Rosedale raises over £300 at Diss Carnival

What is a Funeral Director doing at Diss Carnival (and why it matters)

Many years ago, when Doreen Collins made it her mission to reinstate the Diss Carnival, she visited us at Rosedale and asked if we’d like to be involved. As a team, this was something we had to consider carefully. A fun, family day didn’t seem an obvious fit for a funeral home—but after much discussion, we decided we should be represented, for some very good reasons:

• Being part of the community, not apart from it.
• A funeral director serves the community in its most difficult moments—but we’re also part of its joyful ones. Taking part in local events helps show that we are approachable, human, and genuinely care about the people we serve.
• Breaking down barriers around death.
• Community events offer a gentle, natural setting to encourage open conversations about death, dying and bereavement, making us more approachable when people need us most.
• Raising awareness for good causes.
• The Diss Carnival does so much to support local organisations and charities. By taking part, we align ourselves with causes that matter to our community and demonstrate our commitment to giving back.
• Encouraging the next generation is so important as children can sometimes see funeral directors as scary or unfamiliar. When they meet us in a relaxed, cheerful setting (handing out teddies instead of brochures) we become familiar faces, helping reduce fear and build trust.
  

What have Rosedale done over the years?

In our first year, we offered a dove release to remember absent friends, which was warmly received. We grew a little braver the following year and entered a team of bearers into the tug of war! More recently we have started our hugely popular recycled teddy tombola and themed family activity packs which aligns perfectly with our core values.

Aside from bringing joy to many children and young people, we are also proud to have kept the carbon footprint low, as well as raise £332.45 for the Royal British Legion, our charity of the year.

Fun days aren’t just about burgers and fairground rides – they’re about people connecting. During the event, we were approached by those curious about our Bereavement Support Groups and Mental Health Training, and we also reunited with families we’ve supported over the years. It meant so much to catch up and hear how they’re doing out of a funeral home environment. These moments matter a great deal, and made us feel incredibly proud.

We’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who donated pre-loved teddies, those who made the day such a success, and to everyone who stopped by to chat.

If you took an activity pack on the day and want to enter our competition for the chance to win a hamper of goodies and a beautiful bouquet of silk flowers kindly donated by Emily Rose Flowers, you still have time.

Competition entries can be dropped off at Rosedale Funeral Home, Diss or via email (details in the booklet) up until Monday 16th June 2025.