Latest news

Forthcoming Talk to

Newport Local History Society

March 7th, 2012

at 7.30 p.m.

Rodney Parade

Rodney Road, Newport, NP19 0UU

 

'Tovey Bros; on 150 year history in Newport'

Non-members Welcome
Admission £2.00

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SWAN
(Something for Women Alone Now)

Many women find themselves alone now, as a result of the death of their partner, or from divorce. 'Swan' is a group for ladies who would like a chance to go out and need someone to go with.

'Swan' is a handy acrostic to explain what we are about, but also symbolic of the life we live - calm on the outside, but frantic paddling going on underneath just to stay afloat.

The Newport SWAN Group launched
on 23rd November 2011 at:

The Riverside Theatre Newport
meeting in the cafe at 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon

If you would like to join the group or would like to find out about any forthcoming events, please call Ann Nias Magor Group on 01633 880619

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Newport Library hosted a "FREE" Exhibition and Talk on:

"A HISTORY OF TOVEY BROS. 1860 - 2010"

The Exhibition was held in the Reference Library with a lot of interest shown.

 

A talk was given on Wednesday, 10th August by James Tovey and Tim Gray in the Lending Library and a further talk has been requested - details to be confirmed.

Copies of the book can still be purchased from us for a minimum donation of £6.00 (plus £1.50 for postage and packaging if required) with proceeds going to a charitable fund established by the firm.

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FUNERAL AWARENESS EVENING
Wednesday, 15th June 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.

The evening was well attended and feedback was positive. We intend to hold another event and details will be posted here as soon as confirmed.

If you are interested in attending any future events, please do let us know by calling us.

Call us on 01633 266848 or email: info@toveybros.co.uk
Tovey Bros Funeral Home
9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 2EH.

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New web page on the website of Native Woodland Limited www.nativewoodland.co.uk

'Tovey Bros. is Green'

Tovey Bros. is an independent family run firm of funeral directors, serving Newport and the South East for 150 years. We aim to provide a professional and friendly service, tailored to the needs of each family.

Whilst the more traditional style funeral still predominates, there is a growing interest and need for green, or natural burials. There are currently around 200 natural burial sites across the UK ranging from those with wide open vistas to woodland glades.

Tovey Bros. have established a good working relationship with Native Woodland Limited, and have conducted many natural burials at Usk Castle Chase, ranging from simple natural burials where we have assisted the families to do as much as they wanted to themselves, to the more formal funerals.

We have organised coach and horses, dove releases, musicians, marquees; families have brought along their family pets which are welcome at the site - all those things that help to complete the more relaxed and supportive atmosphere that is present at the natural burial ground.

Families are also welcome to make use of our 60-seater chapel from where we can arrange transport to and from Usk Castle Chase so that people can travel together without the worry of getting lost (it’s better for the environment too!)

We provide details of the natural burial ground in all our information packs that we send out, and are pleased to accompany families who wish to visit the burial ground with us so that we can explain what others have done and how the funeral ceremony can be tailored to reflect the lifestyle of the person.

Tovey Bros. was involved with the development of the burial ground for a number of years before it opened in 2005 and is proud to have been the first Funeral Director to have carried out a funeral at Native Woodland’s sister burial ground at Cardiff & the Vale.

You may have seen Tovey Bros. at the Usk Show, on an exhibition stand with Native Woodland, or at our Good Funerals Open Day at the burial ground alongside Native Woodland. You may have attended one of our joint seminars/presentations to professional palliative care teams, local authority bereavement staff, hospices and charities. Tovey Bros. also hosts bereavement seminars with the well known bereavement professional, Bill Webster.

All of our team know about natural burials and Usk Castle Chase and would be pleased to answer any questions you might have about Usk Castle Chase and green funerals.

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Press Release in South Wales Argus - October 2010

Tovey Bros. launches book to support Newport Icons

Tovey Bros has commissioned a book to celebrate its 150 year anniversary, with the proceeds going towards preserving three of the city's most iconic structures.

The book, entitled Tovey Bros - A 150 year history in Newport, details the company's rich history as one of Newport's oldest businesses and will be available for a minimum of £6 with proceeds being added to a charitable fund established by the firm. The book was launched at a commemorative service at St Woolos Cathedral to celebrate the anniversary.

Tovey Bros, which was established in 1860, kicked off the fundraising by launching its charitable "1860 Appeal" back in August, asking Newport businesses to donate £18.60. The appeal successfully raised over£3,000 which will be split between The Friends of Tredegar House, The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge and St. Woolos Appeal charities. Profits made from the sales of the book will be added to this.

Current owner of Tovey Bros, Humphrey Tovey, said: "Tovey Bros has been serving the community of Newport for 150 years and it is important for us to use this milestone to support other establishments that are an important part of Newport's heritage.

"The book has enabled us to find out more about our company's history, how local customs and developments have shaped how we operate and to pay tribute to the hard work carried out by previous generations that have allowed us to serve our community over three centureis. We hope people will enjoy reading the book and that we raise even more money for a great cause."

The anniversary service was attended by notable Newport figures including Mayor of Newport, Councillor Bill Langsford and the High Sheriff of Gwent, Mr Hugh Phillips. The service was led by The Very Reverend Dr Richard Fenwick, Dean of Monmouth.

Barbara Bennett, social secretary of The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge said: "We are extremely grateful for this kind donation from Tovey Bros. Money raised from businesses and the public enable us to keep our visitor centre open, and cover staff and merchandise costs.

"There are only eight transporter bridges left in the world, so our visitor centre has attracted tourists from many different countries. During the Ryder Cup, several overseas visitors commented on the impressive structure and how Newport must be very proud to have one. We want to ensure that people will be able to enjoy the bridge for generations to come."

For more information about the book "Tovey Bros - A 150 year history in Newport" please contact James Tovey at Tovey Bros on 01633 266848 or email: info@toveybros.co.uk

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Tovey Bros. 1860 Appeal

2010 marks Tovey Bros' 150th year as a family business in Newport, having been established in Dock Street in 1860 and we are marking this milestone in a number of ways, including the launch of our 1860 Appeal.

We have chosen to support what we regard as the three buildings/structures which symbolise Newport. Namely, Newport Cathedral (St. Woolos) Tredegar House and the Transporter Bridge.

We have written to many local businesses in Newport, who serve our local community, asking for a minimum donation of £18.60 which will be divided between the three causes. All donations received by the end of August from "Supporters" will be listed by name in a book detailing the history of Tovey Bros., as well as being remembered in a service of Commemoration at the Cathedral on Saturday, 16th October 2010.

So that all involved can monitor our progress we will be updating the amount of donations received by way of a cash thermometer as can be seen below. For updates, please visit this website regularly.

 

List of Sponsors as at 21st October 2010

 

Newport Funeral home urges residents to get involved in social history project.

A Newport funeral home is marking its 150th anniversary by releasing a book, detailing its rich history as one of Newport's oldest family businesses and is urging local people to get involved.

Tovey Bros funeral directors opened in 1860 on Newport's Dock Street and is currently owned and managed by Humphrey Tovey along with his son James Tovey. The company, which has helped local families for six generations, is to launch a book this autumn and is encouraging the local community to get involved with the proejct and share their own stories.

James Tovey said: "With such a long tradition in Newport, it seemed lik our 150th anniversary was the right time to embark on a social history project to find out more about our company's origins and its place in Newport's history. Local history student Tim Gray is currently helping us collate research which covers everything from notable Newport funerals to Tovey Bros' involvement in repatriation during both World Wars.

"Tovey Bros is a local business that is heavily involved with the community and as you can imagine there have been many changes in traditions, customs and technology meaning there is plenty of scope for an interesting look at Newport's past."

The book will be aimed at anyone who is interested in finding out more about local history from the perspective of one of its older companies. Tovey Bros is currently looking for people to share any interesting information, photographs, documents they may have about Tovey Bros history, especially dating back from the late 19th centry and early 20th century.

If you have any information or stories to share, please get in touch with James Tovey at Tovey Bros on 01633 266 848 or email info@toveybros.co.uk

Open Day 18th September 2010

We will be holding an open day at our funeral home. As well as an historic exhibition depicting funeral customs, past and present, this will give people the chance to meet our staff, have a look at our premises and to ask any questions they may have about what happens when someone dies. We hope inviting people into the home will remove many of the unknown elements associated with a death and so lessen the fear that many people have concerning bereavement and what to do. The day is open to the public and professionals.

 

Newport funeral home marks 150th milestone

A Newport funeral directors has commemorated 150 years in business with a rededication ceremony of the service chapel at its funeral home.

Tovey Bros, a family-run funeral directors which has served families in the Newport area since 1860, opted for the religious ceremony to mark its extraordinary landmark and celebrate the business being handed down through six generations of the same family. The company is currently run by James Tovey, the great great great grandson of the founder alongside his father Humphrey.

The rededication service, which is a blessing of the chapel to mark its continued use as a place of worship, was carried out by The Right Reverend Dominic Walker, Bishop of Monmouth. Assisting him was Reverend Father Brian Cuddihy and Reverend Shem Morgan. Also in attendance were special guests including the president of Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors, Jim Parker, and the vice president of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Andrew Pargetter.

James Tovey, said: A rededication ceremony is not compulsory but most funeral homes choose to hold one after key milestones such as a renovation, moving to a new premises or in our case, a significant anniversary. The ceremony represents a renewed purpose for
the chapel, which holds many services and provides sanctuary for the family before a funeral. It can be a source of comfort for families to know that the building has been blessed.

The ceremony was also a great opportunity to thank our staff, friends and family for all the support they have shown over the years. Although we have been in business for 150 years our founding ethos has remained intact. We are compassionate and empathetic and I believe that is why we have been trusted by local families for six generations.

Tovey Bros appoints new funeral director

Tovey Bros has seen its business continue to grow this year. As a result, it has become necessary for us to add to our staff in order to continue to provide our desired service quality. Tovey Bros is therefore delighted to announce the appointment of a new funeral director, David O'Connell, and welcome him to our team. "David is an experienced funeral director from Newport with a lot of local knowledge and we are extremely pleased to have been able to secure his services for our business," said James. Tovey.

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Tovey Bros. attends Usk Show - September 2010

SURPRISE IN STORE AT THE SHOWS
Three eye-catching coffin designs were recently on display at the Native Woodland stand at Usk Show and the Vale of Glamorgan Show. Causing quite a stir amongst the thousands of visitors to these mainly agricultural Shows, this was an informative and less traditional way of highlighting choices that people have when it comes to organising funeral plans. Native Woodland, the natural burial ground specialists with five sites across the UK, took a stand at both regional shows in order to spread the word about its two outstanding locations in south Wales. Usk Castle Chase can be found in the small rural town of Usk in Monmouthshire while the Grade II listed parkland ground at Cardiff & The Vale is situated to the west of the city at Culverhouse Cross. At these natural burial grounds there is a choice of traditional burial or interment or scattering of ashes.

James Leedam of Native Woodland was enthusiastic about the response to the stand:
"Although some visitors were a little apprehensive at first, finding it unusual to see coffins
at a Show, the informal atmosphere put them at ease. They definitely found it a useful
chance to see the products close up and ask lots of questions. Most took leaflets and product details away with them to read during a quieter moment and one hundred lucky visitors left with a silver birch sapling, donated by funeral plan experts, Golden Charter." Also helping on the stand at Usk Show was James Tovey of Newport based funeral directors, Tovey Bros. He agreed that it had been a successful and enjoyable event: "Usk Castle Chase won the 2008 award for Best Green Burial Ground in the UK and we are pleased to be involved with this ecologically sound burial meadow. We listen to the families who come to us and offer those who love the countryside and who wish to make minimal environmental impact when they die advice about a natural burial ground as an alternative choice."

Included in the display was a fine, hand-woven willow coffin from The Somerset Willow
Company, a beautifully crafted Ecopod coffin finished in a blue with white doves, and a
plaited water-hyacinth casket from Daisy Coffins Ltd, that the visitors found intriguing
when trying to identify what material is was made from.

For further information please view our website at www.nativewoodland.co.uk
or contact James Leedam on 01600 716438.

 

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Golden Charter Funeral Planner of the Year 2009

Tovey Bros Funeral Directors, named Golden Charter Funeral Planner of the Year for South West England & South Wales.

Golden Charter, Britain's leading independent funeral plan provider, has awarded Tovey Bros Funeral Directors, the South West England & South Wales' Funeral Planner of the Year Regional Award for its dedication and commitment in providing an outstanding service to the community.

James Tovey travelled to Sutton Scotney, near Winchester to accept the silver salver and certificate from Golden Charter's Managing Director Ronnie Wayte and National Sales Manager Richard Auchincloss at the award ceremony at the Norton Park Hotel.

In addition to the silver salver and framed certificate from Golden Charter, the Woodland Trust has dedicated a stand of trees in Tovey Bros Funeral Directors name at Pen-y-Turnpike Wood, Vale of Glamorgan in recognition their achievement.

Tovey Bros Funeral Directors was judged as a regional winner from over 1,400 other funeral businesses who exclusively offer Golden Charter funeral plans, the largest funeral-planning network in the UK.

On receiving his award, James Tovey said "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. It's just like winning an Oscar. The award pays tribute to all the hard work put into the business by my family and the dedication and professionalism of the staff."

Ronnie Wayte commented. "This is the 16th year of the awards, and each year it becomes more difficult to choose a winner. Through these awards Golden Charter has been able to recognise personal excellence and professional commitment in one of the most difficult and challenging areas of serving the public."

"'Tovey Bros Funeral Directors and their staff have set the standard for this and following years, and we are delighted to recognise this achievement."

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The Mayor of Newport attends
National Bereavement Awareness Open Day

Saturday 8th November 2008

On Saturday members of the public and bereavement professionals took the opportunity to attend an open day at Tovey Bros funeral home as part of SAIF National Bereavement Day.

Humphrey and James Tovey together with colleagues were also pleased to welcome The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Newport, Councillor Noel F Trigg, who toured the premises and chatted with fellow attendees. Questions were asked about various types of funerals and about Golden Charter Funeral Plans.

James Leedam from Native Woodland - Natural Burial Sites displayed an interesting slide show on both traditional and alternative funerals.



Advice was also given by Mike Coombes from Hold out a Hand Bereavement Support, Caroline Herbert of E J Herbert & Son Monumental Sculptors and Catherine Corless of Lovingly Managed Bereavement Coordinators.

James Tovey explained that it was ‘an excellent way to discuss funeral options and answer questions at a time when not facing a bereavement’.

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National Bereavement Awareness Open Day

Saturday 8th November 2008

On Saturday 8th November 2008, independent funeral directors across the UK will be throwing open their doors to the public for SAIF’s (Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors) National Bereavement Awareness Open Day. As Gwent’s largest independent funeral directors, Tovey Bros is delighted to be taking part and is looking forward to welcoming everyone – from bereavement professionals to members of the public – to our premises to find out more about funerals, our role and a range of other services associated with funeral planning and the grieving process.

‘Usually, people never set foot over the threshold of a funeral director’s until they absolutely have to,‘ commented James Tovey.‘If people can visit, at a time when they’re not in imminent need of our services, to look around and learn more about what we do and what else is on offer from other professionals associated with bereavement, SAIF’s belief, and I’m in complete agreement with this, is that people won’t feel so overwhelmed and out of their depth when it comes to coping with an actual bereavement.

‘So if you feel that knowing more about funerals and funeral planning would be of benefit to you then why not join us? You’ll have the opportunity to put your questions to Tovey Bros staff, have a tour round our funeral home including our reception rooms and chapel,view a range of coffins and observe our on-site carpenter crafting a traditional solid wood coffin, find out more about monumental masonry services,meet representatives from a variety of support organisations and other companies involved in providing services at the time of a bereavement and finally, access information about the increasingly popular natural burial option and other types of alternative funerals.

• Venue: Tovey Bros, 9-11 Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 2EH
• For guidance on how to reach us visit maps & directions
• Doors open at 10.00am and close at 2.00pm.
• Free tea and coffee
• Ample car parking at the funeral home

We look forward to welcoming you to Tovey Bros.

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SPONSORED WALK - 19th July 2008

The family and friends of the late Margaret Tovey recently completed an arduous 19 mile stretch of the Cornish Coastal Path to commemorate what would have been her 70th birthday.

The sponsored walk from Cape Cornwall to Mousehole passed such famous landmarks as Land's End and the Minack Theatre, with 15 participants ranging in age from 14 to 74.

The walk was in aid of the Archbishop of Wales' Fund for Children, helping disadvantaged children and their families throughout Wales, a charity which was actively supported by Margaret. The family would like to thank family, friends and local businesses for their generosity, as well as local organisations such as the Newport committee of AWFC, The Rotary Club of Caerleon, The Inner Wheel Club of Newport, Magor Churchmen's Society and Holy Trinity Women's Group.

Everyone's generosity has meant that the total raised recently passed £10,000, with donations still arriving.

The Cornish people were extremely receptive to the walkers and money was donated by several
passers by. When they arrived at Lamorna Cove, in the heat of the afternoon, the local cafe
generously gave all participants a free ice cream. The Ship Inn at Mousehole kindly discounted the cost of the post walk meal.

James Tovey, son of Margaret, said 'It was a tough day with constant walking from 6.30 am to 4 pm but the camaraderie carried us all through to the finish. There were a few funny incidents including my cousin Will managing to lock his walking boots inside the room where he was staying, with no way of re entering at 5.30 a m. He had to complete the first half of the walk in a pair of trainers which were a size too small! We are extremely grateful to those who participated in the walk and to everyone for their kind sponsorship. We are overwhelmed by the total raised, which is a fitting tribute.'

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Good Funerals Open Day - 7 June 2008

A friendly welcome and summer sunshine greeted curious visitors to the Good Funerals Open Day on Saturday 7th June at Usk Castle Chase natural burial ground. The site, normally a place for contemplative solitude, was busy with people visiting marquee stands that offered a wide range of funereal items including an amazing range of traditional, wicker, alternative and modern coffins, hand crafted stone memorials, doves for memorial release, the vintage lorry hearse - also Golden Charter Funeral Plans. They took the opportunity to browse and talk directly in an informal environment to staff from several hospices, Gwent Crematorium, Summerleaze Pet Crematorium, local bereavement support organisations and to local clergy.

The Open Day, organised by Newport-based Tovey Bros funeral directors and natural burial ground specialists, Native Woodland, gave visitors the chance to find out about the cost of different styles of funeral, types of ceremonies, including religious and non-religious services, and transport they may choose. Pasture Farm's four gleaming black stallions caparisoned with black head-plumes pulling an Edwardian glass hearse was a dramatic eye-catching sight for people in the town who enjoyed the spectacle of a procession of traditional and alternative funeral vehicles through the Monmouthshire town.

Key to the success of the day was the great diversity of exhibitors, and the good-heartedness and warm ambience of all involved. Peter Rock of Arka Ecopods, a beautifully organically shaped pod-style casket made from recycled paper, remarked that he enjoyed meeting many people on the day saying; "This event has been the best of its kind that I have attended. There has been such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere."

One visitor from Risca, was so enthused about the burial ground that she immediately enquired about reserving a plot. She said of the event; "A brilliant day, everyone was enjoying themselves, it was really marvellous". Most visitors commented that the Open Day was positively enlightening, allowing them to discuss the sombre subject of funerals an uplifting way.

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