A SOUTHAMPTON funeral home was praised for its services to an ethnic community in the city at a conference about Sikh funerals.

Staff from Co-operative Funeralcare were thanked by the Sikh community at an event hosted by the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib in St Mark’s Road.

Principal funeral director Martin Masters received the award on behalf of the staff at the St Mary’s Road branch but said it was for everyone who worked there.

Chris Jordan, funeral arranger at the branch, spoke on his behalf and said: “We have become aware of a number of different traditions and religious rituals around death with the Sikh community and we have been privileged to be able to respond directly to these needs.

“The event felt very much like a family gathering than a professional conference.”

Daily Echo:

The conference provided members of the Sikh temple a chance to meet staff from Co-operative Funeralcare and discuss any concerns they have about funerals.

Gurbachan Singh Bhakar, of the St Mark’s Road temple, said: “Mr Masters has provided his services for the Sikh community with passion and sympathy for the needs of the Sikh community.”