Mayor of Solihull councillor Flo Nash and her consort Alan Nash unveiled the commemorative plaque at the newly refurbished Thomas Bragg & Sons Funeral Directors in Shirley, which has been serving the community for 150 years.
Funeral director Victoria Fallon and her team were joined by reverend Paul Day, who formally re-dedicated the Solihull funeral home along with reverend Gerardo Fabrizio and civil celebrant Suzi Lauder, who sang with funeral arranger Kayleigh Hughes.
The branch has been completely revamped, providing a place of comfort and calm for families needing their help. Members of the local community enjoyed refreshments including a cake baked by Fallon. The service concluded with the release of two doves and prayers in memory of those who have died.
Fallon said: “Our first priority was to enhance the memories for all of our families who come into the branch and we are over the moon with how everything has turned out. Everyone commented on the appearance of the branch saying how modern and warm it was.”
Although the funeral home is now part of Funeral Partners, two of the former owners Malcolm and Maureen Bragg were among those attending the service.
Funeral Partners’ area development manager, Ian Sommerville, said: “All the team members at Thomas Bragg & Sons are extremely proud of their extensively refurbished premises. I would like to thank everyone who attended the rededication service. Malcolm Bragg gave a wonderful potted history of the company as it enters its 150th year serving Solihull and its surrounding areas.
“The work undertaken has ensured we continue to provide the excellent service levels families and their loved ones deserve and to the very highest standards.”
Thomas Bragg & Sons Funeral Directors was founded in 1869 as Thomas Bragg, Builders and Funeral Directors of Shirley. Its second branch opened in Knowle in 2008.
