MP officially opens new funeral facility in Corfe Mullen

Michael Tomlinson made a speech to dozens of guests as he officially opened the new funeral service facility in Corfe Mullen by uncovering the plaque at the Lesley Shand business.

The modern, state-of-the-art centre had been built from scratch after the previous building was demolished. It includes a service chapel where families can hold funeral services and which also has modern audio-visual technology.

At the opening ceremony Rev Jane Burgess, Rector of Corfe Mullen, dedicated the service chapel and the chapels of rest.

Jeremy Field, immediate past president of the National Association of Funeral Directors, praised the Douch family for its investment to create such a community asset.

The funeral group, which works out of eight locations in the county, bought the Corfe Mullen business in 2001 and at the opening Lesley Shand herself was present.

Mr Tomlinson, who has previously nominated the branch for the All Party Corporate Responsibility Group’s ‘Responsible Business Champion’ title, was full of praise.

The MP for Mid Dorset and north Poole said: “Corfe Mullen is in the middle of the constituency I represent, and Lesley Shand is a business right at the heart of this community.

“It is a business that takes its social and community responsibilities seriously.

“The range of charities and local organisations that are supported by Lesley Shand demonstrates the depth of support they have for the Corfe Mullen community and beyond.”

Nick Douch, managing director of the group, said, “We were intending to open the building in March – but snow prevented it happening.

“So I was grateful to everyone for rearranging their dairies to be with us on the new date.

“The architects and builders have created exactly what we wanted and it will service the community for many years to come.”