April 2021

Customer Feedback

It’s our privilege to work with families throughout the community and it means so much to us when we receive messages and feedback. Thank you again! We’ve been at the heart of the community for 150 years this year, serving the families of Cannock, Penkridge, Chesyln Hay, Great Wyrley and the surrounding areas. We’re there for you 24/7, 365 days a year. You can read some of our reviews on our Facebook page or have look at our testimonials.

March 2021

Continuing Care

Here at A.J. Sellman family funeral directors we care for families beyond the funeral of their loved one through our Bereavement Counselling service and our Book of Remembrance. Lockdown has been like nothing we have ever experienced before and hopefully will never again. Thankfully it is coming to an end and we asked our experienced counsellor, Janice Johnson about her experience.

How did you cope?

Janice: I was determined to make it a positive experience. Around New Year 2020 I received a seed catalogue out of the blue. When lockdown was announced I found it out and went through choosing vegetable and salad seeds. Instead of planting flowers in my pots I planted these seeds. I dug up some shrubs and planted potatoes and runner beans.

Before lockdown my daughter's mom-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. On one of our visits she was crocheting a blanket with all the odd wool she had around the house. I said I would like to learn and so she taught me. We spent some companionable times together before her death. The blanket she was crocheting she gave to me I treasure this gift. During lockdown I crocheted my own blanket in her memory.

I've always loved jigsaws and one of my daughters bought one for me. I spent many a happy hour putting this together.

Were there things I missed?

Janice: Of course. Not being able to hug my family and friends. The loss of freedom to come and go as I wanted. I didn't want the restrictions to define me. Was it hard? - yes it was. We all say to ourselves 'when I have time I will do ......'. Now we were being given that time.

Unfortunately for some people this time has meant missing loved ones.

How can A.J. Sellman's help?

Many people have lost loved ones during this time and it has been made more traumatic due to the pandemic. Having a family firm like A.J. Sellman's to look after you is comforting and reassuring as you can rely on them to ensure your needs and that of your loved ones are met. They and their staff are there to help, guide and support you before, during and after the funeral.

You can be reassured of their care, so reach out to them if you need help.

You can find out more about our Bereavement Counselling and our Book of Remembrance here.

January 2021

New Horizon Development Update

We have another update for you regarding the new Cannock Chase crematorium. Substantial progress is being made, as you will see from the photographs and by comparing them to the ones in our previous posts.

The new manager, Jo Walker and assistant manager, Liam Bennett have been appointed with both of them bringing a wealth of experience from the crematoria sector. If you drive past the site, you will notice the corten cladding work is nearly complete as well as much of the steel work. Connections for the various services have been made and the workmen are now completing the second fixes. Hand-made bespoke furniture is also being crafted for the ceremony hall and the waiting room.

All is going well for the crematorium to open in the middle of April.

December 2020

New Horizon Development Update

Continuing our partnership with Horizon, we have a further update with photographs, about the new Cannock Chase crematorium.

It is being responsibly built on a site with an incredible diversity of wildlife and ecology. After being left for forty years, as a result of an open mine being discontinued, it has become replete with self-seeding trees and grasslands. Consequently, a wonderful range of species and wildlife abounds. During construction deer have walked near to the work men and women and more often than not left footprints on newly laid concrete. No doubt mourners and visitors will come face to face with the deer too!

To minimise the impact of the development only a small proportion of the site has been built on with the remainder being a memorial garden or left as it was. An active management strategy to maintain the wildlife and encourage further diversity will be deployed in perpetuity.

Horizon are endeavouring to be as green as possible by reducing their carbon footprint through, recycling heat generated by the cremators, using solar panels for electricity and fitting electric car points in the car park.

In terms of building progress, the scaffolding is down making the 'shark tooth' roof line more visible and enable the larch cladding to be installed. The rooms are taking shape inside and are ready for their second fixes. The most exciting transformation has been in the memorial garden. Skilled landscape contractors have been planting hedgerows and hundreds of trees and shrubs. Things are going well for the crematorium to open in the spring.

December 2020

Virtual Remembrance Board

We understand that many people will not be able to share memories of loved ones who are no longer with us this year due to current restrictions. We’re pleased to offer free virtual remembrance board on our Facebook page to allow us to come together as a community and share who we are are remembering.

November 2020

New Horizon Development

A.J.Sellman are working closely with Horizon, the owners of the new Cannock Chase Crematorium, situated between the Cannock and Norton Canes Roads by the Fiveways roundabout, Heath Hayes. Building work is underway and will be completed in the Spring, 2021. It will serve the communities of; Cannock, Penkridge, Rugeley, Burntwood, Great Wyrley, Brownhills, Walsall Wood and Essington.

The design of the crematorium aims to reflect the industrial heritage of the local area. Externally all pathways have been excavated and the Corten memorial tree has already been installed. Progress is being made internally and soon the scaffolding will come down to enable work on the exterior cladding. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the planning and architecture of the building. Horizon aim to build a crematorium that is unique and the 'shark tooth' roof shape resembles factories of the 1940's and 1950's with their north light roofs and the cladding will be made from a mixture of larch and corten, weathered steel that looks as though it has rusted to reflect the roots of Cannock Chase as well as look appealing on the eye.

Edward of A.J.Sellman said “the new Horizon Crematorium at Cannock Chase will be of great benefit to the local community. It will be closer reducing travel time and enable local funerals to be more accessible for people who can’t make the journey to crematoria further away. The facilities being based on our local heritage will also resonate with people from our area. We are pleased to be working closely with the developers as we see the building take shape.”

Horizon also have a vacancy for the crematorium manager's position and will begin recruitment for other positions either side of Christmas. You can find out more here.

October 2020

A.J.Sellman are delighted to finish runner up in the Funeral Planner of the Year 2020 awards. Huge congratulations to everyone associated with our independent family business and we are proud to continue to serve families throughout our local community.

Aug 2020

Customer Feedback

It’s our privilege to work with families throughout the community and it means so much to us when we receive messages and feedback. Thank you again! We’ve been at the heart of the community for 150 years this year, serving the families of Cannock, Penkridge, Chesyln Hay, Great Wyrley and the surrounding areas. We’re there for you 24/7, 365 days a year. You can read some of our reviews on our Facebook page or have look at our testimonials.

July 2020

150 Years In The Community

A J Sellman are an independent family funeral director who have been serving local families for generations. 2020 marks our 150th year in the community and we are proud to provide comfort and peace of mind when you need it most. Over on our Facebook page we have been humbled with some of the comments from families we’ve worked with, it means the world to us. You can check out the post and read the comments here. We’re here for you, just as we have been since 1870. It’s always our hope that we can make a difficult time just a little easier.

July 2020

Further easing of lockdown measures

Since our last update three crematoria have increased the numbers of mourners that can attend;

Stafford will now allow 30 people, before it was 10.
Fradley will now allow 18 people, before it was 10.
Bushbury will now allow 15 people in the East and West Chapels, before it was 12.
We will post any further updates when we get them.

June 2020

Easing of lockdown measures.

As lockdown measures are easing we have been asked a lot recently if more people can go to funerals to pay their respects. Ten mourners can attend a funeral in accordance with government guidance. However, some crematoria are increasing the numbers of people they will allow. For clarity the number of people our local crematoria will permit are:

Stafford - 10
Fradley - 10
Streetly East Chapel - 10
Streetly West Chapel - 15
Bushbury East/West Chapels - 12
Telford - 25

We will update with any future changes as soon as we are aware.

June 2020

Bereavement Counselling Service

Here at A.J. Sellman family funeral directors we care for families beyond the funeral of their loved one through our Bereavement Counselling service. Here are some words of advice from our experienced counsellor, Janice Johnson. 

After the death of someone very close.

• DO cry if the need is there

• DON'T bottle up feelings.

• DO allow yourself time to grieve.

• DO remember that grief has to run it's course. It can't be hurried or avoided.

• DO accept help from others. 

• DON'T let people persuade you into doing things that do not feel right, or before you feel ready.

• DO take care of yourself. Try to eat sensibly and check with the doctor about any health worries.

• DO try to keep life as normal as possible with some sort of regular routine.

• DO, if you can, avoid major changes during the first year, such as moving home.

• DO take things one day at a time when you're feeling low.

June 2020

Just Wait For The Sun

We wanted to share this poem with you. Something that Ed and Ralph have found particularly hard during the lockdown is that our children have been unable to hug their grandparents and spend quality time with them. We wanted to post this for all the grandparents who can’t cuddle their family, the day will come, hopefully soon, when you can hug your grandchild again!

May 2020

Staying Active

This is the final video in the series of four created by Golden Charter Later Life Planning. This one provides some useful tips on 'How to stay active' in isolation. Please feel free to share this with friends. 

Stay safe everyone.

May 2020

Staying Well

Another one of the 'How to' videos from our funeral plan provider Golden Charter Later Life Planning. This time, it shows you 'How to stay well' during these tough times. Please feel free to let us know if you think this has been helpful and to share this with someone you think it may help.

May 2020

Staying Busy

This is the second video of four in the 'How to' videos by Golden Charter Later Life Planning. We hope this particular video will help to give you some ideas keeping on 'How to stay busy' during these testing times.

April 2020

Staying Connected

Our Funeral Plan provider Golden Charter Later Life Planning have created a series of videos to highlight some important issues facing us all during isolation. We feel that these are very helpful and we wanted to share this one on 'How to keep connected' with you. We hope this is a handy tip and please feel free to share this with people you think it may help.

March 2020

Covid-19 Update

In these uncertain and challenging times, we want to offer our support and words of kindness. In the coming days and weeks, we plan to continue to share content with you. This will hopefully be a nice balance of helpful hints, tips and other details which may help you deal with self-isolation and social distancing - something facing so many in our communities.

We hope you find it useful and promise to keep them uplifting.

We hope you don’t feel we are being insensitive to continue with our updates, we really feel it is best to continue to share these heartfelt messages of support to you all. A little bit of self-care can go a long way – look after yourself and each other.

March 2020

Aj Sellman Est. 1870

We’ve been at the heart of the community for 150 years this year, providing a special level of care and serving the families of Cannock, Penkridge, Chesyln Hay, Great Wyrley and the surrounding areas.

As a 6th generation family business each generation of our family has passed on the understanding and care that is needed to help families and friends who have lost someone dear to them. It’s always our hope that we can make a difficult time just a little easier.

Read some of our reviews and testimonials from families throughout the community.

February 2020

Testimonials

It’s our absolute privilege to provide a special level of care to families and friends who have lost someone dear to them. It’s a joy to recieve wonderful feedback from families on a regular basis. We take great pride in being there for people at their time of need with the highest standards of service, compassion and understanding. We’ve been at the heart of the community for 150 years this year, serving the families of Cannock, Penkridge, Chesyln Hay, Great Wyrley and the surrounding areas. We’re there for you 24/7, 365 days a year. You can read some of our reviews on our Facebook page or have look at our testimonials.

February 2020

Fundraising for Acorns

Last year the team here at A.J. Sellman raised £1,600 for our nominated charity  - Acorns Children's Hospice.

We are proud to support Acorns Children’s Hospice who support local life limited children and families who would be lost without their local hospice. The wonderful staff are there every day to provide vital care and create magical memories.

Edward Poole from A.J.Sellman said “Acorns provides such an indispensable service in our community. Last year one of their hospices closed in Walsall due to a lack of funds, we want to do all we can to help support the continuation of this wonderful charity.”

January 2020

National Storytelling Week

National Storytelling Week 2020 runs from Saturday February the 1st to February the 8th and all across the country, people will be telling their stories in theatres, museums, schools, hospitals and care homes. To celebrate this special week of stories, our own Edward Poole shares some stories about his life as a funeral director, how he see's the profession and some of his favourite things.

Edward of A.J. Sellman Funeral Directors in Staffordshire joined the family business, founded in 1870, after working in sales and marketing and as a professional rugby player in Worcester. Edward was 27 when he started working for the family business. Beforehand, he worked in London and whilst enjoying it immensely he was ready to come home. At the time his father asked him to come into AJ Sellman to give the company more of a commercial focus. The needs of the business and his own intersected and he has enjoyed every minute.

As it is National Storytelling week, complete this short story “the one thing I would change in the funeral profession right now would be…”

Edward: For the attire to be more accommodating when it is really hot. It can be very soporific wearing a shirt, waistcoat and tails when it is over thirty degrees in a black hearse.

What is the most unique funeral you have conducted? 

Edward: Using an articulated lorry for a hearse. It felt strange having to climb up into the cab after walking in front, not to mention the difficulty getting to the crematorium driving through windy lanes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Edward: People. We get to meet such a range and variety of clients and it gives me a buzz to be help and care for them.

Is there a particular moment that stands out for you during your time in the profession?

Edward: The journey and working with my family to grow and improve the business.

A.J.Sellman Family Funeral Directors has been providing a special level of care since 1870. Situated in the heart of Cannock at Church Street, the middle of Penkridge on Clay Street, and the centre of Cheslyn Hay on Station Street, the business has seen many changes in 150 years but one thing remains the same, AJ Sellman Family Funeral Directors take great pride in the highest standards of service with the understanding, sincerity and care that is needed to help families and friends who have lost someone dear to them.

September 2017

A J SELLMAN FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS NAMED NATIONAL AND REGIONAL FUNERAL PLANNER OF THE YEAR

Staffordshire firm selected from a network of more than 3,000 independent funeral directors to win Golden Charter awards.

We are proud to announce that we have won the Golden Charter Regional Funeral Planner of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive year.

March 2016

A.J.Sellman Named Funeral Planner of the Year

A.J.Sellman Family Funeral Directors of Cannock, Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge has been named the UK's best funeral planning business at this year's Funeral Planner of the Year Awards, run by market leading funeral plan provider Golden Charter.

Hosted by the BBC's Sian Lloyd, the awards mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK, with this year's event taking place at The Vale Resort near Cardiff.

In addition to the award itself, a framed certificate and cash prize, the Woodland Trust has dedicated half an acre trees on behalf of A.J.Sellman which are to be planted locally at Pipe Hall Farm in Lichfield in recognition of the company's achievement.

Ronnie Wayte, Golden Charter's Chief Executive, said: “Now in their 23rd year, the awards are more competitive than ever before, with funeral plans continuing to grow in popularity. This award is well earned proof that A.J.Sellman has reached a remarkable standard.“

Edward Poole from A.J.Sellman said “We are extremely pleased to win this award which is a great testament to everyone involved at Sellmans who serve our local area.”

December 2015

Christmas fundraiser for Acorns

The staff at A.J.Sellman have raised £515 this Christmas for Acorns. Cakes were made and sold as well as a raffle at the staff party which raised £160.