up to take on funeral arrangements when some other operators have stepped away, for example in Gloucester where we have seen a significant increase in business.

The central team has been working to liaise with the police, the army and other officials to play our part in meeting the significant logistical challenges presented by the very sad number of deaths from Covid-19. They have also worked hard to ensure our colleagues have access to the right protective equipment.

We know things will get worse before they get better, but it is comforting to know that the families who come into the care of our wonderful funeral services team will be in the best hands possible.

Oliver Ponsonby making a delivery

On Wednesday alone we made over 1000 deliveries to vulnerable people through our food stores meaning we will soon reach the 10,000 mark. This has been an incredible achievement and has made a huge difference to so many of our most loyal customers at this very difficult time for them.

Nearly half of the deliveries are being made by our army of brilliant volunteers from across our communities. It just shows what we can achieve when we work hand in hand with the people living around our food stores. I am pleased to say that my son Oliver has joined the ranks of volunteers and made his first delivery to Roy at his home in Kineton, Warwickshire.

It’s not just the food team who’ve been busy with deliveries as our pharmacies delivered a record number of prescriptions to housebound people this week. A vital job at this difficult time. 

Media star of the week was Sally Bonnar, COO of our Little Pioneers nurseries with BBC radio and tv interviews to celebrate the launch of our fantastic heroes’ fund. To watch Sally's interview on BBC News - South Today, please click here, if you can't watch it on iPlayer then sign into Colleagues Connect by clicking here to reveal the video below.