I was so pleased to be invited to join the Mid-England Barrow Open and Information Day. As I am sure you know by now, I absolutely love visiting the Barrow, basically any excuse and I will be there!
Whilst Richard and Sarah's hospitality was as welcoming as ever, it was also wonderful to have the opportunity to meet and network with the other exhibitors.
Jane Wimbury has created some beautiful examples of glass niche covers (https://cosycreativecrafts.wordpress.com/ ) and also had some of her other beautiful glassware on display.
Helen Walter is a fellow Celebrant, but also makes personalised urns for ashes, (https://www.facebook.com/ShiresCeremonies/ )
The Information Day was created in partnership with Pure Cremation (https://www.purecremation.co.uk/ ) and it was a pleasure to meet Catherine Powell to learn more about the service that they offer.
Whilst the event was organised for the public, it felt like I gained so much from the day. The chance to learn, exchange ideas and support each other was so beneficial. Of course being able to visit the Barrow itself was as special as ever.
I took the opportunity to touch the wall where I hid a child's shoe (if you haven't read my blog post then you can find it here https://www.ruthjewellcelebrant.co.uk/post/mid-england-round-barrow ). I find it incredible that it may well remain hidden for a thousand, or so, years.
The large stone has now been placed beside the entrance. This is a perfect place to sit, or to place a coffin or urn. The grass and wildflowers are already growing on the top of the barrow, and before long will be a mass of green.
We managed to grab lunch together (Sarah had made delicious sandwiches and cake, we were very spoilt), and then I had the opportunity to look at the stunning glassware and personalised urns. Jane and Helen are both extremely creative, and their products were beautiful.
I had heard and read a great deal about direct cremation, and in fact have written the wishes of a friend who has already arranged this. It was very helpful to be able to talk with Catherine, and to learn more about their business. Pure Cremation have a crematorium at Charlton Park in Andover. This is something that is becoming more and more popular. I will blog more about it in another post.
The sun shone all day, and I drove home full of information and our yummy lunch. It is good to know that people are already booking their niches, and in fact some are being purchased from as far a field as the USA. If this is something you would like to consider, then I highly recommend that you pay the Barrow a visit on an open day and have a chat with Sarah or Richard.
The next Open Days are the 27th August and the 5th September. Why not pop along and see this beautiful creation for yourself?