The Good Funeral Awards reveal 2016’s winners

The winners of the Good Funeral Awards 2016 were announced on September 8, at the Porchester Hall in London. Broadcaster and presenter, Penny Smith, presented an Anubis statue within a coffin-shaped box to the winners of 25 categories. Over 250 people attended the event, which celebrated the outstanding achievements of people who work with the deceased and bereaved. The awards, which were sponsored by price comparison site Funeralbooker.com, featured a special 'funeral cake' from Annabel de Vetten of Conjurer’s Kitchen. Visitors received a three course meal with music entertainment from artists including Alison Jiear. The 2016 winners of the Good Funeral Awards are: Bridging the Gap Award: A special award for the industry supplier doing most to move the funeral business forward: Julian Atkinson of J. C. Atkinson Minister of the Year Revd. Canon Gill Behenna Chaplain among Deaf People in the Diocese of Bristol Celebrant of the Year - sponsored by Civil Ceremonies Ltd Stevie Glover Embalmer of the Year Andy Holder Coffin Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Ecoffins) Musgrove Willows Florist of the Year Debbie Western Flowers Gravedigger of the Year David Homer of D. T. H. Burial & Churchyard Services Cemetery of the Year Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery Crematorium of the Year - sponsored by Scattering Ashes Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff Best Internet Bereavement Resource Muchloved Best Funeral Caterer Claret Catering Best Alternative to a Hearse Respect Bentley Best Green Funeral Product Brahms Electric Hearse Most Significant Contribution to the Understanding of Death - sponsored by Final Fling Tamworth Co-operative Funeral service Best Maker of Hand Carved Memorials in an Indigenous Material Stoneletters Low Cost Funeral Provider of the Year Coulbert Family Funerals Green Funeral Director of the Year - sponsored by The Association of Green Funeral Directors Higher Ground Family Funerals Funeral Arranger of the Year Sarah Lee of Holmes & Family Funeral Directors Most Promising New Funeral Director - sponsored by The Church of England Judith Dandy of Dandelion Farewells Modern Funeral Director of the Year - sponsored by The Natural Death Centre A Natural Undertaking Traditional Funeral Director of the Year - sponsored by A. R. Adams Funeral Directors Trevor E. W. Hickton Ltd. Most Innovative Death Public Engagement Event 2016 Bristol Culture Mortuary Assistant of the Year (including Anatomical Pathology Technicians) Louise Milligan at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Crematorium Assistant of the Year Steve Biggs at Mortlake Crematorium Lifetime Achievement Award - sponsored by Paula Rainey Crofts Nicholas Albery (awarded posthumously) and the Natural Death Centre Charity. For more information on the Good Funeral Awards, or to learn how to attend in 2017, go to www.goodfuneralawards.co.uk.