FUNERALS often prove to be expensive, especially when so few people set aside money to cover such costs.

So the news that Marsh-based charity The Joseph Salmon Trust is taking on the taxman to stop VAT being charged on headstones is something we should all support.

Under current legislation the cost of burying loved ones is deemed essential and is therefore exempt from VAT.

But headstones are viewed as non-essential so 15% tax has to be paid.

After losing their three-year-old son Joseph to pneumonia in 2005, Neil and Rachael Salmon realised how many parents are unprepared for the cost of saying goodbye to a child so formed the Trust to help others like them. (continue reading…)

Last Saturday also saw the Trust busy at the Christmas Fayre at the St Phillips Community Centre, Birchencliffe. The Trustees held a tombola and guess the name of the bear competition as well as selling our popular range of Christmas Cards. The day raised £154 for the Trust.

Soup and Sweet Event

As you may know the Tuesday Club at Lindley Methodist Church have been arranging lots of events for The Joseph Salmon Trust. The most recent one was last Saturday. 8 delicious home made soups were on the menu for the hungry group to try. Broccoli and Apple was a particular favourite of mine. A mouth watering selections of desserts followed to suit every taste. Thank you to all who made it such a success.