BRANCHES of a funeral director in Blandford and Corfe Mullen have a new manager.

Lucy Lester has taken over at Lesley Shand branches in the towns, moving from a role in customer services in the private health sector.

She is now overseeing the two branches, among seven owned by the Dorset-based Douch Family Funeral Directors.

“This is a wonderful company to work for who really cares for its clients – we always go that extra mile,” Lucy said.

“As well as doing my National Association of Funeral Director (NAFD) qualifications, I am determined to increase the community use of our facilities, in Corfe Mullen and Blandford, as we have beautiful ceremony rooms at both locations.

“These rooms can be tailored for any number of uses, from small community groups to bereavement counselling. It really is a tremendous asset for both locations.

“I am also enthusiastic about helping care home staff understand what happens when a resident they have cared for and have got to know so well dies.

“So, I have invited local care home staff to the branches to provide them with a better understanding of what happens when one of their residents comes into our care.

“I am also backing the NAFD Bereavement in Education campaign and hope that acknowledging and handling grief becomes a subject covered by the National Curriculum.

“There is a large cross over between the healthcare and funeral industries – the most important of which is being there for families and loved ones through a difficult time and walking with them along that path.”

Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, welcomed Lucy aboard.

“Lucy brings with her vast experience of working in the care industry within the local area,” he said.

“She has managerial expertise and already is making a difference in Corfe Mullen and in Blandford.

“Being a family business, we have certain values we want to adopt and Lucy embodies those. She is a great fit for the business.”