The moving service took place at St Kentigern’s Catholic Church on Wednesday December 14th 2011 and was led by Father David Burns.

Seasonal Carols and hymns were sung as all present brought their nearest and dearest close to their hearts and minds as families lit candles in a time of music and reflection.

Afterwards a warm invitation was extended to all for a time of fellowship in the parish hall where feelings were shared over sherry, mince pie & christmas cake.

We put the design of our 2011 Christmas cards literally into their hands. We were amazed at the creativity that went into some of the designs and Mrs. Janet Hollowell found it very difficult to judge a winner from all the entries.

In the end,  Andrew and Robert Hollowell helped their mum to choose.

In a special assembly at St Bernadettes the children were thanked for their help and a winner, along with three other fantastic entries, were all chosen to receive Christmas WHSmith vouchers. Mr. O’Hare the school head teacher also received a donation towards the new look school library.

Winning design by Kyle McWilliams (Yr. 5)

This trip had been arranged in recognition of the hard work Hayden has shown for the families he has been called to serve this past year.

In turn, the Hollowell family welcomed Matthew Bucek as Turner & Porter’s reciprocal exchange. Matthew had been given the same opportunity for the hard work and professionalism he had shown.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Andrew Hollowell said:

“What a fantastic opportunity for two promising funeral directors to be able to share these new experiences and different working practices. The exchange has been a great success and we are proud of the new friendships we have made”.

Funeral Planner of the Year 2011

Press Release

Blackpool Gazette, Fleetwood Weekly News & Lytham St Annes Express

D. Hollowell & Sons, an independent family funeral directors with three locations serving families across Blackpool, Wyre and the Fylde Coast have recently been named Regional Funeral Planners of the Year. This award recognises the dedication and commitment they have shown and the valued service they have provided to the local community.

Philip Nuttall, director of advance planning for D. Hollowell & Sons attended a special ceremony in Brands Hatch, Kent where he received the silver salver, framed certificate and a special dedication of a stand of trees at Great Knott Wood, Cumbria in keeping with D.Hollowell & Sons focus on eco-minded funerals and their new ‘Greenlands Way’ funeral option.

D. Hollowell & Sons were judged winner from over 1,500 other independent funeral homes in the North West and are proud to offer Golden Charter- the UK’s leading independent funeral plans to their families in an attempt to support local business and represent the family funeral home in spite of increasing corporate pressures from large national funeral facilities and their co-operatives.

David, Janet, Andrew and Robert Hollowell have paid tribute to the hard work and dedication shown by their extended working family in making this achievement possible and hope the public will see the value of keeping a sense of loyalty in the community during these financially difficult times.

Though Golden Charter offer this award as a mark of excellence and professional commitment, David Hollowell president of D.Hollowell & Sons says “We have done nothing different in achieving this award but to continue the same ‘grass roots’ philosophy we have always stood for, to provide personal service and value for money in what is a very challenging area of public service.

Ronnie Wayte, Manager of Golden Charter commented. “D. Hollowell & Sons have set the standard for this and following years, and we are delighted to recognise their achievement.”