Funeral director honours fallen soldiers with window display

All 64 men from Whitchurch who died during the First World War have been remembered with a public display of thanks on a funeral home’s window.

Southern Co-op’s Whitchurch Funeralcare has created a window display for its local residents to remember the communities fallen soldiers.

Funeral co-ordinator Denise Meaden also added a personal touch with a wedding picture of her grandma and granddad – who fought in the Second World War. Her grandad’s medals are  on display alongside an easel listing the names of the 64 men from Whitchurch who died during the First World War. The display includes their age, the date they were killed and where they lived in Whitchurch.

Southern Co-op’s Whitchurch funeral co-ordinator Denise said: “My nan lost three of her uncles during the First World War who were all from Whitchurch so each of these men are included in the list of people being remembered – Frank aged 27, Richard aged 20 and Ralph aged 17. We hope that the window not only marks the centenary but also means something to the local community.

“We have already had a huge response from the general public. We have had several people come into the branch to say how meaningful it is.”

Residents are currently able to get hold of poppies in the branch until 11 November and all proceeds will go to Royal British Legion.

Whitchurch Funeralcare is located in Winchester Street and is part of is the regional independent co-operative society, Southern Co-op.