We celebrate Jane’s first year at Musgrove Willows Coffins

Jane talking to Jeff with a willow coffin in front of them

Jane is pictured with Jim Sherring our Coffin Finishing Department Supervisor.

In March 2023, we welcomed Jane to Musgrove Willows. She began her time with us as maternity leave cover for one of our Coffins Administrators – which then turned into a full time position.

As we reach the anniversary of Jane’s first year, what did she have to say about working at Musgrove Willows Coffins?

“No two days are the same,” said Jane. Things tend to move quickly in the work of a Coffin Administrator. Jane’s days normally start with looking at emails, contacting funeral directors, and swiftly dealing with any urgent requests.

Before she came to Musgrove, Jane worked as a PA and secretary for a private nursing home – so she’s highly skilled in doing accurate, people-driven work at a fast pace.

“It’s really important that all paperwork gets done quickly,” says Jane, “as this needs to be done for the dispatch team to do their job.”

Jane liaises closely with the coffin workshop, and has developed a very strong working relationship with the team. She makes sure the orders are down at the workshop for the team to begin work on as soon as possible. Jane also communicates the bespoke coffin orders to the workshop manager, helping the team make sure the orders are translated into the exact, unique coffin the customer wants.

From monitoring incoming emails and phone calls placing orders, to forwarding orders to funeral directors for sign off, Jane’s work involves meticulous attention to detail – something she takes very seriously.

“We always thoroughly check the spelling of names for plaques, and any other highly personal items,” says Jane. “There are no returns at Musgrove Willows. We have checks in place to ensure we get everything right, every time.”

Working at Musgrove Willows has made Jane feel part of something very personal and unique.

“I really love that we offer Help to Weave,” says Jane. “I have experienced personal loss, so I can really relate to the families that come in. It makes me feel part of something very special, to be involved in part of their healing experience.”

As a Langport resident, Jane loves the sense of community in Somerset. Outside of work, Jane is a passionate gardener in the summer, and loves socialising and spending time with her family – who are right on the doorstep, as her twin children both now live in Bristol. And as a keen walker, working on the Somerset levels is ideal for Jane.

“It’s so rural, and I feel very connected with the landscape at Musgrove,” says Jane. “There’s a beautiful sunset as you leave for the day – it’s a really lovely spot. I have lovely relationships with everyone I work with. It’s a wonderful place to work.”