When the lockdown was put into place in the UK we made a number of donations to organisations including; The Erdington Food Bank (which is part of the Tussle Trust), The Buddy Bag Foundation, YMCA Sutton Coldfield, St James Church Mere Green and Our Place Sutton Coldfield.

We were hoping that our donations would assist those organisations, to ensure that they could continue to support those in need, especially children and families, during very challenging times. 

Since we made those donations back in March, we have received some lovely letters in return, thanking us for our support and we have shared them at the bottom of this post. 

Ian has remained very dedicated throughout this period, ensuring that he can lend his support to local charities wherever possible.

Sadly, Sutton in Bloom could not take place this year, due to the circumstances, but Ian has made sure that there are floral displays in the area. 

We are so pleased that the organisations benefited from the donations, during a period of time when fundraising events can not take place and the local community were having to navigate such difficult times and have continued to feel the effects of the pandemic.   

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Ian Hazel Funeral Directors, and a huge number of Funeral Directors up and down the UK, have asked that the public pay respects if a hearse passes by. It has been highlighted in the National Press and a Radio 4 consumer programme.

At a time when bereaved families are unable to be surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends, during the funeral of a loved one, could you be there for them instead?

If you are out in your front garden, or on your daily exercise, please could you bow your head, offer gentle applause, or simply pause for a moment – if a hearse passes by?

Please let bereaved families know you are there for them, at this difficult time.

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Ian Hazel Funerals has joined forces with Gloucester-based LifeArt Coffin to help bereaved families reduce the eco-impact of cremations.

The funeral directing business, which is based in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and conducts hundreds of funerals each year says LifeArt coffins produce up to 87% less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional chipboard coffins and require up to 80% fewer trees to make.

Managing Director Ian Hazel said LifeArt coffins come in different sizes and designs, from traditional wood finishes and plain cardboard to pictures and personalisable designs.

“You can’t escape the fact that the environment has risen to the top of the global agenda. More and more families are asking us about our eco-coffin range so we wanted to provide as much choice as possible.

“Up to now, wicker and cardboard have been seen as the main options when it comes to environmentally-friendly coffins. But with LifeArt, we’re able to provide our families with a traditional wood finish or a personalisable coffin that causes only the fraction of pollution from MDF or particleboard coffins. Hopefully this will help the funeral profession to do it’s bit to tackle the climate emergency.” He said.

Photo: Funeral Director Ian Hazel and Lynn White, General Manager, LifeArt Coffins with a display of LifeArt coffins.

LifeArt Coffins’ Chief Executive Simon Rothwell launched the business in 2017 in a joint venture with LifeArt coffins International, founded in Australia.

He said “It’s great that Ian has started offering LifeArt coffins to his clients. Our partnership is an excellent fit for our business, as he’s well-known in the funeral profession for investing a significant amount of money in solar power, rainwater catchment and energy saving measures.”

Article from Funeral Service Journal

Watch the interview by Clicking Here!

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The cortege, displaying the Aston Villa insignia, was paged past Villa Park by Ian Hazel, owner of Ian Hazel Funerals, before the service at Aston Parish Church. Thousands of fans lined the streets outside the stadium to pay their final respects, almost all of them wearing the Villa colours of claret and blue.

Six bearers conveyed Mr Ellis’ oak coffin, which was covered in white roses and lilies, into the church for the private funeral service, attended by his wife, Heidi and his two surviving sons, Oliver and Simon. The service included an emotional rendition of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah by his granddaughter Elenya.

Former Villa players, club management, his family and friends heard stories from across his amazing life and career in football, during the eulogies which were given by former Villa director Tony Hales,  broadcaster Nick Owen and David Dein, former vice-chairman of both Arsenal and the Football Association, as well as by his family. They charted the story of his life in business, leading up to his appointment as Villa chairman in 1968, his triumphant return as major shareholder and chairman in 1982 and the eventual sale of the club in 2014, upon which he was given the title President Emeritus (Life President). His long term support for Childline, South and City College in Birmingham – and numerous other organisations across the region was also revealed during the service.

Following the service there was a private committal attended only by his close family and friends.

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Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID manager, said:

“We were delighted to be joined by two of Sutton Coldfield’s most successful business leaders, Andrew Wilson and Ian Hazel, at our latest ‘NotWorking’ instalment.”

You can read the full article by clicking here

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Ian is a forth generation of a family business based in Sutton Coldfield, and he has 2 daughters continuing the tradition into it’s fifth generation.

The company was formed in 1901 but was sold to a national conglomerate in 1987. Undeterred I an set up a new family business in 1987 in order to carry on the tradition he felt so strongly about.

Meeting Ian, he comes across as a level headed person, he has a soothing temperament, he’s tailored in both his manner and his dress, always respectful, and he also has a great sense of humour hiding just under the surface.

He says he was born to be in his profession, it is in his blood. He has been actively involved in the family business since he was a child. He has always strived to be the best in his field and constantly aims to offer a service better than any other company can match. Perhaps, the fact it’s a family business helps in this respect. In his profession there’s no room for error. H can’t afford to get it wrong. There’s simply no opportunity to put it right after the event. Every day is a once in a lifetime performance. This makes Ian very sensitive to his clients feelings and wishes. His wealth of experience is invaluable in his pursuit of perfection. He stresses the point, ‘I always represent my clients in a way I would want to be treated myself’

Away from the ‘shop’ Ian is active in local Royal town life; he’s a member of Wylde Green Rotary (some say a grumbling member) and a Governor at Highclare School.”

Ian has a collection of classic cars. He’s always been fond of Daimlers since a boy. He loves them for their prestige and because for him they are the best cars in the world. Unfortunately their death warrant was signed by Jaguar in 2010. No more will see the marque rolling off the production line.

He has renovated several classics over the years. He says he enjoys bringing them back to life once more, restoring them to their former glory. He currently cares for an E Type Jaguar, a Gilbern Invaders, and 2 Hillman Avengers, Tiger versions no less! Maybe it’s time for Ian to commence restoring old Daimlers?

I wonder if breathing life into his cherished cars is the antithesis of his profession. Ian is the owner on Ian Hazel Funerals Ltd, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield after all.

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An intrepid young lady from Sutton Coldfield set off on February 1st to walk around the entire coastline of mainland Britain.

Amy Leigh, aged 39 is trekking around the country to raise money for Kidney Research UK in memory of her brother Dean who sadly passed away due to renal failure in 2005.

Her journey was thrown into jeopardy two months ago after a pledge to donate a support vehicle fell through. But local funeral director and member of Wylde Green Rotary Club, Ian Hazel came to the rescue and kindly donated a camper van to support her cause.

The vehicle is being driven by Amy’s brother Andrew setting up camp each night to ensure she has somewhere comfortable to sleep and a hot meal.

Amy said she was feeling’ Anxious but tired’ with all the last minute preparations before setting out on her journey. “I can’t really portray how grateful I am to Ian Hazel. The challenge would have gone ahead anyway, but this donation has made it much more comfortable, safe and practical.”

Amy aims to cover 6,824 miles over the following eight months.
Ian Hazel would like to encourage anyone who is in the vicinity of Amy as she travels around the country to offer support, donations to Kidney Research UK or accompany her for part of the trek to ensure she is safe and doesn’t feel isolated on this fantastic challenge she has set herself.

You can keep up to date with Amy on her trek on her facebook pageYou can keep up to date with Amy on her trek on her facebook page

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