Funeral arranger’s idea leads to a present for the Queen
The Queen will be presented with a throne made from willow as a Diamond Jubilee gift on behalf of the people of Bridgwater, Somerset, thanks to a funeral arranger.
Funeral arranger Jacki Penny came up with the idea and asked the Somerset Willow Company to design a suitable throne for Her Majesty.Bridgwater’s residents wanted to give the Queen a unique gift that represented and reflected the town’s talents and resources.
Cllr Graham Carter and Mrs Kay Granter, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgwater, were treated to a special viewing of the throne at the Co-operative Funeralcare where Jacki works, before it is officially taken to Buckingham Palace.
A replica chair has been made to be raffled off in aid of St Margaret’s hospice, the chosen charity for the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgwater and Bridgwater’s Co-operative Funeralcare.
Speaking about her idea, Jacki Penny commented: “As a business at the heart of the local community we wanted to organise something fitting, on behalf of the people of the town, to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
“Having close business links with the Somerset Willow Company, [I knew] they were the ideal partner. Commissioning them also ensured our gift was made using local talent and locally sourced materials.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the throne and hope that, not only will the Queen be proud to sit in it, but that people will buy raffle tickets to raise much needed funds for the hospice to be in with a chance of owning an absolutely limited edition and treasured item – as there will certainly not be any more produced.”
Image: (L-R) The Mayoress and Mayor of Bridgwater, Mrs Kay Granter and Cllr Graham Granter; and Jacki Penny.
