Afternoon tea

Tester & Jones Funeral Services was recently the recipient of a community grant from Crowborough Town Council for our Bereavement Group (the BGs), which we used to fund an afternoon tea for members. The event took place at The Nevill Crest & Gun on Wednesday 25 June and provided the ideal opportunity to celebrate 15 years of the BGs.

More than 60 BGs attended and a group also enjoyed a sunny walk in Eridge Park before heading for a welcome cup of tea. As a surprise, magician Bertie Pearce, a member of the Inner Magic Centre, came along to perform some of his amazing tricks.

Tester & Jones – which has been caring for families locally for 20 years - prides itself on the continued support it provides families, once a funeral has taken place. As part of that, Glenys Jones launched the BGs, which has now grown to more than 100 people. In addition to meetings, members enjoy outings and lunches together, as well theatre trips and holidays away.

Today, Glenys runs the group with Patricia Bentley, who has provided invaluable support.

“We have an amazing group of people and it’s evolved so that existing members are fantastic at welcoming and supporting newer members,” Glenys explains. “Some lovely friendships have developed; they comfort each other and offer support at times when it’s needed.”

Doreen, a member of the BGs says: “Accepting that first invitation to the BGs was the best thing I ever did and I always look forward to our meetings. It has been my saviour and I don’t know where I’d be without it. There are tears – and that’s fine – but there are laughs as well. We all owe so much to Glenys for creating the BGs. Honestly, it’s just like having a big pair of wings wrapped around you.”