What a send off..........ashes in a firework!!!

HEAVENS ABOVE FIREWORKS



Heavens Above Fireworks provides a truly memorable event where friends and family can celebrate the life of someone special to them by dispersing their funeral ashes within a spectacular fireworks display or through our other services.

Traditionally a wake provided an opportunity for a vigil, often more of a party, before the burial service. Increasingly people are choosing to have their remains cremated, often leaving friends and family with the question of how best to disperse the ashes. Importantly, research shows most people now wish to make their passing more of a ‘celebration of life’, and a happier occasion where family and friends can remember someone special to them.

We believe it is most important to respect the wishes both of the person and the family and friends to create an event which the person would have wished for themselves; as a great way to celebrate their life and to say goodbye.

If you would like to learn more about a Heavens Above Fireworks celebration we can send you more information together with a complimentary DVD. This film contains the special piece about us shown on Channel 4’s ‘Richard and Judy’ TV program.

For more information, or to request a copy of the complimentary DVD, please visit our ‘Contact Us’ page.

I was only moaning the other day that motorists don't stop for the funeral cortege anymore.....then I read this!! It Just gets worse doesn't it.

Thief grabs charity cash at funeral
Sue Carr
14/ 1/2009

A CHARITY collection was stolen from a church — while the funeral was still taking place.

The box had been put out so mourners, instead of buying flowers, could donate money to Willow Wood Hospice and Christie Hospital.



But hundreds who had gathered to pay their respects were left horrified when they discovered it had been taken in a ‘heartbreaking’ burglary at Christ Church in Ashton.

The service took place on Saturday for the 36-year-old woman, a member of the Hindu community.

A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: "Does this person realise how much people have lost, how much this has hurt people? We wanted to raise money for Willow Wood and Christie’s because that’s where she spent a lot of her time. We saw how good they were, how much they made her feel at home, and we wanted to give something back. That extra bit of money is now not going to go there and I think that’s really sad."

The box, which was at the back of church close to the door, is thought to have contained hundreds of pounds and the culprit is now being urged to return the money.

Information is also being sought about an unknown male who was seen acting suspiciously.

Ray Mistry, who organised the funeral, said: "It’s terrible, it’s upsetting for everyone. We would say to the thief, if you have a conscience, please go and give it back."

The Reverend Lee Longden, of the Oldham Road church, said: "I find it heartbreaking that a funeral service has been targeted in this way and I appeal to whoever has done this to return the money."

Hospice head of fundraising John Fellowes added: "We are distressed and shocked to learn of the theft. This is a very sad time for the family and to cope with this incident on top of their recent loss is something they shouldn’t have to experience. Obviously, we join with others in urging those responsible to examine their consciences and return the money."

Ashes Into Glass

James Watts and Bill Rhodes have been glassblowers for the whole of their working lives. They have thrived in their profession for the past 20 years by providing the very best quality products and service to their customers.

In 1996, they founded Barleylands Glassworks in Billericay, Essex. In 2006, they founded Ashes into Glass, based at Barleylands Glassworks



James explains, "When a client asked if we could add her mother's cremated ashes to glass as a memorial to her life, we knew straight away that it was possible. We also thought that it was a wonderful idea that others could benefit from. We just wondered how they would look - ashes don't exactly look like something you would want to display!"

After going through their polished process of design and prototyping, they finalized on three stunning designs. The ashes can be seen within the glass as a soft white powder rather like snow. They have certainly achieved their aim of making the ashes look beautiful.



Bill is very clear about why clients come to them; "Ours is not just a product, it is a bespoke service. Clients commission us to make their loved one's ashes into glass because they trust in us. From first seeing our mini-brochures and website, to receiving our Ordering Pack, to knowing where they have sent the ashes, to the attention we give our clients throughout the whole process, to the finest quality finished product, beautifully packaged. Clients know exactly what happens to the ashes, where they are kept and how and by whom pieces are made. We are very open about our service and families have the option to come along to our workshop to see their glass being made. We do these things because we want clients to talk positively about their experience with us. In this way, word will spread."



Ashes into Glass has won awards for this unique service.
In 2007, they won The Basildon Business Awards for Manufacturing.
In May 2008, they were Winners at The Essex Countywide Business Awards.

A judge commented, "When I visited Bill & James at the Glass works, it was very clear for me to see that they deliver a very worthwhile service with great passion and a real commitment to quality."