Chance to learn about coffin club

COFFIN ART: Joy Ashwell concentrates on some delicate paintwork to a casket lid at a Tairāwhiti Coffin Club session. The club has been operating for five years at the BCR Joinery premises in Gladstone Road and an open day there on Saturday morning offers anyone interested the chance to find out more. Picture supplied

Tairāwhiti Coffin Club is holding an open day on Saturday at its premises in the BCR Joinery building at 522 Gladstone Road.

The club was established five years ago in response to a need in the community for more affordable options for “underground furniture”.

“Its purpose is to ease the financial burden on families at what is an already difficult time by planning ahead and providing another alternative,” club spokeswoman Taranga Kent said.

“The family consequently has one less thing to worry about when the time comes.”

The club, which has 150 members, meets every Saturday morning at BCR Joinery.

“They are a dedicated group of volunteers who gather to assist members to complete their own coffins.”

“The coffins are professionally made by a joiner on site.

“You are then able to paint and fit out your own coffin or you can choose to pay extra for club volunteers to do the work for you.

“The social aspect is important, too,” Ms Kent said. “Having a cuppa and a korero in a supportive, friendly environment as part of the process helps people to understand and come to terms with end-of-life realities.

“We would welcome anyone keen on joining the club this Saturday or at any of our Saturday morning workshop sessions between 9am and 12 noon to see what it’s all about.”