The Ives and Shand funeral business in Parkstone has grown following investment, with more staff joining.

Belonging to the Douch Family Group, the branch is benefiting from its ceremony room that was installed several years ago.  As well as being used for funerals and wakes, it has become a favourite venue of community groups. With the extra demand for the business’s services, staff from other branches are now assisting funeral director Marcella McDonagh and manager Debbie Brown.

Kerry Crowson, a funeral director, Jedda Hunt, an office administrator, and funeral support manager Helen Dean are all supporting the branch.

Debbie Brown, who also manages the group’s Ferndown branch, AE Jolliffe & Son, said:

“Ives & Shand has been here for a long time and it is growing. The new staff are working between two branches which means we can offer an even better service."

“The ceremony room is where people can have a cost-effective funeral and wake in the same place, but it is also available for community groups and others who might need the space.”

Nick Douch, managing director of the family business, said:

“The investment in our Parkstone branch in Ashley Road was part of a rolling programme of improvements across all our branches."

“The community is making great use of the ceremony room and it has meant we have been able to grow and take on new team members.”

Douch Family Funeral Directors other branches are in Wimborne, Corfe Mullen, Blandford, Parkstone, Wareham and Swanage.

Photo: Debbie Brown, manager, centre right, with Marcella McDonagh, centre left, and behind them (l-r) Kerry Crowson, Jedda Hunt and Helen Dean.