So, how are you settling in at Poppy’s?
Genevieve:
I absolutely love it. I feel lucky to have joined Poppy’s; the team and their approach is really inspiring. I’m enjoying learning from people who are incredibly talented and passionate about what they do. It’s quite a small team, so you get involved in all aspects of the work, which is rewarding.
Joe:
I’m settling in well. I was a funeral arranger before this role, which meant that I supported people from the time that they walked through our door, until the funeral - but I didn't attend the funeral. Part of what attracted me to this role at Poppy’s was being able to attend the funeral too, so I'd have that sense of completion with the people I am supporting. It’s great to get to see everything come to fruition.
Where do you join us from, Genevieve?
Genevieve:
I've had a long career in observational and reality TV, working on shows like MasterChef, Come Dine With Me and - a while ago now - Airline.
What are some of the similarities between working in TV and working as a funeral director?
Genevieve:
Some of the logistical aspects of the job are similar - you have to be organised, clear and open with people. The funeral of someone close to you can be one of the biggest events in a person’s life. So, you're building to an important event in sometimes intense circumstances – and the same is true of TV, in a way.
I think another similarity is that it's all about people. I've always been curious about people and their stories and what drives them emotionally. In this role, you're supporting people to be able to achieve whatever it is that they want to achieve for their person and their funeral.
What's our new shop at Raynes Park like? What will people experience as they come through the door?
Joe:
They'll find the space to be light and welcoming. We've got a sofa, some nice plants, and we've got tea and coffee facilities.
Genevieve and I are available to chat to people and talk them through whatever they need; whether they are deciding which funeral directors to use, want to start the process of arranging a funeral with us, or are thinking about their own funeral wishes.
Can someone drop in with a question, or do they need to book an appointment?
Joe:
They can drop in anytime. If we happen to be in a client meeting at that time, we might invite them to go for a cup of coffee around the corner and come back shortly, or we can make an appointment for the next day if that works better for them.
Clients can also pick up the phone and speak to someone by calling 020 3861 0554.
What's the feeling like in Raynes Park?
Genevieve:
Raynes Park is really vibrant. It's got lots of people coming and going, but it's still small enough to feel like one of London’s many little villages, with its own identity.
Genevieve, you’re quite local to the Raynes Park area. What’s it like working in your own community?
Genevieve:
I've worked all over London and beyond, and this is the first time I've worked locally and felt like I'm connecting with my local community. That’s amazing, and not just in terms of our clients, but also all the people that help bring a funeral into being - from celebrants to vicars to local florists and more.
What’s one thing you each like to do in your spare time?
Joe:
I'm a Buddhist and I'm part of the choir within my Buddhist organisation called the Glorious Life Chorus. Additionally, I recently overcame a lifelong terror of karaoke and now I absolutely love it!
Genevieve:
My idea of a great time is going out and doing something with family or friends. There's no end of fascinating things that you can do in London. That could be anything from going to a gig to seeing a piece of art. I also love food and London’s full of great places to eat.
Poppy’s Raynes Park can be found at 46 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, SW20 0LA. Pop in any time between 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday, or you can give us a call on 020 3861 0554.
You can get an estimate for a funeral any time, day or night, on our website.