In British society talking about death and dying is a taboo. We often avoid saying the words death or dying, and people are unprepared for when one of our nearest and dearest dies. 

A series of talks by professionals in Rochdale will offer the opportunity to talk about dying and to plan for what happens when someone dies. The talks have been convened by The Revd Anne Gilbert, vicar of St Chad's in Rochdale and Rochdale Deanery Funeral champion. 

The talks will be held in St Aidan’s Church Hall and take palce from 2-4pm on Saturdays in September and October 2022. Each event will begin with refreshments before a talk from and expert in their field, with the opportunity to ask questions at the end.  Everyone is welcome to attend and each session stands on its own so there is no obligation to come to all six.

Saturday 3 September – Let’s Talk About Dying led by a Doctor from Springhill Hospice

Saturday 10 September – Registering And All That led by Aileen Bollard, Service Manager - Registration & Celebrant Services at Rochdale Registrars

Saturday 17 September – Working With The Undertaker led by Abigail Palmer Dixons Funeral Service

Saturday 24 September  - Will, Legacies And All That led by Donna Myers Solicitor and Diocesan Registrar

Saturday 1 October – Let’s Talk About Finances led by Judith Dunn Assistant Solicitor Molesworth’s Bright Clegg

Saturday 8 October – Tackling Grief And Bereavement led by Sally Ann Clouston from Springhill Hospice

The talks have been convened by The Revd Anne Gilbert. If you would like more information you can contact her via email – revannegilbert@gmail.com  – or by phone 01706 346774.

Deanery Funeral Champions

Our deanery funeral champions are:

The Revd Anne Gilbert – Rochdale Deanery 

The Revd Dave Thompson – Bury & Rossendale Deanery

The Revd Liz Rowles – Manchester North and East Deanery