AN INDEPENDENT family funeral directors has expanded with the opening of its third branch, where it hopes to ‘break the taboo’ of talking about death.

L Titcombe and Family Independent Funeral Directors was founded by Lorraine Titcomeb 10 years ago and has two branches – one in Elmwood Parade, Basingstoke and one in Newbury.

It has now launched its third branch, in Overton, where the president of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Barry Pritchard, cut the ribbon to declare it officially open on July 2.

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Lorraine said: “I am delighted to be opening my third branch in Overton to serve the village and surrounding area and that so many people came along to celebrate with us including the local clergy who offered a prayer and blessed the premises.

“This is an exciting time for me and the business, and I am so thankful to everyone that helped me get up and running so quickly and to Barry who took time out of his busy schedule to travel from Sheffield to Overton to cut the ribbon.

“Overton is a thriving village in Hampshire with a lot of local history and many generations of families call it their home. They have been so friendly and welcoming and although it is early days, it has a great feel about it and we have been able to help three local families already.”

Lorraine said the funeral industry is going through changes that affect the decisions families must make.

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She hopes to welcome the community into the branch to talk about death. 

Lorraine added: “It is our short-term ambition to try and get the local community talking about bereavement and planning for when it happens, moving the subject from one of taboo to one of openness.

“We plan to hold regular meetings where people can pop in for a cuppa and talk to us about all things related to bereavement whether they use our services or not, and hopefully we can help them make informed decisions going forward as they plan a loved one’s funeral.

"If this proves useful to people, we will consider replicating it in our other offices."