When catering was put to a stop during lockdown a hospitality manager at a local funeral venue embarked on a very different career to fill her time.

Kat Brown headed up the hospitality and catering team at Bristol Memorial Woodlands following a long career in the RAF and has now taken on a new role as Mortuary Manager at the Alveston venue.

In a bid to avoid furlough during lockdown, Kat approached managers about learning the ropes in another area of the business and quickly impressed the team. Her role now involves bringing loved ones into the funeral centre’s care, preparing them for the service, driving the hearse and assisting the funeral directors at events.

Kat said: “When lockdown hit and catering for wakes ground to a halt I thought it was a really good opportunity to learn some new skills and keep busy. Luckily the management team at the woodlands agreed and I began training under the Mortuary Manager.

“When the position became permanently available the management suggested I take the role and the rest is history. I’m thoroughly enjoying my new role which may seem a bit weird as it’s so far removed from catering but it’s such an important job within the business.

“I get immense satisfaction from preparing a loved one for their final journey and making sure the wishes of each family we serve are carried out to the highest standards. It’s a privilege to help people at a very emotional time and give the best care we can.”

Bristol Memorial Woodlands is a 100-acre site just north of Bristol where families can hold a funeral followed by a burial and tree planting at the picturesque site, which is held in trust for future generations.

Whole morning or afternoon services and celebrations are available for less than the average price of a cremation and there is the added benefit of burials being more environmentally friendly.

For more information visit www.memorialwoodlands.com, call 01454 414999 or email admin@memorialwoodlands.com