Grave concerns over coffins at Tenterden lights event
by James Scott
Grave concerns have been aired over a coffin maker's presence at
a late night shopping event.
The issue was unearthed after Tenderden's special event
recently.
Question marks were raised over the suitability of coffins, and
the general lack of a Christmas theme in the town centre.
Posting on the Tenterden town forum, Clark Griswold said: “I
thought the whole event lacked something called Christmas.
"Plus there were too many things happening outside the town
hall, causing people to get a bit aggressive.
Andy Clarke's coffins
made a big impression!
"Next year Christmas should be the theme, not just stalls
selling toot. Coffins?”
Andy Clarke of Wealden Coffins, who makes unique curved and
painted eco-friendly coffins, said his business had as much right
to be there as anyone else.
“It was quite interesting,” he said. “We had a lot of quite
mixed responses. I think it surprised a few people and there were
some people who avoided eye contact.
“We did get some people who said it’s not really very festive
and it’s not necessarily something you would buy for Christmas, but
we had a lot of very positive comments as well.
"I had a great number of people who said how lovely the coffins
were and how it was nice to see them out in a place where you could
see them.
“I think there a lot of things that weren’t Christmassy there.
Homewood school drama
students playing The last toys on Christmas Eve
“We’re members of the chamber of commerce so we have a right to
have a stall there just as much as anyone else.
“If people get annoyed by the subject of death that’s
unfortunate but it’s something we all have to go through at some
stage.”
Jonathan Medes, events officer for Tenterden & District
Chamber of Commerce,said: “They’re a new member business and they
do fantastic eco-friendly coffins.
“My first thought was ‘crikey, would that fit?’ but we offered
it to everyone who’s a member so why would we say no?
“Something we’re keen on is profile raising so if it’s raised
the profile for the business then it’s good for him.”
He added that he was perplexed by the comment about the lack of
a Christmas theme.
“Father Christmas was there,” he said. “The Lions had their
Santa’s sleigh, Father Christmas turned up in an old vintage car
and the Rotary Club were selling mulled wine.”
14/12/12
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