Words of appreciation
Is it possible for a funeral to be fantastic? Is it possible for it to be perfect. If it is, then my brother Nicks funeral was both of these.
I have to admit to not looking forward to farewelling my beautiful brother. He was way too young, we had all prayed so hard that he would fight this cancer. But it was not to be.
Your attention to detail in attending to all the facets of Nick's funeral was amazing. You reflected his personality and life so beautifully. From having his CD playing when we came to see him, the fact that he was still holding the healing stones he had held onto so strongly those last few days. You seemed to be there in the background the whole day making sure everything was taken care of, yet you were never invasive. The quality of the presentation of Nick's life was excellent. We were so fortunate.
I know it will take me a long time to get over the raw grief of losing Nick but having been a part of such a
wonderful farewell has helped more that I can ever say.
Our fathers life motto was 'Perfection knows no compromise' - this was once again reflected as we farewelled our brother.
So please accept my heartfelt thank you. You have made a difference to my family's life and I thank you for giving our Nick such a brilliant celebration.
Kari
Thank you again for the wonderful job you did organising Neville's funeral. You were both terrific and helped to make a very difficult situation much easier. We were all pleased with the smooth way everything ran and how you were so accommodating to our every need!
Just a short note to say thanks for all your support in preparing for our brother Andy's funeral on Thursday. I think the whole family would agree that you allowed us our space to do things our way, allowed us to laugh at ourselves (and Andy -we all share a keen sense of the ridiculous, and love a good laugh together) and yet you and your team all very unobtrusively got on with pulling all the background stuff together, such that we were really not aware it was happening.
It was a great service, and I feel like the involvement we had in the process allowed us to at least begin to process and absorb the whole thing- sort of 'Step 1'- and I feel that out of what is such an awful thing, we were left with a positive sense, and some great memories foremost in our minds.
Thanks and kind regards
Gill
Dear Richard and Philip,
We could not have managed the farewells without you. Both Julie and I smile when we think about it all. That is the best indication. Our love always.
Life and Death
We hope you like our new banner! We chose this photo because, like bellarine memories, the image can mean different things to different people. Kahlil Gibran's words about life and death speak of the connectedness of all things. The river flows to the sea, but somehow life goes on as the rest of the world passes by.
Change is certain, and this view will soon be lost, as a new bridge is built beyond this one, and the one you see is rebuilt. Memories will remain.
News
As we continue to establish, we are encouraged by the constant stream of feedback and support from many people. We have conducted a number of funerals. Some have been the result of unexpected deaths, while in others we have seen the natural conclusion of long and full lives.
We have also spoken to people about their own funerals, planning and recording their wishes. This saves the family from having to make difficult decisions at a time when emotional energy should be used for grieving, not deciding which coffin or what flowers are required.
There is an 80th birthday in the wings, some life stories to record, and we believe, celebrations to come that we cannot yet imagine!
More testimonials!
Dear Richard and Philip, 2 weeks ago you assisted us with the funeral and cremation of my Father. Firstly I would like to thank you both for the wonderful job you did with both of these occasions. You were extremely supportive and respectful and we are very grateful to you for the efficient way you handled all the organisation. Your professionalism and personal approach made what we were worried would be a very difficult time very much easier.
Dear Richard and Philip, Thank you so much for what you did to enable this sad event to unfold into a wonderful celebration. All the patience and care will be remembered and we are very happy to share our pleasure with others - Lorraine, Annette, Rob, Jenny, Mike, Ross and Bruce.
Dear Phil, Many thanks for the beautiful ceremony you performed for Kirsten and Sam. You put them at ease and the whole day continued with the good vibe that this lovely couple exuded. You must have put some good words in up above for the perfect afternoon weatherwise too! Thanks again, Bronwyn.
On September 1st 2005, bellarine memories opened their new premises in Grubb Road, Ocean Grove.
It was a bold move with a unique concept and they have been able to pursue their dream - working with people to arrange memorable and creative events, be it a birthday, wedding, or funeral. Some of the events have included a 50-years in business celebration, a one-hundredth birthday, naming ceremonies, memorial services, beach weddings, and a surprise re-affirmation of marriage vows.
When we set up this business, we wanted to be able to share various rites of passage with the same family or community. We wished to offer people the opportunity to engage in ceremonies and rites of passage that are good to be a part of, well-constructed, and personal.Testimonials attest to the experiences people have had:
Just a short note to thank you for your service and assistance last week. I was surprised when dad told me some time ago of his decision to change the details of funeral arrangements and I now know why! We were very happy with the ceremonies and your professional and caring service made it much easier for dad especially. Many thanks for your care and attention. Kind Regards, Rob
Thankyou very much for the wonderful help and professionalism. You both made a difficult time a lot easier, and the whole situation smooth and bearable. The day was truly a celebration of mum’s life, and that’s exactly what she wanted. – Linda
P.S. Have been spreading the word about your great service.Thankyou so much for the way you looked after us following Mum’s passing. The service itself was perfect – just what we wanted. Dad was very pleased with the whole day and felt that it was a beautiful service, which was most important for him. – Lesley
Thankyou for all your care and compassion in organizing Mum’s service etc. You managed to turn a family tragedy into a life-affirming event and in doing so made (our) families very grateful. You must get great satisfaction from what you do for people. - Jane
We have continued to work on the belief that there’s no set way, no fixed pattern, except to listen, to be a resource, and to bring our own experiences and insights to the table so that something memorably fitting emerges.
bellarine memories sponsors the Bellarine Police Community Support Register.
A three year sponsorship by bellarine memories will provide a significant boost to the development of the Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc.
The register will give police immediate access to personal information such as family contact details, medical and pharmacy information, in the case of an emergency.
Managed by the officer-in-charge at the Bellarine Police Centre and authorised volunteers, the register is strictly confidential and will provide a sense of safety and security, particularly to senior members of the community and their families.
www.community-support.blogspot.com
Richard Grimmett, Ann Nichol OAM, acting Chair of the Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc. and Snr. Sgt. Gary Coombes at the Bellarine Police Centre.
Wedding Plans
A number of couples have called in lately thinking about wedding plans. It's great to see these people and to discuss the many possibilities. From a sunny and sheltered spot on the Ocean Grove foreshore to Oakdene, the Blues Train to Werribee Park, the options are endless and limited by imagination only. White marquees, string quartets and spring days are coming. Call in if you are looking for some inspiration. How do you like your coffee?
The old and the new. In keeping with our fresh and innovative approach to all things, the Honda Odyssey is a discreet and modern hearse. Pictured here at St George's Anglican Church in Queenscliff, the contrast between old and new is striking.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
