IN May 2005 the Voice reported on the start of a new venture in Ocean Grove, based on offering a ‘one-stop-shop for life rituals’.
The partnership between former Baptist minister Philip Christian and undertaker Richard Grimmett was unique in the town and included constructing the town’s first fully equipped mortuary.
Bellarine Memories officiated its first funeral in April 2005. Dr Mike Birrell officially opened their premises on the corner of Grubb Road and Sinclair Street on Sept 1, 2005.
At the time the team said they wanted to connect and work with the community.
The team has wholly embedded themselves in the life of the town.
They are a foundation sponsor of Bellarine Police Community Support Register and provide ongoing support to the RSL for ANZAC and Remembrance Day Services and other community organisations.
They have now officiated on 400 funerals - in churches, clubs, parks and at the beach as well as 80 weddings and various anniversaries and celebrations.
“HOW far have we come in 5 years?
Recently, we entered a very quiet period and this, as always, causes us to reflect on who we are, where we’ve come from, even where we’d like to be in another five years.
We regularly encounter a view of us, even by others in business, that we hopefully do not have much work to do – a sign that our community isn’t suffering overly much. And, apologies to the dry cleaners, but if they don’t like us to be busy, who amongst us really enjoys having to get them to clean our garments? Or the mechanics and panel-beaters, fixing up our broken down motor vehicles?
Well, this isn’t new, and when we set-up, we were addressing those many times we’d heard people say, “I hope we don’t see you again for a long time!” So we came with the name bellarine memories, and the by-line, “for life’s significant occasions,” because all rituals can be more meaningful when done creatively and well.
There have been the business anniversaries, 21st and 100th birthday celebrations, namings, graduations and retirement parties, as well as the weddings and renewal of vows, the funerals and scattering of ashes. Events have been filmed, posted on the web, skyped across the world.
The events, ceremonies and celebrations have been as diverse as the people we have met and been privileged to know. Their culture, background, heritage, customs and beliefs have been the source for designing the process and enriching the outcome.
Changing societies, evolving behaviours, and new technologies influence the ways we function and exist; so we all do well to reflect on how to encounter and appropriate change.
So, where will we be in five years? We can only guess.
Philip Christian and Richard Grimmett, Bellarine Memories.
Latest Feedback