Brailes Show 2026

“Well, we could all do with talking about it!”

Was one of the overriding comments we heard again and again on our stand at Brailes Show. Brailes is the village in Warwickshire where the Locke family originated and where our business is based.

One or two people expressed surprise when they heard we were having a stand at the show! Traditionally village shows involve cake, flowers, marquees containing prize winning vegetables and flowers, full of games, funfair rides displays and activities for the all the family. A very British/traditional affair. Many of us have happy memories of winning first prize for our decorated cupcakes or miniature garden in a seed tray as a child!

But for us, it was a wonderful opportunity to continue supporting an event that George’s grandad, Raymond Locke, first helped set up all those years ago – he also used to drive around the local villages to collect produce and exhibits, helping anyone who needed things transporting to the show.

So how does a local family funeral directors fit into all the fun and frolics at the village show!

First is the gazebo. Probably the most important bit of kit of the day. British summers are well known for their rain, although this year the opposite with scorching heat and sun! So protection from the weather is a must!

Next what to display? Funeral directors are often subject to a very traditional, staid, Victorian stereotype , something from Charles Dickens Oliver Twist often springs to mind! We may have traditional values but certainly move with the times!

This is a family event for all ages so we chose to display three different coffins. One sitting atop a tandem bicycle hearse.

The second a locally made Willow coffin, where the lady who weaves the coffins invites families to visit and help with the weaving.

The third, a ‘Colourful Coffin’ we had especially made for the occasion! Using photos of Brailes village these were sent off to be made into a cardboard coffin. We knew it would be a great talking point with many families trying to spot their house on the side!

The last a jute coffin. Jokes regarding a well-known Swedish furniture company shuttled back and forth as we explained they came to us flat pack. They were also likened to old fashioned grain sacks and held great appeal to the visitors old enough to remember these and they just have a really nice rustic country feel to them.

Lots of conversations were had regarding what coffins were suitable for natural burial grounds, which were more environmentally friendly. As well as what photos or designs people might choose for themselves if they had a printed coffin.

Yes, if people wanted to look inside them we would lift the lid so they could see.

Our hearse and limousine were parked up next to our stand for the classic vehicle enthusiasts and on display inside were historic photos and information about our business. Including the record book from 1949 which feature funeral accounts at the front and the village cidermaking records at the back!

Rachel had been busy all week putting together display boards about various transport options, direct cremations, natural burial grounds and the top 10 songs/music people had played at their funeral!

We hoped our displays would encourage talk about funerals, planning ahead and sharing your funeral wishes with your family. It certainly did. Many people took home one of our ‘My Thoughts and Wishes for My Funeral booklets’ which is a really good place to start jotting down a few ideas.

We kept a rough tally going but over the five hours of the show we estimate Colin, George and Rachel had about 156 proper conversations around coffin, transport options, aftercare and bereavement services, direct cremations and pre-paid funeral plans. As well discussing the importance of talking in advance with your family about funeral plans.

It was lovely that so many clients we had conducted funerals in the past also came to say hello. It gave us opportunity to tell them about our newly developed ‘Aftercare and Bereavement’ services we can now offer.

And now onto the serious bit!

Not content with just attending the show George received ‘Highly Commended’ for his Lemon Drizzle cake in the men’s only category. Rachel earned first prize for her handmade top. Littlest Locke came second with her braided bracelet in the children’s ‘handmade jewellery or accessory’ section. Her chocolate brownies didn’t receive an award, but considering how quickly they were devoured by everyone at the end of the day, we all thought they deserved a first prize!

The time and organisation it took us to prepare our stand makes us truly appreciate all the volunteers who step up in our local villages to organise fetes, fayre and shows of all kinds. Big thank you Katie Haycock (Brailes Show Chair) and her team for making it such as fantastic event!

So all in all a successful day for everyone!