There won’t be many hotels around which will be suitable for the conduct of a funeral and memorial service but the Philipburn can and has now hosted the first such event.
Memorial services are something which need to be organised with great sensitivity. Of course someone has died and now the friends and relatives are coming to pay their last respects and give their goodbyes. All of this needs to be conducted with decorum and respect. The Philipburn lends itself to this type of event. The substantial function room is well suited to become a chapel, in any denomination. It can seat 150 easily and there is still plenty of room.
The first service took place in January 2025 when approaching 100 attended and the coffin was wheeled in with reverence. The organ played How Great Thou Art as the introit on entry and well known and loved hymns. It sounded as if you were in a cathedral. Afterwards one of the attendees commented “I have attended many funerals where the organ is played. They generally get the right notes but not necessarily in the right order. Today’s rendition was first class”. Someone even thought at first that it was a recording which was being played!
The general view was that this was a very successful service held in the most congenial of surroundings and after the interment, the guests returned to a buffet and a drink in memory of the deceased.
But it can get even better because when the weather is warmer, what could be better than to go out into the gardens and reflect on the life and times of one’s departed friend?