International Meetings
European Meetings
European Meetings give members in Europe a chance to connect. They also are a valuable opportunity for North American members to attend and learn from professionals in another part of the world—often the new best practice or upcoming trend originates outside the U.S.!
Peter Johnson, European Group Secretary, created this lovely video montage of past European Meetings. Despite the chaos on this current pandemic and the cancellations and postponements of meetings, we all look forward optimistically to the future and recall some of the lovely moments shared in the past. Click here to enjoy the video.
European Autumn Group Meeting 2021
November 6-7, 2021
Location: Great Foster’s Hotel, Surrey, England
Over the years the Group’s Autumn (A.G.M.) meeting has taken place in the heart of London and usually lasts for no more than five hours. However, the pandemic has made everyone rethink the way they do everything. This Group is no different; and your Executive has decided to change both the format and the location for this year. The venue, Great Fosters Hotel, is outside of London; only 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport and 5 minutes from the M25 and motorway links. It has a long and royal history, used as a hunting lodge by Queen Elizabeth I, later it became a secure location for "Mad King George III" and it is only 15 minutes from Windsor Castle. It boasts a Michelin starred restaurant and beautiful gardens.
Note: As with all hospitality venues, as the pandemic restrictions are lifted, it is receiving a large number of requests for bookings. thirty rooms have been secured for Selected members (two thirds of the total occupancy), which will be held until August. We suggest that you make your reservation sooner rather than later.
For more details or if questions, contact Peter Johnson, European Group Secretary.
Meeting Invitation, Registration & Hotel Information
European Group Contact
Peter Johnson
European Group Secretary
43 Laburnum Grove, Cleadon Village
SR6 7RJ England
Telephone: +447765848803
Congratulations to Christian Svanholm of Svanholm Funeral Home in Trondheim, Norway who has been elected the new Selected Independent Funeral Homes European Group Chair. A special thanks to outgoing Chair, Louise Williams of C.J. Williams Funeral Service in Shropshire, England.
NOTE: European Meetings are completely planned and facilitated by the European Group. For questions, please contact the respective meeting host and/or European Group Secretary.
Past Meeting Minutes
November 2019 European Annual Group Meeting Record
Congratulations to John Weir of Selected member, John Weir Funeral Directors in Rainham, Kent, England. We are delighted to share that John has been named the High Sheriff for the County of Kent. The entire ceremony can by viewed on this video. The role of High Sheriff has been in existence for at least 1,000 years. Originally they were Royal officials appointed to enforce the Kings interests in a County; in particular to collect taxes and enforce law and order. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the Counties of England and Wales. The office is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. Their duties include attendance at royal visits in the County and provide support for Her Majesty’s High Court Judges; supporting the Crown and the judiciary remains a central element of the role.
Pacific Meetings
Pacific Meetings give members in the Pacific region a chance to connect. They also are a valuable opportunity for North American members to attend and learn from professionals in another part of the world—often the new best practice or upcoming trend originates outside the U.S.!
Pacific Group meetings in Australia and New Zealand are suspended for the time being due to COVID-19 and restriction of travel between individual States and the two countries.
Group meeting in Australia in May 2019, hosted by
Paula Tobin of Peter Tobin Funerals.
Pacific Group Contact
Peter Vincent
Pacific Group Chairman
Vincent Funeral Services
113 Bass Highway Parklands, Burnie, Tasmania 7320 Australia
Telephone: 011-61-36431-9911
Pacific Group Deputy Chair
Kings Funerals
130 Bellerine Highway, Newcombe, Victoria 3219, Australia
Telephone: 011-6-3-5248-3444
NOTE: Pacific Meetings are completely planned and facilitated by the Pacific Group. For questions, please contact the respective meeting host and/or Pacific Group Chairman.