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The Sun
Friday April 21, 2017
Trusted in Marlborough Marlboroughfor forgenerations generations Trusted by
Sowman’s - a proud history Established in 1869 by Alfred Sowman, and trading as Sowman and Sons, Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors has been part of the Marlborough community for over 145 years. There are few businesses in Marlborough still in existence after such a period of time, but this one is at the forefront of the industry. Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors pride themselves on their professional, consistent standards and high level of service, empathy and attention to detail. Originally operating from a large two-story workshop, the caskets were made by hand. In 1983, monumental masons Hoar and Sons was purchased and moved next door. The old building was demolished in 1983 to enable extra parking space, and the Mayfield Chapel was then built. Sowman’s, being the pioneers in modern cremation facilities, provided the first cremation service in Marlborough. Adding to the on-site facilities, the original Sowman family home was extensively refurbished and aptly-named the ‘Sowman Lounge’, for after-service refreshments and gatherings where many memories have been, and will continue to be, shared. This venue is also utilised by local groups/clubs for meetings. The business is located close to the CBD and has ample on-site parking. Also on site is Sowman Monumental, meaning they are able to provide all monumental work locally onsite, and all Marlborough cemeteries are able to be serviced, along with arranging out-of-town memorials and refurbishments. The reputation of this long-
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standing Marlborough firm comes from experienced funeral directors and support staff who are passionate, dedicated, friendly, and above all, professional. They ensure families can have peace of mind at a very difficult time. Nothing is too much, they will make sure it happens. Sowman’s are the only registered monumental masons in Marlborough. Having their monumental division onsite also is invaluable, and families can see the progress being made to their loved one’s memorial. Any shape of memorial stone can be sourced from their supplier, and the design and engraving are completed onsite by competent, experienced staff. You can depend on our professionalism and long experience to assist you with all of the arrangements to ensure a service flows smoothly – which can include as much or as little as a family wants. A funeral prearrangement takes stress away from families at a time they can be focussing on a fitting farewell for their loved one. Vital genealogical information required for a death certificate is often unknown by families, so having the details pre-recorded is helpful. If possible, setting aside funds in an FDANZ Funeral Trust is another way of relieving families from possible financial stress. We can assist in applying for funeral grants from WINZ and ACC.
Jenny Andrews, Alistair Sowman, Thelma Sowman, Barry Holmwood, Alastair Hebberd, Terry Ryan and Donna Wahrlich.
Band Rotunda in Market Place.
The Sowman Fountain, Taylor River.
Community sponsorship ‘Serving the community’ has long been a focus of Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors. Sowman’s generosity to the Marlborough community continues with some past donations being: restoration of various Marlborough war memorials in the lead-up to ANZAC Day’s historic 100 year centenary – the first of these was at Torea Bay where the plaques were removed, resurfaced, and all the names reinscribed under the guidance of Veteran and Sounds resident, Alastair MacKenzie. The same work was carried out on the Renwick war memorial which too was
missing names. Also restored were the war monuments at Grovetown and Seddon, with the latter receiving a new plaque. Of significance is the ‘Marlborough Memorial Wall’ outside the Clubs of Marlborough which was unveiled last November. This is another example of the generosity of Sowman’s to the Marlborough community. Aside from the war memorials, also donated are the plaques for the ongoing and evolving Taylor River Writers’ Walk, the soldier at Fairhall Cemetery, sponsorship for the water fountain in the Taylor River
by the riverside amphitheatre, the bird bath at Wairau Hospital, the glass backdrop in the main entrance foyer, and restoration work on the Band Rotunda in Market Place to name a few. All of the materials (including substantial amounts of granite) and labour were donated by Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors. Another ongoing and generous donation is the provision of a photocopier for the use of Greypower Marlborough. For those who are financial members of Greypower, Sowman’s offer a discount on both funeral and memorial costs.
As Registered Monumental As Masons Registered we can Monumental create the Masons we c As Marlborough’s only registered Monumental Masons, perfect memorial for your perfect loved one. memorial for one. your loved one. we can create the perfect memorial for your loved
Our skilled professionals use modern technology Our skilledto professionals create plaques useand modern technology to create headstones that are unique, personal and headstones provide athat lasting are memorial unique, personal for and provide a lasting your loved one. We also undertake reconditioning your loved one. of existing We also headstones undertakeand reconditioning of existin reconstruction of historical gravesites across reconstruction the Marlborough of historical region. gravesites across the Marlborou
Corner Hutcheson & Parker Streets, Corner Blenheim Hutcheson | 03 578 & Parker 4719 Streets, Blenheim |
www.sowmans.co.nz
www.sowmans.co.nz
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