Mighty oaks from little acorns grow . . .

A well known saying, heard by many of us during our lives, with a number of analogies. 

Having walked close the Barrow recently, I was fondly reminded of this saying, regularly quoted to me by my late Grandmother. One of our little oak trees, planted as part of the woodland surrounding the Barrow, not has only one or two acorns on it, but a total of 13. It doesn’t sound that amazing, until you realize, the tree itself if less than 50cm in height!

 Let’s hope this is a positive sign for the new year, growth, health and prosperity, not only for our little trees, but for everyone who’s struggled through adversity for whatever reason this year. 

A positive ambiance remains at Mid-England Barrow, surrounded by nature: flora and fauna, from our beautiful wild deer in the field, to the abundance of berries on the hedgerows offering a magnificent feast for the wild birds. I can’t wait for spring, when hopefully all of the trees will emerge from the safety of their covers, to give us an indication of what the winding path to the Barrow will look like in years to come. 

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow . . .

A well known saying, heard by many of us during our lives, with a number of analogies. 

Having walked close the Barrow recently, I was fondly reminded of this saying, regularly quoted to me by my late Grandmother. One of our little oak trees, planted as part of the woodland surrounding the Barrow, not has only one or two acorns on it, but a total of 13. It doesn’t sound that amazing, until you realize, the tree itself if less than 50cm in height!

 Let’s hope this is a positive sign for the new year, growth, health and prosperity, not only for our little trees, but for everyone who’s struggled through adversity for whatever reason this year. 

A positive ambiance remains at Mid-England Barrow, surrounded by nature: flora and fauna, from our beautiful wild deer in the field, to the abundance of berries on the hedgerows offering a magnificent feast for the wild birds. I can’t wait for spring, when hopefully all of the trees will emerge from the safety of their covers, to give us an indication of what the winding path to the Barrow will look like in years to come. 

Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning

Thank you to everyone who supported us with our 2 Macmillan coffee mornings, with your support we raised £262, thank you.

Mid-England Barrow rural funeral venue opens. . .

If you are in the sad situation of having lost a loved one, but have been unable to hold a funeral, we may be able to help you.

Mid-England Barrow has re-opened its gates for the holding of funerals.

We have sought advice from the local Chamber of Commerce, our insurance company, and the government, all who have told us we can operate within the guidance.

We have ample space for social distancing, provide food on a take-away style approach, and have hand-washing and sanitising stations and signage.

We only allow bookings of 2 funerals a day, (am and pm) to allow families time to meet, and to allow for the space to be thoroughly cleaned between guests.

Please contact us for more information.

Coronavirus, cupcakes, cowslips and a cool cool Barrow!

In these uncharted times, it seems almost as though life has been put on hold, however spring seems to disagree thankfully.

The Barrow cover, this time last year not even in place, is now showing signs of the beautiful wild flowers which we planted on it when it was completed last July. Small buds of blue, pink and yellow are appearing, and given it’s shape, one sides flowers are emerging ahead of the other!

Not to forget our local community, we’ve been baking and delivering cupcakes to our neighbours doorsteps, some of whom we haven’t met before, to try to bring a bit of cheer to their day.

At the Barrow today, as well as spotting the flowers, we went inside, leaving behind the midday warmth. That feeling when you enter just doesn’t seem to ever leave me. Before we even reached the gate, the coolness inside became apparent, and the transformation once inside was breathtaking. That surreal calmness: if only I could bottle that tranquility. It seemed to take me away from the stress that life seems to constantly throw at us. For a few minutes whilst inside, everything seemed to be alright.

To everyone reading this, please stay safe, look after each other, and once we’re able to, come and share the Barrow feeling with me.

Changes to funerals brought about by the Coronavirus

Comments made today by funeral industry groups, indicate that we may soon be instructed by the PM that attendance at funerals will have to cease to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Afterall, it’s sadly a step that’s been taken in other countries.

I cannot imagine, loosing someone close to me, let alone to this horrible virus, and then being denied the privilege of being able to pay my respects in the way in which we are all used to doing.

We recognise the psychological impact this is going to have on people, both close family, and friends. Whilst we don’t pretend that we can wave the proverbial magic wand and make everything better, we would like to be able to support families to change their mindset about how to have a fitting send off, pay respects, celebrate a life, or whatever label most appropriately suits the occasion.

Slowly, without the rules the virus has beset on us, we have gradually been moving away from traditional funerals, by having the option of a direct (type) cremation, followed by an event at a later date. In the past this has meant that people travelling some distance for the funeral have been able to comfortably make arrangements, and choices of the most fitting venue and food selected.

The current situation has thrust this alternative into the forefront as an acceptable option, and hopefully a way in which family and friends can hold a memorial, pay respects or celebrate a life, whilst feeling that they have suitably and correctly dealt with the loss of a loved one. They will feel they have said their farewells and goodbyes in a fitting manner.

At Mid-England Barrow we are now taking booking for funerals or celebrations of life from June onward. We have a 5* registered kitchen, and all the necessary food hygiene certification. Anyone is welcome to hold a funeral here, and if in June we are still governed by restrictions, we will gladly allow you to rearrange your event without any costs incurred. The safari tent can be used free of charge (as long as catering is required), and examples of costs are available on our website.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well, and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Barrow in due course.

Cremation Urns - Have you thought about what you would like ?

Urns for cremation ashes can now be as individual as the person whose ashes it holds. I was almost reluctant to refer to these special pieces of art as urns, as in my opinion, they are so much more. 

There are many options available, the extent of the choice almost makes it difficult to select which one. Starting at prices well under £100, our old friends Amazon can provide you with an urn, and at the other end of the scale, well ‘the sky’s the limit’ as the saying goes. 

However, individualism doesn’t necessarily mean a high cost. We have an arrangement with a local pottery studio, so that a family can visit to contribute to the creation of a totally personalised urn. We have a number of other urn suppliers whereby family suggestions and wishes can be incorporated by the artist, be it using a meaningful fabric, a design or colour, or something beautiful ‘off the shelf.’ Of course, families can source their own urn from anywhere they choose, just as long as it’s suitable for the Barrow and the niche. ( please check with us first )

Following a chance meeting this week, we are also hoping to offer a completely new concept: a 3D printed urn in possibly, whatever design is required. For bereaved parents, imagine being able to have an urn made in the shape of the child’s favourite toy: a teddy, a train, or even a unicorn. How special.

Not forgetting our faithful pets, their urns can match the human they sit alongside, or, their ashes can be added to the human urn.

A few examples supplied by local crafts women . .

Why Choose Mid-England Barrow?

The area local to Mid-England Barrow has so much to offer, and can possible tick everyone’s boxes of interests.

The countryside is second to none. Within 15 minutes car drive, one can be in the rolling Cotswolds countryside, with all it has to offer: Bourton on the Water, Burford, and Bibury, to name a few. Just 20 miles away are the Neolithic and Bronze age monuments The Rollright Stones.

The 4000 year old King’s Men Stone Circle, part of the Rollright stones

I hardly need to explain what Stratford-Upon-Avon has to offer: Shakespeare everything (!), a beautiful river with excellent shops and restaurants, a famous theatre, all situated 40 minutes away.

Next on my list is Banbury (6 miles) with its historic cross.

The Fine Lady . . .

Coventry (12 miles) with the surreal shell of a bombed Cathedral and the complimenting modern one nearby, and Leamington Spa (10 miles) with its famous elephant wash!!

Elephant wash . . .

Not forgetting historic Warwick Castle (10 miles).

Warwick Castle

Mid-England Barrow is conveniently situated less than 20 miles from Meriden – traditionally the centre of England.

All of this means we have fantastic road and rail links. However, we are also one field away from the Oxford Canal, and the D’Arcy Dalton Way. Passing nearby is the MacMillan Way and the Millennium Way, all of which wind through stunning local countryside.

Finally, I have to mention a great selection of pubs and restaurants in nearby villages, too many to list individually, with typical rural B and B’s too. Friends and family can plan their visit to Mid-England Barrow, knowing that there’s plenty to welcome them to the area. 

We are more than happy to recommend accommodation and places to eat, based on our and other visitors’ experiences

1 Year Anniversary . . . . . .

It has been 1 year today since we broke ground on our round barrow build!

Richard , Sarah & Ally 28-2-2019 , at the centre of Mid-England Barrow.

12 months ago, the site was marked out, we dug the first sod of earth, and then proceeded to remove the topsoil in preparation for the stonework to be laid, and the start of the 1st modern round-barrow on the boarders of Warwickshire, Oxfordshire & Northamptonshire began.

It has been an interesting and challenging 12 months. From the initial idea, through planning & design to the start of building took roughly 18 months, followed by 5 months of building. We have now had 7 months of “getting the word out” that the barrow is another choice for those of you who are looking for somewhere to, either place a loved ones ashes for safe keeping, or somewhere you want to have your ashes kept so that they can be visited.

We have attended many events, seen many people and made new friends along the way. The weather, as always, has been challenging , with open days affected due to roads being flooded, or complete downpours, but it wouldn’t be British weather otherwise!

The Changing Ways of Announcing A Bereavement

The rise of the internet and social media has led to a change in the way we announce a death. Gone are the days we had to wait for the newspaper to be available, now we can check our smartphones whenever and wherever we want. Social media is a great way to share information, and more and more people are accessing it as a source of information.

The growth of digital publishing and social media allows people not only to announce a bereavement online, but also creates a platform for people to be able to express their grief by leaving tributes, photos and lighting candles on the page of their loved ones, essentially personalising the page.

Online death notices can be shared on social media, ensuring that all friends and family members will have access to the notice. They can then add their own photos and tributes to the notice, sharing their memories of their loved ones with everyone else who knew them, keeping their memory alive.

We have tailored funeral-notices.co.uk to ensure the best possible experience for visitors and those using the website to announce funerals. All notices booked in our print publications automatically appear on our website, and more and more people are choosing to book online only notices. The site also hosts Memoriam notices, Birthday Memoriams and Acknowledgement notices, all of which can be used to the same effect - a place for friends and family to remember their loved ones.

As our tagline states, we want people to “Announce, Share and Remember Forever”, and continue to visit the tribute pages of their loved ones, allowing their digital legacy to live on forever. - Laura Clipson

5* Rating for our new kitchen . . .

We are very pleased to announce that not only has the kitchen at the safari tent at Mid-England Barrow been fully fitted, it has been awarded the top, 5 stars, by Stratford-on-Avon Environmental Health Department.

This means we can cater for any number of people for any type of event, ranging form traditional sandwiches, cakes and drinks, to hog roast, picnic in the meadow, or a full English breakfast!

To celebrate the opening of the kitchen we are holding weekly roast lunches, or cooked breakfast, each Thursday. Places are limited, and must be booked in advance by calling Sarah on 07791807970. Dates and menus will be posted on the website.

CHRISTMAS at the BARROW.

The Barrow is now watched over by our herd of Longhorn cattle, who have recently moved back into the neighbouring field. They may be a formidable group, sometimes we almost forget how strong they are, given their loveable looks, until they upturn their large hay rack, or try to headbut the forklift! Currently 11, but soon to be 14, our neighbours and visitors enjoy seeing them, along with the wildlife, in the field.

It would have been nice to share pictures of a frosty or snowcapped Barrow, but alas we are yet to have a cold snap to kill all the nasty bugs which have spoiled so many Christmases.

Our open days will continue throughout the winter months, and we look forard to welcoming visitors to the open days, or by arrangement at other times.

Richard and Sarah, and their family, would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Apricot, Kiwi, Kumquat & Kirsch keeping watch. . . . . .

Alternative funerals - Can I have a Non-Religious Funeral, or a funeral with no religion at Mid-England Barrow?

The short answer, is yes. Rightly or wrongly we are now starting to realise that a funeral can be held away from a church or crematorium, with little or no reference to religion. In recent years many people have struggled with how to fill the gaps at a funeral previously filled with prayers or religious references, and there was also a feeling that even if the individual didn’t attend church, a religious funeral was the norm.

However, it is now considered acceptable that funerals should reflect the life lost, and if a non-religious funeral is more fitting, then that’s what can happen. What’s more, as long as the right celebrant or conductor of the funeral is chosen, favourite snippets of religion can be included, for example, the Lords prayer, or a poignant hymn.

Our Safari Tent where you can hold your celebration of life . . .

Some people, myself included, wonder what the ceremony would consist of, if you remove all or most of the religious elements, but having done some research, the options are endless: a favourite pop song or piece of music, a montage of photographs, an opportunity for mourners to share their memories of the life lost, a short video or film, a poem or reading. The choices are endless.

At Mid-England Barrow, we pride ourselves upon a person’s end of life celebration being exactly what that person would have wanted, and what befits their life and those left behind. Please contact us to discuss individual wishes further.

Alternative funerals - Do you want a Different Funeral, or something unusual?

The first and most important piece of advice is: whatever most befits the individual. The second is: don’t settle for second best, you can have the different funeral you want. 

We now accept that weddings can be held pretty much anywhere, in whatever way people want, but how many people adopt this thought for their funeral, or the funeral of their loved ones?

A ‘different’ funeral doesn’t have to be something completely wacky, however, a funeral in a field with a hog roast for a farmer, or a Triumph motorcycle hearse for a motorbike lover, are all options people should be aware of. 

Motorcycle Funerals sidecar . . . .

In fact, the options are endless. Would you like to sit around an enormous firepit and cook a barbeque or huge paella together, would you like picnic hampers to enjoy in groups sitting in the meadow, or would you prefer to be out in the countryside with flora and fauna in abundance, with more traditional catering, and the reassurance that a large safari tent is available should the weather be unreliable.

Other hearse options include a tank from Tanks-Alot , a VW campervan, or a tractor and trailer. Why? Why not! 

The Tank Hearse is a converted FV432 APC (still in service with the British Army) tastefully retrofitted with the internal components of a normal hearse.

The ceremony, or celebration of life, as lots of people now call it, can also be completely tailor made. Why not have a basket of sweets for mourners to dip into if the deceased was a sweetie lover, maybe a prosecco lover who would like everyone to have one last glass of bubbly to say goodbye. It can even be a completely informal event, with anyone welcome to say a few words in memory of the deceased: no time pressure, no concerns about ‘funeral etiquette.’

Thanks to Mid-England Barrow all of these options are available, and many more. Why not contact us to see what we can offer.

Stunning cremation Barrow niche cover

We were visited by Dennis from Greenbridge Designs who brought us a sample of his work. This stunning hand painted stone niche cover of a Longhorn to fit into our barrow.

Stunning Longhorn painting . . .

We can offer several different examples of niche cover now, and there should be a design or material to suit anyone’s desire. For more details please contact us to arrange a visit, or browse our gallery of pictures on our website for inspiration .

How to Meet Amazing People to Move Your Funeral Business Forward, with no Budget!

Over the last 9 months, we have received great support from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. From networking events to training relating to our website or how to market our business on social media, to one to one support when applying for our grant, it has all been so useful. 

I’m sure we could have started the business without their support, but every time, without exception, that we have met with any of their team, we’ve come away with valuable snippets and suggestions, that have really cemented the way forward with our business.

Last week, Ben from Baldur Digital, treated our website www.mid-englandbarrow.co.uk to his scrutiny, even though he’d designed it in the first place, and gave great advice on how to improve it further. Likewise, Arpinder educated us in relation Facebook advertising and boosting. Tanya gave invaluable support with our grant application, along with numerous others we have met along the way. 

We are very grateful to everyone: a big thank you, keep up the good work, and we’ll continue to recommend you to anyone thinking about, or starting up, a new business.

Seat of contemplation . . . .

These seats, shown in the photographs, are situated either side of the entrance to the Barrow, just before reaching the gate. They were purposefully sited to give visitors an opportunity to sit, contemplate, and gather their thoughts, prior to entering the Barrow.

 The idea for these seats evolved during the build, and demonstrate the wonderful relationship we had with the young builders, and their passion for their work.

 Unintentionally, when marking out the layout for the Barrow, the builders left a wider area at the entrance. When I visited, I saw the footprint, and mentioned a seat may be nice. When showing visitors around the Barrow, I didn’t want people to feel rushed by us ‘loitering’, but by having a seat, the pressure would be avoided. The builders completely understood where I was coming from, and came up with this wonderful cocoon or egg shape design, the natural stone giving the feeling of wrapping itself around you as you sit before entering the Barrow.

 What’s more, during visits to the quarry to select the large stones, we came across fossils, some rather quirky, which have also found their way into the seat surrounds. Other curious fossils and stones have found their way into the nooks and crannies in this area, and visitors are taking one, and replacing them with another.

What a special area to come from an accidental design

I’m not sure the Barrow is for me, I feel claustrophobic.

It’s probably difficult for those of us who don’t experience claustrophobia to recognise and understand that some people may be put off the idea and concept of the Barrow, when they hear that it’s a relatively small space, and underground.

A recent professional visitor to the Barrow shared his thoughts and feelings with me, once he was inside. Entering the Barrow he was clearly calm and relaxed, and there was nothing to suggest to me he had thought a lot about whether it was really somewhere he wanted to visit. Thanks to the design of the Barrow, and the height of the ceilings, natural light is able to flood all the way into the main chamber. On top of this the peace and tranquility inside, any feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia remained undisturbed.

 The visitor ended up being overwhelmed by the fact that he hadn’t had any issues going into the Barrow, and spending what resulted in being a considerable amount of time there. He shared his prior concerns and feelings with me afterwards saying ‘I really was very unsure about coming here today, because I’m not great with small spaces, but the Barrow doesn’t give any feelings of being enclosed, it’s just stunningly beautiful, calm and relaxing, as you say, with a feeling you just can’t explain.’

Our visitor was happy for us to share his experience so that anyone who has any anxieties, can be reassured, by another person’s experience, that the Barrow may just be worth a visit.

Older Peoples Day at Banbury...

On Wednesday 9th October I was invited along to Banbury Older People’s Day, run by the Royal Voluntary Service at the Cornhill Centre. It was lovely to meet with people, and see a group involved with each other and various activities, being able to socialise and have fun, relieving social isolation and loneliness for a few hours. There was an opportunity for the delightful older people to have electric blankets checked, gather information about scams, healthy eating, and library services, whilst enjoying a healthy and hearty lunch, and listening to some entertainment. Thank you for letting me join your day!

Co-op Funeral directors hold their meeting here . . . . . .

Following on from one of our open days where we showed local funeral directors from Edd Frost & Daughters and the Co-op Midcounties Funeralcare around our Barrow, we had another visit on Thursday this week, where we welcomed 5 area managers from Co-op funeral services to hold a meeting in the safari tent, a lunch of homemade sandwiches and puddings, and a tour of the Barrow. 

It was the coldest day of the Autumn so far, but luckily the heaters sufficed, along with lunch. 

As with other visitors, they were unsure what to expect when they went to the Barrow, and agreed that it’s impossible to explain exactly what the Barrow is like and how overwhelming and amazing it is once inside.

Co-op funeral directors visit . . . .

Other teams from the Co-op have already contacted us to visit, having heard their good reports. 

Our Safari tent is available for any funeral directors, celebrants and anyone else with an interest in the Barrow, to hold meetings here and to view the Barrow to see for yourselves what we have created here as an alternative resting place and funeral venue.