A Nation’s Day for Mums

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Joe Campbell

When a nation celebrates its mothers, it’s a special day. A time dedicated to acknowledge, honour and thank the women who have built our homes, our communities and our nation. But Mother’s Day for you might also be a day to remember and to commemorate. A day of tenderness.Of reminiscing.

Ever wondered how Mother’s Day came to being? Well, here are a few interesting facts on this holiday – and how we celebrate it in Australia…

Northern Pacific Railway postcard for Mother's Day 1916.

The Birth of Mother’s Day

The modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia held a memorial for her mother in America. Soon after, she began a campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognised national holiday. Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialisation by the 1920s.

Other countries adopted Jarvis’ holiday and it is now celebrated all over the world. Mother’s Day is, essentially, a celebration honouring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It complements Father’s Day – a similar celebration that honours fathers.

Interestingly, Anna Jarvis, who started Mother’s Day also filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop the over-commercialisation of Mother’s Day. She lost her fight. Anna had hoped for a day of reflection and quiet prayer by families, thanking God for all that mothers had done.

Mother’s Day in Australia

Although Mother’s Day is celebrated on various dates around the world (most commonly in March or May), in the lucky country, we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. This year, it’s the 12^th of May 2013.

Janet Heyden began the tradition of giving gifts to mothers on Mother’s Day in Australia, in 1924.A resident of Leichhardt, Sydney, she started the tradition while visiting a patient at the Newington State Home for Women where she met many lonely, aged mothers.

To cheer them up, Heyden gathered up support from local school children and businesses to donate and bring gifts to the women. Every year thereafter, Heyden raised increasing backing for the project, which was even supported by the local Mayor. The day has since become commercialised.

Traditionally in Australia, the chrysanthemum is given to mothers for Mother’s Day as the flower is naturally in season during May and ends in “mum”.

Quick Facts On Aussie Mums

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Population Clock, the resident population of Australia is projected to be 23,010,182! One Aussie baby is born every 1 minute and 44 seconds and, women who become mothers do so typically between 25 and 34.

Spending Mother’s Day in Remembrance

Whether you’ve lost a mother or simply empathise with what it means to loose a maternal figure, Mother’s Day is a significant holiday for Australia.

At Phoenix Foundry, we understand the private journey of loss and grief. We know that celebrating a mum who you can’t hug is a tough ask and we know that commemorating mothers requires a timeless, special token. That’s why we have our range of Integrated Bronze Image Portraits that can be individually placed onto a memorial or cast as something family members can keep as a token of remembrance for everyday. Mother’s Day and everyday thereafter.

We wish all our staff, customers and friends a special Mother’s Day this Sunday… how ever you spend it.

Happy Mother's Day From Phoenix Foundry

Author: Joe Campbell

The “Bronzed Aussies” celebrate 30 years of business

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Joe Campbell

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

The power and pride in 30 years together

In marriage they call it the Pearl Anniversary, in friendship this rite of passage marks the truest of connections, and in business it’s an eternity… 30 years.

What’s in 30 years, you say? Our history as Phoenix Foundry, a leading Australian and international supplier of cast bronze plaques. We’re proud to be celebrating our big three-zero…

The foundation that builds a great business

Our longevity as a company, our ethos of client service and our year-on-year success stems from the integrity of our founding members: Henry Raymond and Charlie Rudd. With a group of local business people from the New England region of NSW, they established Phoenix Foundry in Uralla in 1983.

The first steps in a lifetime of accomplishments

An unoccupied and old jobbing foundry, which originally opened in 1872, was the obvious choice as Phoenix’s first premises. Responding to the local funeral director’s need for another bronze plaque supplier, Phoenix launched.

Original location of Phoenix Foundry in East St, Uralla

Henry and Charlie – a resilient and dedicated team – were the driving force behind the new foundry. After six months’ research and development, they began manufacturing. Committed to their new roles, to their customers, and to the art of casting, the first order of 30 years’ as Phoenix arrived: Armidale Council, located 25 km’s from Uralla, requested a commemorative plaque for the Armidale Sheep Selling Facility.

The original plaque is now proudly displayed in Phoenix’s boardroom after it was returned by Armidale Council and replaced with a new plaque at Phoenix’s request.

Images of 1^st pour and plaque from East St, Uralla

The roadmap that moulded growth

In 1988… Phoenix had outgrown the original premises and relocated to its current location in Duke Street. Henry and Charlie became very active in winning new customers and sales representatives were employed in Melbourne and Brisbane. With this, Phoenix grew substantially, eventually servicing new business from every State and Territory in Australia!

In 2001… Phoenix decided to go international. Phoenix began exporting their products from the foundry in Uralla to the UK via air courier. Although this venture was fruitful, expansion into other countries became a new objective.

In 2006… Phoenix began business in the North American market (predominately Canada), quickly established itself as a preferred supplier to many cemeteries because of superior service and “fast delivery times”: 4 weeks compared to the 8-12 week wait from local suppliers. Phoenix currently has three sales representatives across Sydney, Melbourne and Toronto (Canada).

In 2008… with export sales increasing, Phoenix invested in an expansion of the Duke Street premises. Effectively positioning Phoenix to accommodate an escalation in order volumes, the foundry anticipates continued growth for the next 10 years, and onwards — both domestically and internationally.

Part of the Duke St premises after the 2008 Expansion

In 2011… Phoenix’s international growth and success was recognised by one of our major competitors, a large American firm who approached Phoenix suggesting a takeover. But Phoenix’s shareholders unanimously voted against this; “It isn’t about the money. It’s about keeping the foundry and the jobs in Uralla and Australia,” was the consensus from all shareholders.

The torch of Phoenix’s victory is handed over

Henry Raymond retired from Phoenix Foundry in 2008 after sharing his expertise and unique skills with current staff. He remained on the Phoenix board, guiding the foundry with his spirit, to step down in January this year.

Charlie Rudd continued to work at Phoenix until officially retiring in December 2012. He also remained on the board to step down in January this year.

Henry and Charlie will always be familiar faces at the foundry and their spirit and passion for the business will be part of Phoenix’s next 30 years.

Our 30 years’ together is an impressive achievement built on the vision, dedication, loyalty and love of casting held by each Phoenix member. To our customers and friends, thank you for fuelling our passion for bronze work. Phoenix would also – and especially – like to acknowledge and thank our staff.

Henry Raymond & Charlie Rudd (the original “Bronzed Aussies”)

[On behalf of Henry, Charlie and all staff members at Phoenix Foundry, I’d like to thank you for your support -- both as customers and friends. We look forward to another 30 years of successful business that will help Phoenix fly the Aussie flag both domestically and internationally. – Joe Campbell]

Bronze Plaques at The Bottom of The Earth: The Titanic Memorial

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Joe Campbell

We acquire the strength we have overcome – Ralph Waldo Emerson
There’s something about loss that is so human, so much a part of life, that it can be the very thing that unites us. Whether we identify with the loss of a treasured pet, the passing of a life-long partner or whether we share in our community’s loss of a great leader, we experience an emotion that is fundamentally an element of our humanity… The stuff that hurts, that shows us we’re fallible, the stuff that reminds us to cherish each moment. To live.

The sinking Goliath’s impact on the globe – a collective pain
This couldn’t be truer than with the Titantic tragedy. The Titanic’s 1,500 dead were remembered 100 years after the tragedy, last year, in 2012. The luxury liner, which went down April 14, 1912 after striking an iceberg, sits at the bottom of international waters. The largest ship of its time, the Titanic was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ever created.
More than 100 years after the tragedy and the ship’s virgin voyage from Southampton, the wreck of this leviathan still has the ability to inspire and humble. The scale of loss, the shared pain, the beautiful commemorative celebrations held by survivors, loved ones and society mark our century.

Bronze Plaques at The Bottom of The Earth The Titanic Memorial

Photograph by the Institute for Exploration and the Institute for Archaeological Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.

Honouring the loss, the pain, the place – a rite of passage

It was in this photograph, on the bridge of The Titanic, that crewmen tried to steer the ship away from the iceberg that tore her open and sent her to the sea floor in the early hours of April 15, 1912. A spine chilling thought.

The lone telemotor– a steering mechanism that held the ship’s wheel – is flanked by commemorative plaques and plastic flowers. Visitors have left these since the wreck was discovered in 1985 by the renowned American oceanographer Dr Robert Ballard, who, incidentally, also found the Bismark in 1989.

Over the past decade, nearly 200 Titanic dives have taken 150 individuals to see the mystical ruin, and – despite the $60,000 cost – the expeditions were oversubscribed for the 100th anniversary of the disaster, last year. Clients have included bankers, teachers, pilots, doctors, historical experts and sometimes the descendants of survivors or those who perished in the tragedy.

The total number of expeditions to the wreck is unknown, but there have been trips by scientists, filmmakers, legal salvagers, historians, and possibly looters – not to mention newlyweds! But, 2012 was the last year that driving adventures were permitted. The Titanic has been laid to a peaceful rest.

Understanding the significance of each memorial – distinctive, special

At Phoenix Foundry, we understand the journey of loss, of mourning and what it means to truly commemorate – whether a private or public loss. A Phoenix Foundry cast bronze plaque is an elegant and timeless memorial. For 30 years, we’ve been refining and perfecting our casting process with a unique emphasis on innovation through research and development.

We are proud to be the leading Australian-owned supplier of cast bronze memorial markers and products, and we’re ready to design your ideal plaque – albeit a picturesque plaque to live under miles of ocean. We get it. Really.

Author: Joe Campbell

Awarding 2012 in the festive season

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Joe Campbell

Pausing this holiday season

The end of the year is a special time; it comes with the promise of a sticky summer holiday, the exciting company Christmas party where colleagues share the year’s ups and downs over a few, and the time to reflect on 12 months of achievements – of life. A year of good, bad and ugly; and, it’s a rite of passage into 2013. And because it’s December, let’s farewell the year…

The Phoenix Foundry Christmas Party

Giving credit at the end of a year

This month marks – for sports teams, businesses and countless organisations – a time to recognise the people who’ve made 2012 what is it. The local rugby league’s most talented star: the lighting bolt wing. The state hospital’s golden nurse who always (always!) goes above and beyond. The trading floor’s dynamic newbie who simply calls the best plays again and again.

Awarding with genuine care

Finding an accolade that embodies this significance of a year is tough. The toilet fern just doesn’t cut it. Nor does the wine and chocolates gift parcel. And a Coles voucher is, er, nice. But what’s really special? Something timeless, something personal and something crafted with care. Like a bronze plaque.

Finding winning awards with Phoenix

Whether you’re looking for a special way to recognise a retiring staff member for a lifetime of loyal service or simply creating an award for “Greatest Office Know-It-All” to be kept for all-time, with each winner’s name added to the honour roll, then we have you covered. Phoenix Foundry gets it.

Creating plaques with meaning

We understand what the festive season is about – what thanking, rewarding and recognising mean. And we have an array of impressive bronze products to honour this; the end-year prize that actually says ‘we care’. Or, the end-year award that says ‘lets have a laugh, together’.

Here are some of the all-time great quotes that always motivate, irrespective of the time of year:

Quotes for your end-year plaque

1. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

2. “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar

3. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” — T. S. Elliot

4. “Begin with the end in mind.” — Stephen Covey

Gifting with the spirit of the season

Our festive season inspiration extends to Christmas ideas like: that regal house name or unique house sign, a unique plaque to commemorate a treasured pet, a bronze image portrait to celebrate a milestone like turning 60, graduating, or simply being the best daughter.

Minnie Watlefon

Whatever you’re thinking, we’re interesting in making your end-year gift a great one… filled with enduring reward and the all the gifts of giving. Best wishes for a holiday filled with old-world pleasures and the joys of the season.

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/ or Like Us on Facebook

“A day in the life at Phoenix Foundry”

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Joe Campbell

To be able to correctly convey “A day in the life at Phoenix” I think we will need to split this into two sides: Office Staff and Production Staff. Of course, both sides “work the hardest” in their view, but the team effort results in the quality and service that Phoenix Foundry has become famous for.

Phoenix Staff Photo from 2010

A day in the life at Phoenix Foundry – Office Perspective

Phoenix’s office opens at 7.00am each weekday and is split into three sections being Order Entry / Customer Service, Design and Accounts. Usually, the day begins with a cup of coffee and a catch up on all the local gossip (Uralla has a population of only approximately 2000 people so we all “need” to know each other’s business).

Office Staff and Kitchen

Once settled proof reading is done from all the jobs keyed on the previous day. This is a priority for everybody to allow the jobs to start production on time. Order Entry deals with sorting all the faxes and emails that have been received overnight and these records are entered onto the Phoenix database for processing by the designers.

Our current design team consists of four staff members who regularly rotate jobs to keep each other up-to-date with all customer requirements. This has worked extremely well and has enabled a quick turnaround on all plaque layouts — a major benefit for customers. Once plaques are ordered and keyed, they are saved into designated folders for reprocessing by order entry staff onto proof reading sheets for the next morning’s work.

These tasks continue throughout the day until the first shift retires at 3.30pm. The office remains open through to 5.00pm (these staff start at 8.30am) and then the whole process is repeated.

A day in the life at Phoenix Foundry – Production Perspective

Like the office staff the day starts at 7.00am for production but they do not have the luxury of the coffee and the chat. All staff arrive and go straight to work in their relevant section. The production process which has been detailed in previous blogs starts with pattern making and goes through moulding, casting, detailing and finishing to produce the end result.

Production staff break at 10.00am for a 15 minute time-out where all issues are discussed, which would often help solve many of the world’s problems (maybe some political figures could attend morning tea breaks at Phoenix to help them with their issues). After the break it’s back to work until 12.30pm when all production staff break for lunch for 30 minutes.

Smoko time!

Most staff stay at the foundry but the odd staff member will venture home due the location of the foundry in a small town. At 1pm all staff return for the downhill run to home when they finish the day at 3.30pm (or 3.25pm if the Production Manager isn’t looking).

The main stage in the foundry process – the pouring of the bronze – usually starts around 11.00am and depending on the workload continues throughout the day. The current goal for production is to complete over 100 plaques per day so this relies on each stage in the process working together to keep productivity up.

Then it’s off to the choice of the “Top Pub” or “Bottom Pub” in town for a hard-earned refreshment and to fix the issues of the world. Again.

All Board and Management at Phoenix are extremely proud of all staff members. We have a great team and it is acknowledged that the success of Phoenix Foundry is very much a team effort with everybody chipping in. The pride in the company was demonstrated one year ago when a large American firm offered to purchase Phoenix, but this offer was rejected by Shareholders to the relief of all staff. “It isn’t about the money, it is about keeping the Foundry in Uralla,” was the reply to staff and this has further helped increase spirits and in turn productivity on a daily basis.

Old Photo of Staff Xmas Party back in 2007

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze memorial and cremation plaques and other products throughout Australia. For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/.

Loving a house is naming a home

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Joe Campbell

We work hard to live full lives – to find love, nurture families, and make houses homes… with real memories, and precious pastimes.

The mark of this success is when our ideal house becomes our perfect home; a sanctuary, the space where our kids grow, where we collect travel treasures, where we spend lazy weekends. Because our home’s design is an extension of who we are. That’s why naming our house requires care…

The origins of naming a home

Whether it’s a first purchase, a slick city semi, or a beautiful country home fit with five bedrooms, there’s a bond that deserves recognition in a name. But the sentimental practice of naming households has practical roots.

The naming and numbering of streets and homes in Britain began in the mid-18th century and was required by law (passed in a bill). These names served only to denote location. But homes were gradually given character and personality – unique symbols of each area.

And the tradition stuck; the first British settlers to arrive in Australia named their homes after places they longed for in England. In Sydney, it’s possible to find the original names of older houses in the Sand Directory in the Mitchell Library, at the State Library of NSW.

The value of naming a home

House Designs explains that “a sign on a home will add value in the eyes of perspective purchasers” with the display of warmth – the appreciation of the home as more than a structure. It makes sense. Buying a home isn’t as simple as making an investment; traces of happiness and adoration from previous owners are comforting. A name means this place is special.

The process in naming a home

Well there isn’t one, really. Why? Because it’s not formulaic but personal, and home owners draw inspiration from all avenues…

If you like the idea of a humorous name (Bad Manors), a flora-inspired name (Wisteria Cottage), a geographical name (Redhill), a nautical name (Sea Whispers), or a British name (Cheddingham), the good news is that you can do exactly as you please. Unless your title deeds specify otherwise.

In fact, you could make your home’s name as intimate as your family names: Bart, Roberta and Sandy can become Barosa or Barosa House.

The best news about naming your home? At Phoenix Foundry, we understand how exceptional this rite of passage is. We want to make your home sign exactly what you envisage. Take a look at some of the unique and timeless house plaques and numbers we’ve created for our happy clients…

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/ or Like Us on Facebook

Melbourne Cup Day: defined by a spectacular prize

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Joe Campbell

Whether it stirs thoughts of majestic thoroughbred racing horses, dazzling fascinators and glamorous fashionistas, or the magnificent grounds of Flemington Racecourse, our Melbourne Cup Day is one of unmatched excitement. After all, it’s “the race that stops a nation”. Why? Because…

it’s the richest “two-mile” (3,200 metre) handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races.
it’s Australia’s most celebrated horse racing event.
it’s an annual public holiday in the state of Victoria, and is observed nationwide on the first Tuesday of November.
it has pulled a record crowd of 122, 736 spectators in 2003.
it’s an iconic fashion occasion – a calendar highlight for all designers and socialites.

Melbourne Cup Day 2012: the key details

This year, the first Tuesday of November and the day of the Cup, is Tuesday the 6^th of November! It’s expected that the 2012 winner of the Melbourne Cup will run approximately 3mins 20sec for the 3200m. The record is still 3:16.3 — set in 1993 by Kingston Rule. What else?

There will be 10 races on the day, with the first race at 10.20am and the last at 5.15pm. There is a break of 45 minutes between each race, with a longer break held before the Melbourne Cup, which is at 3.00pm. Dunaden is this year’s defending champion after winning the closest finish in history last year.

Excitement building?

The prestige of the Cup: a coveted trophy

The Melbourne Cup wouldn’t be our beloved day without its signature and esteemed Cup. A sought-after treasure, delivered to victors.

The current trophy is made of 34 pieces of gold metal hand beaten for over 200 hours. Close inspection of the inside of the Cup will reveal small hammer imprints. As of 2008, the prize values were increased and the Cup now contains 1.65 kg of 18-carat gold valuing the trophy at $125,000!

The winning trainer and jockey also receive a miniature replica of the cup (since 1973) and the strapper is awarded the Tommy Woodcock Trophy, named after the strapper of Phar Lap.

A new trophy is struck each year and becomes the property of the winning owner. Ultimately, the Cup embodies the status of Melbourne Cup Day.

Phoenix Foundry celebrates: the timeless way

At Phoenix Foundry, our cast bronze plaques are created with the same essence of celebration – whether big or small. Each of our plaques offers unmatched craftsmanship and sensitivity to the event at hand. Check out some of Phoenix Foundry’s recent work, and connect on Facebook.

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/ or Like Us on Facebook

Case Study – The Captain’s Walk, Cootamundra Shire Council

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Joe Campbell

With the cricket season rapidly approaching as the weather warms we think it is timely to see what Cootamundra Shire Council has done to remember one of the town’s favourite sons, Sir Donald Bradman.

The Captain’s Walk, Cootamundra

Cootamundra is the birthplace of the cricketing legend and a life size statue of Sir Donald Bradman takes pride of place in the park in his famous cover drive stance. This statue was unveiled in August 2000 as part of Sir Donald’s 92nd birthday celebrations.

Statue of Sir Donald Bradman and Opening plaque for Stage 1

The creation of the Captain’s Walk in Jubilee Park was undertaken by Cootamundra Shire Council with the endorsement of the Australian Cricket Board. Opened in 2008, it features 42 bronze sculptures of Australian Test Cricket Captains designed and manufactured by Carl Valerius of Garage Art Foundry. Each sculpture is accompanied by a bronze plaque detailing the statistics for the player, which were manufactured by Phoenix Foundry.

Busts of Richie Benaud and Ian Chappell

Other notable inclusions within the Captain’s Walk are Unaarrimim who was the leading aboriginal player in the first Australian cricket team to tour England in 1868, Arthur Morris (1951-1954), Richie Benaud (captain 1958-1963), Ian Chappell (1971-1975), Greg Chappell (1975-1983), Allan Border (1984-1994), Mark Taylor (1994-1999), Steve Waugh (1999-2004) and Ricky Ponting (2004-2010).

Commemorative Plaque for Mark Taylor and side on view of Bill Lawry

The Captain’s Walk has become a major tourist attraction for Cootamundra and brings regular visitors to the town. It is one example how local government can use specific items relevant to the community to attract people to their region. It is a must see for every cricket fan and the stylish use of bronze plaques and statues will ensure that the memorial will remain for generations.

Written by Phoenix Foundry Marketing Manager Joe Campbell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/ or Like Us on Facebook

10 Tips to Better Engage with Your Sports Club Members

Posted on June 21, 2012 by admin

Whether you run a large commercial sports club or a local non-profit club, you’ll be interested in learning how you can grow your sports club membership and membership revenue through better engagement with members.

1. Know Members’ Needs

If you don’t understand what your members are looking for, you can’t provide what they need. Listen, obtain feedback, and ask members and potential members to complete surveys.

2. Build Loyalty through Satisfaction

Once you know what they’re looking for, aim to satisfy their expectations, whether it’s more weekend practice sections, better venues, or more training. By loyalty and high retention of membership, you can work together build higher membership revenue.

3. Customer Service

Consider it a business and focus on customer service delivery. Providing timely, professional organisational service is essential to building your sports club membership and improving engagement with members.

4. Measure Member Engagement

In addition to surveys, record and measure your club’s member engagement, so that you can implement strategies for improvement. For example, how did they first hear about you? How often do specific members attend practice or special events? How much do they value their membership?

5. Review and Respond

Respond quickly with a strategy after measuring member engagement. Find out what is affecting attendance, participation, or cancellation of membership and act to change it.

6. Focus on Interactivity

You should be encouraging interactivity not just between your club and members, but also between members themselves. Consider using an online forum or a social media platform, or introduce more social activities. The key is to build a sense of community.

7. Membership Branding Tools

Membership branding tools can be a great way to improve engagement. These boost membership identity with an official logo. These can be used in and around the site in the form of signage or plaques and on uniforms or training gear.

8. Be Efficient

Efficiency is highly valued by club members. Whether this is in event management, ticket sales, managing practice sessions, or any other aspect of club activities, efficiency can improve perception and reputation and allow you improve membership retention.

9. Recognition

Being recognised for our efforts is something we all crave. If you’re not already doing so consider having annual or monthly awards to acknowledge those club members who have made a significant contribution, or are outstanding in some way. Trophies, plaques or ribbons can be an excellent way to acknowledge contribution or excellence.

10. Great Event Management

Finally, great event management means taking good care of the needs of club members during all events and matches. Anticipating their requirements and expectations can help you improve member engagement and loyalty.

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/ or Like Us on Facebook

Coping With Grief

Posted on June 15, 2012 by admin

The death of a love one can affect us more than anything else in our lives, sending us into a period of deep sorrow. It can leave us shaken, overwhelmed, and depressed. Grieving effectively by working through anger and sadness, getting support, and setting up a legacy for a loved one, such as a memorial or another tangible expression of remembrance can all help us cope better with the loss.

Sadness and Anger

Losing a close friend or family member can lead to extreme levels of sadness and pain. It’s healthy to find ways to express your sadness rather than to repress it. Anger is also sometimes experienced by those who have lost a loved one. Feelings of having been betrayed or abandoned can be common.

While grieving is always highly personal, everyone needs sufficient time to grieve and most people can benefit from getting some support. Patience and acceptance can help make the process easier.

Coping Strategies

Allow yourself to express your grief; don’t repress your feelings. It can be helpful to cry and to allow yourself to feel angry. Get plenty of rest, make sure you eat and sleep properly, and take time out from work when you need it. Be patient with the grieving process as there is no fixed timeframe for healing. It can take weeks, months, or even years to deal with grief.

Develop a support network of loved ones, friends, and others who have experienced a similar loss, and share your thoughts and feelings with them. Always seek professional assistance for your grief if it continues to have an impact upon your day to day life well past the funeral, if you aren’t coping, or if it is beginning to affect your health.

Healing and Remembrance

When you move through the sorrow and anger, there will come a time when you will begin to heal. Commemorating the life of your loved one can be one of the ways to help with the healing process. A space in your home with a memorial plaque in remembrance of your loved one can allow you to connect with their memory and alleviate the sense of loss. A special memorial plaque at their place of rest can also help you commemorate their passing.

Grief in the aftermath of such a loss can be overwhelming and it’s not uncommon for us to attempt to repress it and ‘put on a brave face’ so we continue to work and care for children. But grieving seems to demand time and attention so it’s important to acknowledge this and allow ourselves the right to grieve. Doing so can open up the path to healing the emotional wound.

Written by Phoenix Foundry CEO Ian Mitchell. Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned and made supplier of cast bronze memorial and cremation plaques and other products throughout Australia. . For further details about our product range and online design and ordering system you can visit http://www.phoenixfoundry.com.au/.