125 delegates attend ICCM convention

125 delegates, speakers and invited guests attended The ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition 2016. The event took place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel from October 31 to November 2. 80 exhibitors represented 38 companies. Members of public and private sector cemeteries and crematoria. picked up the latest information on topics from new environmental forms of disposal to the financial cost of unaddressed grief in the workplace. Papers covered major issues facing the industry such as funeral poverty, changing needs and environmental issues. The first day of the Convention ended with an ice-breaking quiz. The event was sponsored and presented by Blue Donnebaer of Blue Audio Visual Ltd, with prizes donated by the exhibitors. ICCM Award winners On the second night of the convention, The ICCM Awards Ceremony, welcomed guests from fraternal organisations for a ceremony with dinner and dancing. Winners were as follows: The team at Mortlake Crematorium received The Wesley Media Award for exceptional customer service. Diploma certificates were presented to those who have completed their studies and gained a Diploma in Cemetery and Crematorium Management. Kate Davidson from Dignity UK, was awarded a special medal to recognise her excellent achievements in her studies. Prebendary Neil Richardson, who has contributed 40 articles to the ICCM Journal over ten years, was named an honorary Vice-Presidency of the ICCM in recognition of his significant contributions. A Fellowship was given to Mike Headington of Caerphilly Borough Council for his contribution to the ICCM in South Wales. Two long service awards were presented to Robert Deacon of Allerdale Borough Council and to Keith Wingrove of Arrow Bronze. Both have been involved in bereavement services for over 40 years. The Blue Audio Visual Ltd Best Exhibition Stand Award was won by Secure Haven. Kevin Pilkington, the newly installed President of the ICCM said: ‘What an event! From start to finish everything ran perfectly thanks to the hard work of the ICCM Officers responsible for the planning of the Convention. "We were treated to some excellent papers that has certainly given me, and hopefully all the delegates, much food for thought regarding our services. It was wonderful to see so many exhibitors there and the range of products and services they offer is staggering and has certainly given me some ideas to take back to my work place. "The highlight for me was to meet so many colleagues from around the country – some were old friends but some were new to the Convention and it was refreshing to talk to them and learn about their vision and ideas for the future of bereavement services. I left the Convention energised and excited about putting some of the things I’d learned about into practice."