On one of the hottest days of the year, Rosedale Funeral Home staff supported the Norfolk Churches Trust to give back to the very churches they have worked closely with over the years, visiting 75 churches and cycling over 350 miles.
Rosedale Funeral Home, with seven branches across Norfolk and Suffolk, is a long-standing advocate of preserving Norfolk’s rich cultural and architectural heritage and wanted to take this opportunity to give something back to the churches. This commitment reflects their unwavering dedication to the community and its unique cultural treasures.
Christian ventured into Suffolk, where he lived in Eye for 24 years before moving to Diss, he took part in the Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride 2023 which was celebrating their 50th annual event.
‘It was a great opportunity to do something really positive within our local community and strengthen the bonds we have with the churches. Beyond their spiritual importance, these churches provide a space for creativity, extend warm welcomes to all and offer crucial community support.’ – Christian Fairbrother, Funeral Director.
Whilst visiting St Mary’s Church, Redenhall Rosedale spoke with a volunteer who also looks after the floral displays. They highlighted the vital contribution and dedication of the ‘flower ladies’ in the churches who ensure fresh flowers adorn the church for every funeral. Their biggest fear was not removing dead flowers before a funeral service, underlining the importance of these small but meaningful gestures that bring comfort to grieving families. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the church’s atmosphere and helping to ease the burden of sorrow during funerals.
As the 40th Annual Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride and Walk came to a close, it left a lasting impression of the community’s unwavering commitment to preserving these sacred spaces. The event’s success was a testament to the collective efforts of the Norfolk Churches Trust, volunteers, cyclists and the entire Norfolk community.