Firm’s ‘walk and talk’ helps grieving relatives
A memorials business based in Scarborough has introduced new measures to help its clients post-lockdown.
Among the initiatives introduced by GR Pinder are innovative “walk and talk” meetings, pre-booked appointments, home visits and virtual meetings.
Branch manager Paul Kelwick said: “We introduced walk and talk appointments so that we could meet clients outdoors in a Covid secure environment and they have really taken off.
“Some clients prefer to meet in the cemetery, whilst others prefer to discuss memorial options on a favourite walk.
“Memorials are such a personal tribute and people often find it easier to share stories
about their loved ones as they walk.”
GR Pinder is one of nine businesses owned by Mindful Memorials (part of J. Rotherham Ltd). Mindful Memorials’ founder Anna Buckley is delighted with the way that staff have responded to the challenges of Covid-19: “Although we altered our business model out of necessity, we have learnt different ways of helping clients that will continue to evolve as we come out of lockdown.”
All of the branches offer socially distanced family appointments.
Born into a family of stonemasons, Mrs Buckley runs the fourth generation business that was founded by Joseph Rotherham Senior with her husband, Adrian. As the company grew, it bought businesses including GR Pinder, Doncaster-based Tyas and Tyas; Hull-based GH Wriglesworth and York-based F Emerson from retired stonemasons and brought them into the Mindful Memorials fold.