GILLIVER’S LIMOUSINE ADDS FLAVOUR TO STREET PARADE

Residents in a Leicestershire village held a street parade with a difference when they recruited the help of their local funeral home.

Staff at the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Gilliver’s Funeral Services donated the use of a limousine to lead a procession around Barlestone, as part of the village’s first annual street parade.

They also helped with fundraising by organising a competition and collecting cash on the day.

John Chapman, Funeral Director at Gilliver’s, said: “We filled the limousine with balloons and asked people to guess how many were inside. We had 90 entries for all looking to win the iPod Shuffle which we donated. In total we raised £45”

“As well as this our staff helped out with a street collection during the parade which raised more money on top. So it was really worthwhile and we were delighted to help.”

Organiser Cathie Mullins hailed the event a success, and said the limousine proved to be the centre of attraction among spectators.

She said: “It certainly turned a lot of heads. I don’t think anyone was expecting to see a funeral car as part of the fun. But we were pleased because it was something different.

“Years ago all villages had similar annual events and parades, but they died out. This was our chance to promote a sense of community in the village, and hopefully make it an annual thing.”

Cash raised on the day will be spent in the Barlestone community.