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The Natural Death Handbook with updates is available with secure online ordering for £15-50 (incl. 1st class p&p) via our book ordering page or by cheque (only £14.99) made payable to NDC (6 Blackstock Mews, Blackstock Rd, London N4 2BT).
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The North West (comprising Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport and Cheshire)
The North East (comprising Northumberland, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton-On-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar, North Yorkshire, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire)
Wales (comprising Flintshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Aberconwy and Colwyn, Anglesey, Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire, Powys, Cardiganshire, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire)
West Midlands (comprising Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Hereford and Worcester, Gloucestershire)
East Midlands (comprising Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire)
East Anglia (comprising Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire)
The South West (comprising South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North West Somerset, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall)
The South (comprising Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex)
London region (including old Middlesex)
Unless otherwise stated, you can assume that all the funeral directors in this nationwide guide provide an a la carte service and will, for instance, sell you just a fully-fitted coffin (for less than £250) without your having to use any of their other services. Abbreviations in bold are as follows. Elsewhere, incidentally, you will find good cemeteries and crematoria, the full list of woodland burial grounds and coffin suppliers.
FD Funeral director
Abbreviations for professional associations are as follows:
BIFD = British Institute of Funeral Directors
BIE = British Institute of Embalmers
CFSA = Co-operative Funeral Services Association
FOS = Funeral Ombudsman Scheme
FSC = Funeral Services Council
IAFD = Irish Association of Funeral Directors
NAFD = National Association of Funeral Directors
NAMM = National Association of Memorial Masons
NAPFP = National Association for Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
SAIF = Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
Listings are by region, and then by town within the region, except in the Greater London region, which has not been further subdivided. Here services are listed alphabetically. Please contact The Natural Death Centre (6 Blackstock Mews, Blackstock Road, London N4 2BT, UK, tel 0871 288 2098; web: www.naturaldeath.org.uk) with your experience of using the services of these or other funeral directors, whether positive or negative, and including as much detail as possible; please add if you wish to nominate them for a future Award. Our listings are otherwise based on information given to us by the services themselves - the name of the informant is given wherever possible.
Comprising Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport and Cheshire.
FD Blackpool: D. Hollowell and Sons, Devonshire House, 287 Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 OTW (tel 01253 355663); also at Highfield Funeral Home, 497 Lytham Road, Blackpool FY4 1RE (tel 01253 408886). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £50 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: No. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £716, 'including hearse £375, crematorium £185, minister £74 and medical fees £82'. 'We carry out about 20 baby funerals per year with no charge on our side. There is no charge for children to the age of 18' (Andrew Hollowell). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of FSC.
FD Bolton: Fulton Funeral Directors, 81 Mason Street, Horwich, Lancashire BL6 5QP (tel 01204 694999). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £65 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £30 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, '£100 flat fee for all help and guidance required'. Basic funeral: £605 - or 'about £400 for cremation with cardboard coffin' (disbursements extra). 'The decor and furnishings are just as you would find in a normal, comfortable domestic house, we have gone to great lengths to get away from what most funeral "homes" aspire to. Where the deceased is female, my wife takes on the embalming and preparation. We have been trading independently since 1998. We are prepared to carry out separate parts of the funeral arrangements as individual items, an aspect of our service that is particularly welcomed by those families wishing to carry out some or most of the details themselves' (John and Samantha Fulton). Prepaid plan: Perfect Assurance. Member of NAFD and BIE.
FD Bury: The Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has an arrangement with Hamers, 7 Rochdale Road, Bury (tel 0161 797 7133) whereby residents can obtain a funeral for £325 (with disbursements extra - burial, for instance, costs an extra £573, cremation an extra 297).
FD Carlisle: John Simpson (Carlisle) Ltd, 1 Blencowe Street, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 5XP (tel 01228 512471). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £60 (delivery locally £35). Cold storage: Not available. Body transport only: Yes, £35 locally by estate car. Advice for d-i-y people: Yes, 'no charge if providing coffin'. Basic funeral: £520 (disbursements extra) - 'although we prefer to discuss the variety of options'. 'We have carried out woodland burials with the family taking over at the graveside. We will provide as little or as much help as required. Our family business is now into its fourth generation' (Mark Simpson). No prepaid plan. Member of no association.
FD Crewe: The Council has started a scheme called the Local Funeral where you can phone 01270 212643 (or see www.crewe.nantwich.gov.uk/worksservices) and find out the price of the least expensive funeral offered by local funeral directors. In Nottingham, the introduction of a similar scheme has caused prices to drop by a quarter.
FD Crewe: South Cheshire Funeral Services, 6 Brierley Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2AY (tel 01270 582628). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £90 (delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: No. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: £447 (disbursements extra). Does not provide a full price list. 'The same funeral director who interviews the client at home, prepares the coffin and the deceased, digs the grave if required and directs the funeral' (C. L. Harthern). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of BIE.
FD Liverpool: Graham J. Clegg Independent Funeral Service, 7 Dover Road, Maghull, Liverpool L31 5JB (tel 0151 520 3330). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £60 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, no charge. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £500 (disbursements extra). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF. (Graham Clegg). Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in the North West.
FD Manchester: R. Pepperdine & Sons Ltd, Alexandra House, 5 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9JG (tel 0161 881 5363; web: www.pepperdine.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £115 (delivery locally £25). Cold storage only: Yes, £25 per day. Body transport only: Yes, hearse and driver £140. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £40 per hour. Basic funeral: £695 or £595 using a cardboard coffin (disbursements in both cases extra). 'Independent family firm. Our service is excellent value for money and flexible. What a family wants, a family gets' (Frank Barrett). Prepaid plan: Chosen Heritage, Personal Choice, Perfect Assurance. Member of NAFD.
FD Manchester: S. Wellens and Sons Ltd, 121 Long Street, Middleton, Manchester M24 6DL (tel 0161 643 2677; fax 0161 653 7085). Also branches at: 347 Hollinwood Avenue, New Moston, Manchester M40 OJX (tel 0161 681 4377); and 313 Washbrook, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8JL (tel 0161 624 4132). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £160 VAT extra (delivery locally 'probably free'). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes, from £27-51. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £35 to £50 per hour. Basic funeral: £570 (disbursements extra). 'Proudly an independent family firm, established 1870 We have cardboard coffins in stock. We provide a full bereavement support service' (Norman Wellens). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD, SAIF and BIE.
FDRochdale: Rochdale Council provides a municipal funeral service for local residents through an established local funeral director: Clifford Oldham Funeral Service, 203 Drake Street, Rochdale OL11 1EF (tel 01706 646186). Cremation costs £820 and burial £805 for the re-opening of an existing family grave or £1060 for a new grave. All prices include disbursements (but not flowers, notices, etc). 'The charge for using the cemetery chapel is an extra £40' (Mr Tudor, Manager).
FD St Helens: The St Helens Council has an agreement with the Co-op (tel 01744 23675) to provide a municipal funeral for local residents, whereby cremation costs £663 and burial costs £674, both prices including disbursements.
FD Stockport: A 'Civic Funeral Service' is provided by the local authority for residents, run by the United North West Co-operative Society (tel 0161 432 0818). They charge £874 for a cremation including disbursements and £1,168 for a burial in a new grave, again including disbursements.
FD Wigan: Edwards Funeral Directors Ltd, Holmwood, Dicconson Terrace, Wigan WN1 2AA (tel 01942 821215). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £125 (delivery locally £20; nationally 75p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £715 (including fees for doctors, minister and cremation). Municipal funeral service for local residents only: cremation for £715 (including disbursements) and burial for £940 (including disbursements and opening a new grave). 'Our family has been associated with quality funeral service in the town for over 110 years' (R. B. Edwards). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
Comprising Northumberland, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton-On-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar, North Yorkshire, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.
FD Dewsbury: George Brooke Ltd funeral directors, 27 Bradford Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire (tel 01924 454476; e-mail: georgebrooke@email.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £255 (delivery locally £35). The firm provides a fully-itemised price list. Cold storage only: Yes, £12-50 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, 'no charge, we automatically help'. 'We are a small family firm and we try to fulfil a family's requests. We have cardboard coffins in stock' (Helen Wilson). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD, BIFD.
FD Grimsby: Kettle Ltd funeral directors, 135 Granville St, Grimsby, N. E. Lincs DN32 9PB (tel 01472 355395); also 110 Kidgate, Louth, Lincs LN11 9BX (tel 01507 600710). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £210 (delivery locally free, nationally 50p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes (hearse for funeral £95). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £10 per hour. Basic funeral: £705 (disbursements extra). 'We even supplied handles, plate and linings to a client who had made a coffin for his mother's funeral' (Michael Chevins). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD, BIFD and SAIF.
FD Harrogate: W. Bowers funeral director, Birstwith Road, Hampsthwaite, Harrogate HG3 2EU (tel 01423 770258; fax 01423 772474; e-mail: Rogerbowers@w-bowers.co.uk; web: www.w-bowers.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £95 (delivery £20). Cold storage only: Yes, £8 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £85 for the first 10 miles. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour. Basic funeral: £1,100 (including fees to crematorium, doctors and clergy). Prepaid plans: Golden Charter and Funeral Plans Ltd. Member of no association, although a member of the Small Business Federation. 'We seek to meet individual requirements with sensitivity, care and support. We have been awarded an Oscar for the most customer-focused business by Barclays Bank' (Roger Bowers).
FD Hebburn: Mr Peter Kerrigan, Tynedale Funeral Services, Victoria House, Prince Consort Road, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear NE31 1BE (tel 0191 4281018; e-mail: tfspeter@aol.com.uk). See South Shields below for details.
FD Huddersfield: D. J. Screen & Sons, 222 Bradford Road, Huddersfield HD1 6LJ (tel 01484 452220). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £98 (delivery locally free, nationally 50p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £500 (disbursements extra). 'As a small local family business, we try to assist, barter if required, we are not stuck to fixed prices' (Denis Screen). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Dip. F. D.
FD Hull: M Garton & Son, 546 Anlaby Road, Hull HU115 1QW (tel 01482 352199; web: www.gartons.sageweb.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £295 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £10 per hour. Basic funeral: £740 (disbursements extra). 'We are a totally independent British company run by the Garton family since 1888. We have experience of all funeral types and religious denominations, any request you may make we will do our best to grant it.' (M Garton). Prepaid plan: their own. Member of NAFD.
FD Lincoln: Lincoln Co-operative Funeral Services, 12 Portland Street, Lincoln LN5 7JX (tel 01522 534971). They also have offices in: Gainsborough (tel 01427 612131); Holbeach (Clubley's, tel 01406 422333); Horncastle (M. England, tel 01507 523385); Sleaford (tel 01529 306311); and Spalding (Clubley's, tel 01775 723199). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £195, including a gown (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £630 (disbursements extra). 'We are a small independent co-op society offering a personal service' (David Bernley). Prepaid plan: Co-operative Funeral Bond. Members of the local society automatically get up to £300 off the funeral price. Member of FSC and FOS.
FD Newcastle-on-Tyne: Phillips Funeral Service, Acron House, 309 Salters Road, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne NE3 4HN (tel 0191 284 0777). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £135 (delivery locally £30). Cold storage only: 'We do not have cold storage but charge £20 per day to hold a body in our chapel of rest.' Body transport only: Yes, estate car £40, hearse £60. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £520 (disbursements extra); but a 'simple green service would cost from approximately £400, then add £220 for burial for residents of Hexham - £440 for non-residents - in the Hexham woodland burial ground'). 'We are the only independent family funeral service in North Newcastle, for a five mile radius. We advise on green issues and how families can take a more active role in the arrangements themselves' (Philip Harrison). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF ('joining in 2000').
FD Sheffield: B & C. Funeral Service, 51 Suffolk Road, Sheffield S2 4BX (tel 0114 276 0211). Parent company: Sheffield Co-operative Society. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £110 (delivery locally £40, nationally 45p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour or part-hour. Basic funeral: £350 (disbursements extra). 'We work within a 15 mile radius of the city centre at no extra charge' (M. R. Bratton). Prepaid plan: Funeral insurance with vouchers. Member of FSC, CFSA.
FD Sheffield: Peace Funerals, Gleadless Mount, off Ridgeway Road, Sheffield S12 2LN (tel 0114 253 0505 or 08457 697 822; e-mail: peacefuner@aol.com; web: www.peacefunerals.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £135 - cardboard £85 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £12 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £50. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: £600 (disbursements extra). 'We have our own design of willow basket-work coffins and plain and painted cardboard coffins. We are concerned with empowering the bereaved and providing any funeral choice whatsoever as long as it is legal. We run two woodland burial grounds and have provided woodland burial at over 20 different sites across the UK. We arrange many secular funerals (which we help families to design and implement) and we originated the "Railway Funerals" concept' (John Mallatratt). Prepaid plan: Golden Leaves. Member of no association.
FD South Shields: Mr Peter Kerrigan, Tynedale Funeral Services, Tynedale House, Stanhope Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE33 4TB (tel 0191 4550904; e-mail: tfspeter@aol.com.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £190 (delivery locally £10, nationally negotiable). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £40 one-off payment. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £590 (disbursements extra). 'Full horse-drawn hearse from £450' (Peter Kerrigan). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association.
FD Thornaby: Undertaken With Love, Unit 1, Mandale Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6AW (tel 01642 606789). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 (delivery locally free). Storage only: Yes, £15 per day ('not refrigerated'). Body transport only: Yes, from £35. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £890 (including crematorium fees and officiant's fees); or a 'Simple Dignity Funeral' for £590 (including cardboard coffin, crematorium fees, transportation - not in a hearse - and a committal-only ceremony conducted by Martin Cole). Woodland burial at Mowthorpe Garden of Rest in the Howardian Hills or Carlisle cemetery for £1,080 including the grave and digging. 'We will always advise out clients of lower cost options available. We encourage the public to obtain at least three estimates before accepting the final written one. If any person is in genuine need, we will carry out a simple dignified funeral at cost price' (Martin Cole). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association. (Eds: Their published leaflets, whilst generally helpful, are incorrect in several particulars with reference to burial on private land burial - for which topic, the information in the present book is more reliable.)
Comprising Flintshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Aberconwy and Colwyn, Anglesey, Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire, Powys, Cardiganshire, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire.
FD Anglesey: W. O. Williams, Tan Graig, Llanedwen, Anglesey, North Wales LL61 6PX (tel 01248 430312). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £87-50, VAT extra (includes gown; delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: Yes, £14 the first night, £7 per day thereafter. Body transport only: Yes (£30 plus 55p per mile). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25. Offers what it terms a 'D-i-y Funeral' for £318-50 (disbursements extra) where 'all the forms and certificates are collected and delivered by the client, there is no embalming included and the client provides own bearers (or pays extra). A fully fitted coffin is supplied and a hearse for up to 20 miles. Reductions made for unrequired services' (W. O. Williams). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of BIE. Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in Wales.
FD Cardiff: A local authority funeral service for Cardiff residents is provided by the firm D. Caesar Jones, 55 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff (tel 029 20522 644), who charges £390, excluding disbursements. Add to this the crematorium fee of £213 and the doctors' fees of £82. Burial costs £357. Please note that this is an SCI firm, and that in general the Natural Death Centre encourages the use of small independent firms such as those which are members of SAIF.
FD Cardiff: J Pidgeon and Son, 539 Cowbridge Road East, Victoria Park, Cardiff (029 20226 604). Price: £625, excluding disbursements. Add to this the crematorium fee of £213 (non-residents £366) or the cemetery fee of £391-25 (non-residents £782-50); the officiant fee of £38 (plus) and the doctors' fee of £82. They will cut costs to meet small budgets. They will not supply coffin only but will give wholesaler details. Cold storage only: £8 per day. Advice for d-i-y: Yes. 'We have cardboard coffins available, but think our recovered wood chipping Cotswold coffin is more environmentally friendly' (John Pidgeon). Prepaid plan: 'Own plan.' Member of NAFD, SAID and FOS.
FD Cardiff: Green Willow Funerals Ltd, 33 St Isan Road, Cardiff, Wales CF4 4LU (tel 029 2046 2100). See Newport for details.
FD Newport: Green Willow Funerals Ltd, Pillmawr Road, Newport, Wales NP20 6WN (tel 01633 855350; e-mail: enquiries@greenwillowfunerals.com; web: www.greenwillowfunerals.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only £150, or £110 for a cardboard coffin (delivery free within 20 miles). Cold storage only: Not available. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £625 (excluding disbursements). 'Direct Sevice', where there is no attendance of mourners and where the funeral is carried out at a time convenient to the funeral directors: £399 (excluding disbursements). 'The company specialises in tailoring the arrangements for a funeral service to meet the total needs of the family. We can give a full estimate by phone or by post' (John Bettles). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association.
FD Tonypandy: Appletree Funeral Services, Appletree Road, Tonypandy, Rhondda CF40 1JH, Wales (tel 01443 683896); Appletree is the trading name of DCT (Cymru) Ltd. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £125 (delivery locally free) - 'Stock coffin, a cardboard or cheaper coffin would be purchased as a special order if required.' Cold storage only: Not available. Body transport only: Yes, £70 for hearse or limousine for a local funeral. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, first hour free of charge then £45 per hour. Basic funeral: £665 (including hearse and limousine; disbursements and embalming extra). 'We are a new business prepared to accommodate the individual needs of our clients. A full price list is being developed. We are prepared to work within a limited budget, if required, or to offer a funeral ceremony tailored to individual needs' (D. C. Thomas). No prepaid plan. Member of no association.
Comprising Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Hereford and Worcester, Gloucestershire.
FD Birmingham: The Green Funeral Company Ltd, 286 Church Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3YH (tel 0121 6930204). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £70 (including crematorium handles and plate, delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £400 within 50 mile radius of Birmingham (disbursements extra); beyond 50 miles there is a slight additional charge. 'We provide traditional and green funerals in either formal or informal styles all at low cost' (Jon Walker). Prepaid plan: available shortly. Member of NAFD.
FD Birmingham: Jonathan Walker Funeral Directors Ltd, 288 Church Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3YH (tel 0121 7428888). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £70 (including crematorium handles and plate, delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £400 within 50 mile radius of Birmingham (disbursements extra); beyond 50 miles there is a slight additional charge. 'We provide a range of services specifically geared to "what the family wants" rather than pre-packaged funerals. We also provide advice on burial grounds and family organised funerals at no charge' (Jon Walker). Prepaid plan: available shortly. Member of NAFD.
FD Birmingham: Samuel James and Sons, 313 Foxhollies Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7PS (tel 0121 7082766). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £98 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £4-99 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £1,200 (including disbursements); £700 (excluding disbursements). 'We opened November 1999. Price lists still to be printed. As a small and new company we try to give the best personal service possible' (T. James & T. Johnson). Prepaid plan: Golden Leaves. Member of no association.
FD Cheltenham: Beechwood Funeral Services, 66 Albion Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2RW (tel 01242 228208; also 01452 722131; fax 01242 579045). They have another branch at 102 Bristol Road, Quedgeley, Gloucestershire GL2 4NA (tel 01452 722131). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £60 (delivery locally £10, nationally negotiable). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes (no fixed price). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £10 per hour. Basic funeral: £700 (including crematorium and chapel). 'Family business, happy to give concessions where needed. We also have a special "all inclusive" package for £980 - details on application - which covers everything' (Stephen Smith). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF. (Eds: We receive positive feedback from the public about this firm.) Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in and around the West Midlands.
FD Cirencester: Cowley & Son Ltd, Triangle House, 62 Victoria Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1ES (tel 01285 653298). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 (delivery locally £10, nationally negotiable). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £50 minimum. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £50 all in. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'We will do anything the client requires. We are also the main importers of the Peacebox Eulogy coffins into the UK' (Robert Orford). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF and NAFD.
FD Coventry: Henry Ison & Sons (Coventry) Ltd, 76-78 Binley Road, Stoke, Coventry CV3 1FQ (tel 024 7645 8665; e-mail: bdpowell@csi.com). They have another branch at 49 Allersley Old Road, Chapel Fields, Coventry CU5 8BU (tel 024 7671 3643). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £135 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £25 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £100 for a hearse. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £65 per hour. Basic funeral: £585 (disbursements extra). 'A Christian firm offering the highest standards' (B. Powell). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF and NAFD.
FD Dursley: L. W. Clutterbuck, 24/26 High Street, Cam, Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 5LE (tel 01453 542754). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £115, VAT extra (delivery locally £13-60, VAT extra, nationally £13-60 per hour, VAT extra, for the driver, plus 31p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £4-99 per day. Body transport only: Yes (no fixed price). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £13-60 per hour. Basic funeral: 'Funerals are not sold as packages; we start with nought and build up.' 'Family-run, caring service' (K. L. Clutterbuck). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association.
FD Nailsworth: Fred Stevens Funeral Directors, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire GL6 ODQ (tel 01453 832188). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £140 (delivery locally £15). Cold storage only: Yes, £8 per day. Body transport only: Yes (private ambulance £60; hearse and driver only - £132). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £740 (disbursements extra). 'We are an independent and family-run company' (J. J. Baker). Prepaid plan: Perfect Assurance. Member of NAFD.
FD Stroud: Lansdown Funeral Service Ltd, 64 Slad Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1QU (tel 01453 762276). All other details as for Fred Stevens Ltd (see Nailsworth above) which owns it. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Tamworth: Co-operative Funeral Service, The Mews, Upper Gungate, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7NZ (tel 01827 62094). Run by the Tamworth Co-operative Society Ltd which also has offices at: 68 Station Street, Atherstone (tel 01827 712105); 34 High Street, Uttoxeter (tel 01889 565561); and 107 Granville Street, Woodville (tel 01283 217237). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £99 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £84. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £742 (disbursements extra). 'We are a small independent co-op society offering a personal service' (Amanda Woodward). Prepaid plan: Tamworth Co-op Funeral Bond. Member of FSC.
FD Telford: Wrekin Funeral Services, 6 Whitcurch Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 3AG (tel 01952 251125). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £115, VAT extra (delivery locally £13-60, VAT extra, nationally £13-60 per hour, VAT extra, for the driver, plus 31p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £60 locally. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'We are concerned to meet the needs of the Natural Death Centre and others concerned about current funeral directing and have complete price transparency and individual pricing of components. We provide a free guidance leaflet on independent funerals. We abide by the Charter for the Bereaved' (Suzanne Helm). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association as yet.
FD Walsall: Roy Quinton Funeral Directors, 677 Bloxwich Road, Leamore, Walsall, West Midlands WS3 2BD (tel 01922 496800). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £105. Cold storage only: Yes, £30 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: £610 (disbursements extra). 'Our company is a family business, here to meet our clients' needs' (B. Quinton). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of FSC.
Comprising Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire.
FD Amersham: H. C. Grimstead Ltd, 10 Hill Avenue, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 5BG (tel 01494 434393). They offer a cheap basic funeral for £410, disbursements extra - their 'Green Funeral Option' with a cardboard coffin. See Grimstead in the London region, below, for details.
FD Beaconsfield: H. C. Grimstead Ltd, Tilbury House, Shepherds Lane, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2DU (tel 01494 672668). They offer a cheap basic funeral for £410 (disbursements extra) - their 'Green Funeral Option' with a cardboard coffin. See Grimstead in the London region, below, for details.
FD Biggleswade: Woodman & Son, a branch of Lodge Bros., at 3 Market Square, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8AP (tel 01767 315700; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Faringdon: A. E. Baker and Sons Ltd, 5 Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7BP (tel 01367 240572; e-mail: geoff@deadman.ghound.net). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £85 (delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: Yes, £10. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £8 per hour. Basic funeral: £660 (disbursements extra). 'Established 1907. We do as much or as little as our clients require' (Geoff Evans). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Nr. Gerrards Cross: H. C. Grimstead Ltd, Churchfield Lodge, Churchfield Road, Chalfont St Peter, near Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 9EW (tel 01753 891200). They offer a cheap basic funeral (their 'Green Funeral Option' with a cardboard coffin) for £410 (disbursements extra) - . See Grimstead in the London region, below, for details.
FD Hazlemere: Beacon Funeral Services Ltd, 27 Rose Avenue, Hazlemere, Bukinghamshire HP15 7PH (tel 01494 818181, fax 01494 818182). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £190 (local delivery: £50; national delivery: £130). Cold storage only: Yes, £45 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £110 removal. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £60 per hour. Basic funeral: £565 (disbursements extra). 'The service we provide is second to none. We allow viewing of the deceased 24 hrs a day and make sure all aspects of the funeral are to the wishes of the family of the deceased.'(Gary Arnold) Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD High Wycombe: G. Smith Ltd, 7 The Green, Woburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0EE (tel 01628 523 566). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £195 (delivery locally free; nationally courier rates). Body transport only: Yes, £90 per vehicle. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, token fee. Basic funeral: £450 (disbursements extra). 'We will try to fulfil the family's wishes' (Ron Allen, Manager). Prepaid plan: Dignity Plan. Parent company SCI-UK. Member of FSC.
FD Luton: Neville Funeral Service Ltd, Neville House, Marsh Road, Leagrove, Luton LU3 2RZ (tel 01582 490005; web: www.neville-funeral-service.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £150 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, price on application. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes (free advice). Basic funeral: £615 (disbursements extra). 'We are a family business in a local tradition and offer our clients the opportunity to plan the sort of funeral they want' (Peter Aspinall). Prepaid plan: Chiltern Plan. Member of NAFD and BIE.
FD Lutterworth: Wilf Smith & Son, Mill Road, Ullesthorpe, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5DE (tel 01455 209236). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £295 (if collected; £20 for local delivery). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes (£30 per hour). Basic funeral: £475 (disbursements extra). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Mansfield: Ken Gregory & Sons, 365 Nottingham Road, Mansfield, NG18 4SG (tel 01623 466620). Their 2 other offices are: Sutton in Ashfield (tel 01623 466600) and Kirby in Ashfield (tel 01623 466610). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 - or cardboard £105 (delivery locally £15). Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £120 flat fee. Basic funeral: £650 (disbursements extra). A 'Direct cremation' is also available for £395 (cardboard coffin, no mourners, no funeral ceremony, closed vehicle, undisclosed date and time at local crematorium, with cremated remains left in the crematorium grounds). 'Family owned and managed with dedicated and caring staff we are able to offer total freedom of choice to ensure our clients arrange a unique funeral. We also have an agreement with the Woodland Trust who plant trees in their woodlands. This acts as a living memorial to the deceased whose families use our normal funeral services.' (Peter Gregory).Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Members of SAIF and NAFD.
FD Milton Keynes: Greenacres Funeral Services, 19 Stratford Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5LJ (tel 01908 225222; e-mail: enquiries@greenacresfuneralservice.co.uk; web: www.green-funeral.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £150 - or £125 for a cardboard coffin (delivery locally: £5). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes (£70 per day storage charge). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £968 (including coffin and disbursements). 'We will advise and offer the public whatever they want. We do not stick at all to tradition; our outlook is to bring the funeral trade into the 21st century. We do whatever the bereaved family requires.'(Graham Christopher Scott) Prepaid plan: Golden Leaves. Member of no association.
FD New Mills: Jeremy Unsworth Funeral Service, 67 Church Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire (tel 01663 742772; e-mail: j.unsworth@talk21.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £180 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: No. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: No. Basic funeral: £600 (disbursements extra). 'We are here to please' (Jeremy Unsworth). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Nottingham: The council runs an excellent free scheme called the Nottingham Funeral where you can phone 0115 915 2340 and find out the cheapest funeral director in Nottingham and a list of the others. The cheapest funeral price has dropped as a result from £1,000 to £689 - a price that includes a following car and disbursements, but only available to residents of Nottingham. However Nigel Lymn Rose of A. W. Lymn funeral directors (see next entry) writes that "the Nottingham Funeral is not necessarily the cheapest funeral in Nottingham. We as a company already offer funerals cheaper than this one, which includes diusbursements which clients may not require"
FD Nottingham: A. W. Lymn, Robin Hood House, Robin Hood Street, Nottingham NG3 1GF (tel 0115 950 5875). Their 13 other offices are: Arnold (tel 0115 967 6777); Beeston (tel 0115 922 0433); Bingham (tel 01949 837211); Bulwell (tel 0115 979 4944); Carlton (tel 0115 961 6180); Clifton (tel 0115 945 6232); Derby (tel 01332 348800); Hucknall (tel 0115 968 0737); Long Eaton (tel 0115 946 3093); Mansfield (tel 01623 623765); Radcliffe (tel 0115 933 2257); Ruddington (tel 01115 921 1075); and West Bridgford (tel 0115 969 6006). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £135, or cardboard £105 (delivery locally £15). Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £140 flat fee. Basic funeral: £710 (disbursements extra). A 'Direct Cremation' is also available for £420 (cardboard coffin, no mourners, no funeral ceremony, closed vehicle, undisclosed date and time at local crematorium, with cremated remains left in the crematorium grounds). 'Family owned and managed. We encourage distinctive funerals. We are specialists in woodland burials. Fully itemised pricing allows the client to select a number of different options. Many of the coffins are produced locally' (Nigel Lymn Rose). Prepaid plan: A. W. Lymn Prepaid Funerals, Chosen Heritage and Golden Charter. Member of NAFD.
FD Rushden: A. Abbott & Sons (Rushden) Ltd, Bedford Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 OLZ (tel 01933 312142 or 410365; fax 01933 410500; e-mail: abbot_funerals@yahoo.co.uk; web: www.abbotfunerals.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £200 (delivery locally £25; nationally by mileage). Cold storage only: Yes, price negotiable. Body transport only: Yes, £70. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, fee negotiable. Basic funeral: £990 (disbursements extra). 'Family owned and operated. Full bespoke service' (M. Abott). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD and SAIF. Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in the East Midlands.
FD Uppingham: E. M. Dorman, 10 Main Street, Bisbrooke, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9EP (tel 01572 823976). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £85 (delivery locally 'at a negotiable price'). Cold storage only: Yes, £11 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £12 per hour. Basic funeral: £480 (disbursements extra). 'As a small family-owned funeral director, all arrangements are carried out by myself. It is a family concern that has served the community for over 150 years' (E. M. Dorman). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Whaley Bridge: J. Williamson Funeral Services, 1 Market Street, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire (tel 01663 732064; e-mail: j.unsworth@talk21.com). Run by Jeremy Unsworth Funeral Service, see New Mills above for details.
FD Winslow: Heritage & Sons, 63 High Street, Winslow, Buckinghamshire MK18 3DG (tel 01296 713341). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £146 (delivery locally £27; nationally by carrier depending on distance, with a £48 hessian wrapping). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £1.20 per mile. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £35 to cover home visit. Basic funeral: £428 (disbursements extra). 'Quality funerals at reasonable prices, plus our own flexible funeral plan' (David J. Lloyd). Prepaid plan: Our own Heritage & Sons Plan. Member of NAFD.
Comprising Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
FD Clacton-on-Sea: R. Gwinnell & Sons, 351 Holland Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex CO15 6PD (tel 01255 815600). See Manningtree, below, for details.
FD Colchester: R. Gwinnell & Sons, 112 Ipswich Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 4AA (tel 01206 868585). See Manningtree, below, for details.
FD Colchester: Hunnaball Funeral Services, York House, 41 Mersey Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 7QS (tel 01206 760049; e-mail: hunnaball-funeral@talk21.com; web: www.hunnaball.co.uk). Branches in Ipswich, West Mersea and Manningtree. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: from £95; the Ecology cardboard coffin £105. Mortuary storage only: Yes, £60 per day. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £40 to £50 per hour. Basic funeral: £500 (disbursements extra). 'Independent family business. Non-religious officiants available. Oakfield Wood, Wrabness, is the nearest woodland burial ground' (Trevor Hunnaball). Prepaid plan: Perfect Assurance, Chosen Heritage. Member of NAFD.
FD Dovercourt: R. Gwinnell & Sons, 193 Main Road, Dovercourt, Essex CO12 3PH (tel 01255 241900). See Manningtree, below, for details.
FD Great Yarmouth: Arthur Jary & Sons Ltd, 213/4 Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1DH (tel 01493 844363). Also offices at: 43 High Street, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth NR31 6RR (tel 01493 662389); 15 Yarmouth Road, Caister, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 5DL (tel 01493 722472); Calthorpe Green, Old Road, Acle, Norfolk NR13 3QL (tel 01493 752122). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: from £215 including VAT (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £40 per day or part-day. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour approximately. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'We are a family-owned company. Our staff go out of their way to be friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. We pay great attention to detail' (Mrs S. Thompson). Prepaid plan: 'Our own, through Funeral Planning Services.' Member of SAIF, FOS.
FD Hadleigh: R. Gwinnell & Sons, 77 High Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5DY (tel 01473 824440). See Manningtree, below, for details.
FD Huntingdon: T. L. Cobbold, a branch of Lodge Bros., at 11 and 13 New Street, St Neots, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE19 1AE (tel 01480 472398; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Ipswich: Farthing, Singleton and Hastings Funeral Service, 650 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4PW (tel 01473 272711; e-mail: fsh650@hotmail.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £145 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £560 (disbursements extra). 'We seek to ensure that the service we provide is second to none. Although we endeavour to keep our fees reasonable, we do not believe that this is the main criterion for a family arranging which funeral director to use' (Luke Farthing). Prepaid plan: Own plan (Golden Security plus NAFD Perfect Assurance). Member of NAFD and SAID.
FD Ipswich: Ipswich Funeral Service, Dove House, 291 Norwich Road, Ipswich IP1 4BP (tel 01473 748808). Contact Melanie Hunnaball. See Hunnaball Funeral Services in Colchester, above, for full details.
FD Manningtree: R. Gwinnell & Sons, 24 High Street, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1AD (tel 01206 391506). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: from £100 (delivery dependent on mileage). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, basic advice free. Basic funeral: £580 (disbursements extra). 'We are happy to perform any task that is ethically and legally correct' (Roy Gwinnell). Pre-paid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF and NAFD.
FD Manningtree: Paskell Funeral Service, 15 High Street, Manningtree, Essex CO11 2RS (tel 01206 396709). Contact Saul Hunnaball. See Hunnaball Funeral Services in Colchester, above, for details. Oakfield Wood, Wrabness, near Manningtree, is the local woodland burial ground.
FD Norwich: Co-operative Funeral Service, St Stephens Square, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3QJ (tel 01603 625495). Branches include: Bury St Edmunds (tel 01284 754017); East Dereham (H.H. Aldiss Funeral Service 01362 692233); Felixstowe (01394 670100); Gorleston (tel 01493 440838); Great Yarmouth (tel 01493 842464); Hadleigh (tel 01473 823117); Ipswich (tel 01473 257242); Norwich (tel 01603 483060 & George Bush Funeral Home 01603 764157); Saxmundham (tel 01728 604455); Stowmarket (tel 01449 612765); Sudbury (tel 01787 372736); Woodbridge (tel 01394 385456). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £165 (local delivery free). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, basic advice free. Basic funeral: £600 (disbursements extra). 'We are aware of environmental issues and are able to offer a complete choice to all clients requiring such services, we are also happy to perform any task that is ethically and legally correct' (Chris Doggett). Prepaid plan: Ipswich and Norwich Co-Operative Society Funeral Bond. Member of NAFD.
FD Norwich: Peter Taylor Funeral Services, 85 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2PE (tel 01603 760787 or 01603 219216; fax 01603 620298; e-mail: taylors@angliafunerals.co.uk; web: www.angliafunerals.co.uk). Branches include: Holt (tel 01263 711992); Halesworth (tel 01986 872204); Bungay (tel 01986 892178); Long Stratton (tel 01508 531806); Dereham (tel 01362 699484); Watton (tel 01953 881229); Diss (tel 01379 642321); Harleston (tel 01379 853094); Horstead (tel 01603 737729); Wroxham (tel 01603 783797); Aylsham (tel 01263 733176); Wymondham (tel 01953 603138); Thetford (tel 01842 766221); Attleborough (tel 01953 452798); North Walsham (tel 01962 402603). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £100 (delivery locally £20; nationally 60p per mile over 20 miles). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £60 locally. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, modest, negotiable fee. Basic funeral: £650 (disbursements extra). 'We also offer a range of ecology funerals, including a cardboard coffin and a craftsman-made woven willow chrysalis. A horse-drawn hearse is available from approximately £600. We have a strong association with, and support, the local woodland burial ground at Colney, Norwich. We are an Investors in People company.' (Nicholas Taylor). Prepaid plans: 'We have our own with Funeral Planning Services. We are also agents for Chosen Heritage and Age Concern.' Parent company: Anglia Funeral services. Member of NAFD.
FD Royston: Cecil Newling, a branch of Lodge Bros., at 3 Green Drift, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 5DB (tel 01763 243048; web: www.w-bowers.co.uk) and at Market Hill, Royston, Herfordshire SG8 9LL (tel 01763 243048). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Saxmundham: Tony Brown's Funeral Service, New Cut, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1DJ (tel 01728 603108; fax 01728 604346). (See the description by Libby Purves in Chapter 5.) Would not supply coffin only. Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. 'The charge would depend on distance with a minimum fee of £60 to cover the cost of the limousine hire.' Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £650 (disbursements extra). Prepaid plan: No - 'privately if required, but I do not believe in it.' Would not give price breakdowns over the phone and does not have a price list for members of the public to take away. 'I conduct a personal family business I like doing and I object to all unnecessary red tape. I give a very good Christian service and treat everybody the same unless they want something elaborate. We probably know 95 per cent of the people we deal with. We still class ourselves as "your local funeral director".' They also run a green burial site in Blaxhall (Tony Brown).
FD Southend: S. Stibbards & Sons Ltd, 4 Common Hall Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Essex SS7 2RN (tel 01702 558717; e-mail: Stibbards@aol.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £80 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day then £20 per day after first 14 days. Body transport only: Yes, £60 per mile round trip from office. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, free. Basic funeral: £460 (disbursements extra). 'We are a genuine fifth generation family business. We are always available to advise people impartially if they wish to discuss arrangements for their own funeral without committing themselves to any expense before the event' (David Coster). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD, SAIF and FOS. Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in East Anglia.
FD Thorpe-le-Soken: R. Gwinnell & Sons, High Street, Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex CO16 OEA (tel 01255 861818). See Manningtree, above, for details.
FD West Mersea: J. K. May Funeral Service, Blackwater House, Barfield Road, West Mersea, Essex CO5 8JG (tel 01206 382235). Contact John May. See Hunnaball Funeral Services in Colchester, above, for details.
Comprising South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North West Somerset, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall.
FD Ashburton: F. Christophers & Son, Bridge House, 9 Kingsbridge Lane, Ashburton, Devon (tel 01364 654065; e-mail: fred@f.christophers.co.uk; web: www.f.christophers.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £135 (delivery locally 80p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £8 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour. Basic funeral: £780 (including disbursements of £280). 'Oldest family firm in Devon, established 1846, covering area of Southern Dartmoor' (Frederic Christophers). Member of SAIF.
FD Bideford: D. Williams, The Pill, Kingsley Road, Bideford, North Devon EX39 2PF (tel 01237 472108). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £100 (delivery locally £10). Has cold storage facilities. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £400 (disbursements extra). 'Happy to help people achieve a green burial option' (David Williams). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF. Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in the South West.
FD Bristol: Heaven on Earth, 18 Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8DJ (tel 0117 926 4999). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £165 (delivery locally free). They run the Heaven on Earth funeral shop and have a range of coffins (prices exclude £35 lining): Cardboard from £55; Strandboard from £130; Veneered 'wood' from £225; Painted fibreboard from £275; Bookcase coffins from £395; Reclaimed pine from £395; 'We can make fantasy coffins as required, such as red arrows jet or chess pieces.' Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £495 (coffin extra, disbursements extra - 'family involvement can reduce the price'). 'We positively encourage family involvement; for instance, we encourage the family to drive the body themselves. We can recommend pagan, secular, religious or Buddhist celebrants to officiate at funerals' (Paula Rainey Crofts and Simon Dorgan). No pre-paid plan. Member of no association.
FD Dawlish: B. G. Wills & Son, 22 Brunswick Place, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9PD (tel 01626 862426). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £165 (delivery locally 'no charge'; 'we provide cardboard coffins'). Cold storage only: 'Not available, but we would hold body in chapel of rest at £20 per funeral.' Body transport only: Yes, £75 average price. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £495 (disbursements extra). 'We are a small family firm. We are willing to assist in any aspect of the funeral arrangements no matter how small' (G. Wills). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter, Perfect Assurance and own plan. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Ilfracombe: A. D Williams, 31 Portland Street, Ilfracombe, N. Devon (tel 01271 328218). See Bideford above for details.
FD Weymouth: Stockting Funeral Service, 22 Crescent Street, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7BX (tel 01305 785915; fax 01305 760626; web: www.grassby-funeral.co.uk). Parent company: Grassby & Sons Ltd. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 (delivery locally £20; nationally: 'no'). Cold storage only: Yes, £25 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £610 (disbursements extra). 'We would be prepared to supply a cardboard coffin if requested' (No name given). Member of NAFD.
FD Winscombe: C. V. Gower & Son funeral director, The Square, Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 1BS (tel 01934 842945; fax 01934 843130; e-mail: 106376.3266@compuserve.com). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £150 (delivery locally £10; nationally 50p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes, basic charge and 50p per mile. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £550 (disbursements extra). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF, NAFD, FSC (Marian Gower).
Comprising Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex.
FD Chertsey: Lodge Bros., 104 Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2BQ (tel 01932 829929; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Banstead: A branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd at 121 High Street, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2NS (tel 01737 212 160). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Battle: Arthur C. Towner Ltd, 19 Market Square, Battle, East Sussex TN33 OXB (tel 01424 775515). See St Leonards, below, for details.
FD Belvedere: Ashdown Funeral Services, 38 Albert Road, Belvedere, Kent DA17 8PW (tel 020 8294 2115). See Sidcup, below, for details.
FD Bexhill-on-Sea: Arthur C. Towner Ltd, 19-20 Station Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1RE (tel 01424 733700). See St Leonards, below, for details.
FD Burgess Hill: C. & T. Radmall Funeral Services, 223 London Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9QU (tel 01444 871212). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £216 (delivery locally £20). Cold storage only: Yes (air conditioned room, not traditional fridges), £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes £45 for collection from hospital. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: £950 (including disbursements - doctors' and minister's fees and crematorium; coffin in place at crematorium, no hearse or bearers). 'We can supply cardboard or wicker coffins. We are a small independent family-owned-and-run firm and try our very best to meet any unusual requests' (Matthew Keysell). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Calne: E. Wooten & Son, a branch of Lodge Bros., at 1 North Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 OHQ (tel 01249 812258; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Canterbury: Terry Davis Funerals, Warahay, 2b Jubilee Road, Littlebourne, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1TP (tel 01227 722770 or 720924). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 - or £80 cardboard (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes (£45 for collection from hospital). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: £650 (disbursements extra). 'We encourage every bereaved family to make each funeral as unique a celebration of the life of their loved one as possible. It may be appropriate in some cases to arrange the celebration around a particular interest that the deceased had during their life, eg Country and Western music, New Orleans jazz' (Matthew Keysell). No prepaid plan. Member of no association.
FD Carshalton: A branch of J. E. Gillman & Sons at 16 Green Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DW (tel 020 8669 0483). See their entry in the London region, below, for details.
FD Caterham: A branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd at Leslie House, 187 Croydon Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6PH (tel 01883 345 345). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Cheam: A branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd at 31 High Street, Cheam, Surrey SM3 8RE (tel 020 8642 3300). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Chertsey: Lodge Bros., 7 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AY (tel 01932 565980; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Couldson: A branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd at 55 Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR3 2RB (tel 020 8660 2620). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Epsom: A branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd at 14-18 Church Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4AB (tel 01372 723 337). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Guildford: J. Monk & Sons, a branch of Lodge Bros., at 3 Artillery Terrace, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4NL (tel 01483 562780; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Haywards Heath: R. A. Brooks and Son, 35 Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4EN (tel 01444 454391; fax 01444 413751). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £180 (delivery locally free). Cold storage: Yes, small negotiable flat fee. Body transport only: Yes, from £85. Advice for d-i-y people: Yes, free for a limited time. Basic funeral: £680 (disbursements extra). 'As a family-run business, we are totally flexible' (Andrew Brooks). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD, SAIF, FOS and MBIE.
FD Haywards Heath: P. & S. Gallagher Funeral Directors, Fraser House, Triangle Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4HW (tel 01444 451166). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £130 (delivery locally £15, nationally at cost). Cold storage: Yes. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y people: Yes, £25 per hour. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'A family-run business with complete facilities' (Patrick Gallagher). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter and own plan. Member of SAIF, BIE.
FD Henfield: C. & T. Radmall Funeral Services, 2 Stanhope House, High Street, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9JJ (tel 01273 494577). See Burgess Hill above for details.
NEW FD Horsham: C. & T. Radmall Funeral Services, 3/4 Shelley House, Bishopric, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1QF (tel 01403 257444). See Burgess Hill above for details.
FD Lindfield: Masters & Son (Lindfield) Ltd, Lewes Road, Lindfield, West Sussex RH16 2LB (tel 01444 482107; e-mail: masters@mistral.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £125 (delivery locally £15). Cold storage: Yes, £15 per hour. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y people: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'An independent family business. Both my wife and I trained as bereavement counsellors with Cruse' (Ian Masters). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Mitcham: A branch of G. E. Gillman & Sons at 205 London Road, Mitcham, Surrey (tel 020 8685 0349). See their entry in the London region, below, for details.
FD Mitcham: Donald Drewett & Sons, a branch of W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd, at 49-51 Upper Green East, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 2PF (tel 020 8648 2905). For details see Sutton, below.
FD Newbury: R. C. Smallbone Ltd, Starwood House, 37 Pound Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 6AE (tel 01635 40536). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £120 (delivery locally £10; delivery nationally 'variable'). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour. Basic funeral: £937 (including fee for medical forms, Reading crematorium and CoE minister). 'Small independent family-owned company that strives to carry out every request of the bereaved' (Michael Smallbone). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Portsmouth: Co-operative Funeral Directors, 157 Fratton Road, Portsmouth PO1 5EJ (tel 023 9286 3031; e-mail: stevepearce@southerncoops.co.uk). Other Southern Co-op Funeral Directors with the same terms of business at: Andover, Hampshire (Edwards Funeral Directors, tel 01264 334798); Ascot, Berkshire (Lines Bannister & Co Ltd, tel 01344 620266); Basingstoke, Hampshire (A. Monger Funeral Directors, tel 01256 851124); Bognor Regis, West Sussex (tel 01243 865119); Camberley, Berkshire (Camberley & District Funeral Directors, tel 01276 33241); Chichester, West Sussex (tel 01243 782209); Fareham, Hampshire (tel 01329 280249); Farnborough, Hampshire (tel 01252 542236); Fleet, Hampshire (tel 01252 623098); Gosport, Hampshire (tel 023 8258 1032); Havant, Hampshire (tel 023 9248 4499); Overton, Hampshire (tel 01256 770986); Portsmouth, Hampshire (G. Andrew & Sons Funeral Directors, tel 023 9266 2534); Portsmouth (Dashwood & Denyer Ltd, tel 023 9282 3855); Waterlooville, Hampshire (Edwards Funeral Directors, tel 023 9226 6105); Wokingham, Berkshire (J. B. Hall Funeral Directors, tel 01189 793623). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £95 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, £30 per day. Body transport only: Yes (£55 for an estate car). Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £30 per hour. Basic funeral: 'The family can pick and choose so it is up to the family' (they do indeed publish a good breakdown of à la carte 'basic charges' and their cheapest complete funeral combination, excluding disbursements but including a hearse and limousine, seems to come to £800). 'We will help the client as much or as little as the client wishes' (Steve Pearce). Prepaid plan: Co-operative Funeral Bond. Member of FSC and FOS.
FD St Leonards: Arthur C. Towner Ltd, 2-4 Norman Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6NH (tel 01424 436386; web: www.towners.co.uk). Branches in Battle and Bexhill, see above. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £99 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes, flat fee of £25. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £50 per hour. Basic funeral: £566 (disbursements extra). 'We strive always to provide our clients with the funeral they need, not what is most convenient for us to provide' (Edward Towner). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Salisbury: Richard T. Adlem & Stephen Beckwith, 89 Littledow Cottages, Woodcutts, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5RU (tel 01725 552309; e-mail: rtadlem@fairprice.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £85 (foil), £95 (veneer), £55+VAT (cardboard), phone for delivery price. Cold storage only: Yes, as long as no other funeral director is involved, no charge for a week and then call for details. Body transport only: Yes, £1.20 per mile, with no minimum charge. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge if they phone or call on us, otherwise a transport charge. Basic funeral: £900 (including church fees, doctors' fees and cremation fee). 'Our large estate car plus wheeled bier etc is available for hire. Families who have used us are willing to discuss the high level of service they have received from us. We do not have to satisfy shareholders or directors so we charge the lowest prices we can afford' (Stephen Beckwith, partner with his wife). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of no association. Winner of the New Natural Death Handbook Award 2000 for the Best Funeral Director in the South.
FD Sidcup: Ashdown Funeral Services, 232 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, Kent DA15 8PW (tel 020 8294 2115). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £180 (delivery locally £20). Cold storage only: Yes 'if space available', £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £10 per hour. Basic funeral: £818 (disbursements extra). 'Having only two premises and three permanent employees, our overheads are small. If our clients wish to add or subtract services, we can do so, and we alter the charges accordingly. Prices will increase by 20 per cent per year' (Mr E. Micallef). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Southsea: Mayfields Funeral Directors, 90 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 1LN (tel 02392 875575; fax 02392 751172; e-mail: dcolbourne@linewone.net). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £75 (delivery locally £10, nationally 75p per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £7 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour. Basic funeral: £877 (including disbursements). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF. 'Small family business with bereavement centre and trained counsellors' (David Colbourne).
FD Sutton: W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd, 118 Carshalton Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4RL (tel 020 8642 8211; e-mail: funerals@wa-truelove-and-son.ltd.uk; web: www.wa-truelove-and-son.ltd.uk). They have another Sutton branch at 20 Mulgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 6LE (tel 020 8642 0089). For other branches, see Truelove (London region, for the Wallington branch), Caterham, Cheam, Coulsdon, Banstead, Epsom and Mitcham. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £150, VAT extra (delivery locally £25). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day, subject to availability. Body transport only: No. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £50 per hour. Basic funeral: £620 (advance payment price, disbursements extra). 'Family owned and run. Eight of our staff are diploma holders, three having won the Harold Rivett Award for excellence. A range of services, simple or elaborate' (Simon Truelove). Prepaid plan: Truelove Funeral Plans Ltd. Member of NAFD and National Selected Morticians.
FD Swindon: A. E. Baker and Sons Ltd, 49/51 Groundwell Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 2LY (tel 01793 433844). For details see Faringdon, above, in the East Midlands region. They also have an office at Brewery Street, Highworth, Wiltshire (tel 01793 764664).
FD Swindon: A. E. Smith & Son, a branch of Lodge Bros., at Queens Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 1AW (tel 01793 522023; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Tonbridge: Abbey Funeral Services, 173 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BX (tel 01732 360328; fax 01732 773050). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £136 (delivery locally £25). Cold storage only: Yes, £50 per day. Body transport only: Yes, from £92. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £25 per hour ('form to be provided by client'). Basic funeral: £810 (for deaths attended between 9am and 5pm, and bills settled within 7 days of the funeral, disbursements extra). 'Small independent family business' (Jo Parker). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF and FOS.
FD Warminster: F. Curtis and Son, 11 Portway, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QC (tel 01985 212033). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £100. Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £650 to £700 (including disbursements). 'We are straight' (Glen T. Shuttlewood). No prepaid plan. Member of BIFD.
FD West Byfleet: Lodge Bros., 33 Old Woking Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6LG (tel 01932 355897; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Weybridge: Lodge Bros., 36-38 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AB (tel 01932 854758; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). See Lodge Bros. in the London region, below, for details.
FD Worthing: TMC Funeral Services (Monumental Company), 92-94 Broadwater Street West, Broadwater Green, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 9DE (tel 01903 235353; e-mail: pennykeen@monumental.co.uk; web: www.monumental.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £230 (delivery locally £10 within 10 miles). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: free, £25 arrangement fee. Basic funeral: £590 (disbursements extra). 'Privately family-owned and managed' (Penny Keen). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
Including old Middlesex. See also South region.
FD F. A. Albin & Sons Funeral Directors: Arthur Stanley House, 52 Culling Road, London SE16 2TN (tel 020 7237 3637); also at 164 Deptford High Street, London SE8 3DP (tel 020 8694 1384). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £199 (delivery nationally £52). Basic funeral: £687 for burial at Nunhead cemetery and £822 for cremation at Honor Oak crematorium (both including disbursements). Also offers a 'Disposal Funeral Package' with no viewing, no service and no one in attendance for £519 (including disbursements). For the coffins they sell and the display coffin they rent, see Chapter 5. 'Owned by the family, we are now 217 years old' (B. Albin).
FD H. J. Bent & Co Funeral Directors: 343 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 6HA (tel 020 8969 1170); also at 1c Westminster Court, London NW8 8JN (tel 020 7723 1186); and 3 Pavilion Parade, Wood Lane, London W12 0HQ (tel 020 8743 3338). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £90 approximately. Cold storage only: Yes. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £650 (disbursements extra). 'We were the first company to be ISO 9002 registered for Funeral Services' (Terry Foreman). Prepaid plan: Chosen Heritage and 'our own'. Member of no association except the Federation of Small Businesses.
FD Chelsea Funeral Directors: 260(b) Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW10 9EL (tel 020 7352 0008; e-mail: funerals@chelseafunerals.co.uk; web: www.chelseafunerals.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £125 (delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: Yes, £15 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £595 (disbursements extra). 'Independently owned, sensitivity to personalised funeral requests' (Neil Cocking). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD T. Cribb & Sons funeral directors: Victoria House, 10 Woolwich Manor Way, Beckton, London E6 4PA (tel 020 8476 1855; e-mail: johnharris@looksmart.com). Branches at: 154-155 Barking Road, Canning Town, London E14 4HB; and 112 Rathbone Street, Canning Town, London E16 1JQ. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £153 approx. (delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge - within reason. Basic funeral: £632 (disbursements extra). 'Our horse-drawn service is still available at £695; we have a probate service. Our phone lines and office are always open to give families advice and help - regardless of the fact that we may or may not be carrying out the full funeral arrrangements' (John Harris). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD The Funeral Centre; funeral directors: 43-47 Rushey Green, Catford, London SE6 4AS (tel 020 8695 0999). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £122 approx. (delivery locally free; 70/80p mile elsewhere). Cold storage only: Yes, £20 per day. Body transport only: Yes, negotiable. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £600 (disbursements extra). 'This is an independent firm with a large display showroom, and a friendly personal service' (Mrs Lee Gennery). Prepaid plan: Golden Leaves. Member of NAFD & SAIF.
FD J. E. Gillman & Sons Ltd: 971 Garratt Lane, Tooting, London SW17 OLW (tel 020 8672 1557; web: www.funeral.org.uk). Branches: Mitcham, Surrey (tel 020 8685 0349); Carshalton, Surrey (tel 020 8669 0483); Battersea, London SW11 (Bassett Funeral Service, tel 020 7228 0360); West Norwood, London SE27 (Wilson Funeral Service, tel 020 8670 4126). A chipboard-based lightly veneered coffin, 'without handles or fancy lining, just cremfilm, using wood from managed sustained-yield forests' is available in a range of sizes for £45, including delivery within 5 miles. Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, 'free advice from experienced and flexible staff'. Direct Transfer Service: 'Where there is no service, religious or secular, and no mourners', £325 (disbursements extra). Basic funeral: £725 (disbursements extra). 'Independent family firm, very qualified staff' (Roger Gillman). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Green Endings: 141 Fortess Road, London NW5 2HR (tel 020 7424 0345). Cheapest wooden coffin only: £150; a basic plain cardboard coffin, 'rectangular shape with waterproof lining', £90; a shaped cardboard coffin £150 (plus £10 local delivery or 60p per mile within driving distance). Cold storage only: No. 'I don't have a fridge yet, but can keep bodies in my storeroom for a few days as it is very cold'. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £20 per hour. Basic funeral (cremation): £1000 (incl. use of reusable wooden coffin containing inner cardboard coffin, transport within 10 miles of Camden, disbursements, etc). 'My aim is to offer choice and to create the kind of funeral which would reflect the life of the person who has died. I can commission the services of pop, rock, classical, jazz or other musicians, of non-religious celebrants, dancers. I attempt to find more unusual services eg a horse and cart (not plumed horses and a carriage, though if people want this I would assist them). I encourage participation - to reduce the costs, to give the opportunity of experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful funeral and to facilitate the grieving process' (Roslyn Cassidy). Prepaid plan: Funeral Planning Services Ltd - custodian trustee HSBC Trust Company (UK) Ltd. Member of no funeral association.
FD H. C. Grimstead Ltd: 58 Swan Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7JZ (tel 01895 431000). The firm also has branches in Ruislip (tel 01895 623000), Eastcote (tel 020 8866 0688) and Harefield (tel 01895 822297); and see the East Midlands region above for its branches in South Buckinghamshire at Beaconsfield, Amersham and Gerrards Cross. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £210. Cardboard coffin £100. Cold storage only: Yes, £25 per day. Body transport only: Yes, from £60. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, probably no charge. Basic funeral: £410 for the 'Green Funeral Option' with a cardboard coffin (disbursements extra; and £1-45 extra per mile, each way, outside a 10 mile radius); otherwise £480 'excluding the coffin'. 'We are one of the few independent funeral directors, the third generation of the family' (Colin Thompson). Prepaid plan: Own plans and own trust fund.
FD Haji Taslim Muslim Funerals: East London Mosque, 45 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU (tel 020 7247 2625 or 020 7247 9583). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £100 approx. Cold storage only: Yes, no charge. Body transport only: Yes, £60 for two hours with a driver within a 25 mile radius. Prices can be reduced for those in financial difficulty. 'Although 95% of the firm's business is Islamic, it is not exclusively so' (Mr Taslim).
FD Holmes & Daughters: 3 Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex (tel 01784 421015). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £95, cardboard coffin £70 (delivery locally £20). Body transport only: Yes, from £78. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £730 (disbursements extra). 'Small independent business. Vintage 1934 hearse no extra cost. Female conductors on request. Many staff are family or longstanding family friends' (David Holmes). This firm publishes a full breakdown of its pricing. Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD Hounslow: The local authority in Hounslow has an arrangement with local funeral directors to supply a 'Hounslow Community Funeral Service' to residents at a cost of £550 (disbursements extra). The firms taking part are: The CRS Co-op (tel 020 8570 4741), Andrew Holmes & Son (tel 020 8572 3277) and Frederick Paine (tel 020 8994 0056).
FD Indian Funeral Service: Chani House, Lower Park Road, New Southgate, London N11 1QD (tel 020 8361 6151, fax 020 8368 1008; e-mail: chandu@indianfuneral.co.uk ; web: www.indianfuneral.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £180 (delivery locally free). Cold storage only: Yes. Body transport only: Yes, £90. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £700 (disbursements extra). 'The only Asian family-owned funeral directors in London' (Chandu Tailor). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF.
FD E. M. Kendall funeral directors: 46 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AH (tel 020 7254 6519 and 020 7249 2884; fax 020 7254 6519). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £55 (delivery locally £10; nationally 'negotiable'). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £10 per hour. Basic funeral: £375 (disbursements extra). '24 hour service, moderate charges, every assistance given, distance no object' (E. M. Kendall). Prepaid plan: Avalon, Golden Charter and own plan. Member of BIFD and FSC.
FD Lambeth: A municipal funeral service for local residents, by arrangement with the local authority, is provided by the CWS Co-op (tel 020 7703 2803) at a cost of £1,030 (disbursements extra) - note that a basic funeral is available for £890 (no extra for non-residents).
FD Lewisham: A municipal funeral service for local residents, by arrangement with the local authority, is provided by the CWS Co-op (tel 020 7698 3244) at a cost of £1,030 (disbursements extra) - note that a basic funeral is available for £890 (no extra for non-residents).
FD Lodge Bros. (Funerals) Ltd: Ludlow House, Ludlow Road, Feltham TW13 7JF (tel 020 8818 7710; e-mail: info@lodgebros.co.uk; web: www.lodgebros.co.uk). Branches include: Hanworth (tel 020 8894 9731); Northolt (tel 020 8845 0660); Feltham (tel 020 8890 2231); Bedfont (tel 020 8890 7902); Yiewsley (tel 01895 446686); Uxbridge (tel 01895 233018); Sunbury-on-Thames (tel 01932 785402); Shepperton (tel 01932 220081); Hounslow (tel 020 8570 0118); Hillingdon (tel 01895 234011); Hampton Hill (tel 020 8941 4022); Ashford (tel 01784 252226); West Ealing (tel 020 8567 0227); Brentford (tel 020 8560 7499). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £132 . Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, 'free for our d-i-y customers who purchase goods or services.' Economy funeral: £654. Basic funeral: £782 to £857 (varying between branches, disbursements extra). 'Our family business has been established for over 200 years and offers a very full range of services' (John Lodge). Prepaid plan: Family Funerals Trust Ltd. Member of NAFD, BIFD, NAPFP, NAMM. This firm is to be commended for its particularly clear and itemised price lists and for their printed comment on these lists that 'any items listed can be purchased separately by clients wishing to make their own arrangements'.
FD Mears & Cotterill: 169 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5EF (tel 020 8874 7698). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £115 (delivery locally £30). Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £50 set fee. Basic funeral: £420 (disbursements extra). 'We are family owned. We supply coffins, hearse, embalming and advice as required, without insisting that we complete the whole of a funeral' (John William Mears). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter and Golden Leaves. Member of FSC.
FD W. G. Miller: 93-95 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 2SJ (tel 020 7226 3886). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £245 (delivery locally £30). Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes. Basic funeral: £850 (disbursements extra). Cold storage only: No. Advice for d-i-y: Yes. 'We are a small family company which still cares for the family's wishes. If there is a need for a particular service we will provide it' (Peter Henry). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Rowland Brothers: 301 Whitehorse Road, West Croydon CR0 2HR (tel 020 8684 1667; e-mail: info@rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £150 (delivery free locally; nationally £1 per mile). Cold storage only: Yes, £25 per day. Body transport only: Yes, £250 for hearse and four bearers. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge for a quick call, substantial advice £100. Basic funeral: £465 (disbursements extra). 'We also have a disposal service which costs £356 for those who want no involvement at all' (Tony Rowland). Prepaid plan: Golden Leaves. Member of NAFD and SAIF.
FD Southwark: A municipal funeral service for local residents, by arrangement with the local authority, is provided by the CWS Co-op (tel 020 7732 4165) at a cost of £1,030 (disbursements extra) - note that a basic funeral is available for £890 (no extra for non-residents).
FD W. A. Truelove & Son Ltd: A branch at 109 Stafford Road, Wallington, Greater London SM6 9AP (tel 020 8647 1032). See their entry above, under Sutton, South region, above, for details.
FD Willow Independent Funeral Service: 21 Wellington Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6PQ (tel 020 8854 6222). They run another branch at 347 Becksley Road, North Heath, Kent. Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £285. Cold storage only: Yes, £5 per day. Body transport only: Yes. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £660 (disbursements extra). 'We are independent and give value for money' (Mr Hopper). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter and own plan. Member of SAIF and OMAS.
FD East Kilbride: Heritage Funeral Services Ltd, 10 Montgomery Street, The Village, East Kilbride, Scotland G74 4JS (tel 01355 330330; fax 01355 330500). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £140 (delivery locally £10). Cold storage only: Yes, £10 per day. Body transport only: Yes, estate car and hearse available. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £855 (disbursements extra). 'We realise the importance of the client making decisions and will always put their needs both emotional and financial before the profitability of the company. Being a family business we are not governed by targets or budgets and can provide a higher level of personal service than some of the larger companies' (Keida Mackenzie). Prepaid plan: Golden Charter. Member of SAIF, BIFD, BIE, FSC and FOS.
FD Edinburgh: Barclay's Funeral Services, 4 Taylor Gardens, Edinburgh EH6 6TG (tel 0131 553 6818). Parent company SCI (UK). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £250. Cold storage only: Yes, no charge. Body transport only: Yes, £120 hearse, £90 limousine. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, no charge. Basic funeral: £705 (disbursements extra). 'We go above and beyond the call of duty' (Peter Deery). Prepaid plan: Dignity. Member of FSC and FOS.
FD County Leitrim: Luke Early, Main Street, Mohill, County Leitrim, Eire (tel 0035378 31081 or 0872 470795; e-mail: earlyfunerals@eircom.net). Cheapest fully-fitted coffin only: £290 (delivery locally £50; anywhere in Eire for £120). Cold storage only: No. Advice for d-i-y: Yes, £15 per hour. Basic funeral: £495 (disbursements extra). 'No parent company, Personal contact with bereaved family' (Luke Early). Prepaid plan: Own plan. Member of IAFD. (Eds: Only firms supplying a fully-fitted coffin for £250 or less have been included in this chapter, but an exception has been made in the case of this firm, since it is the only one in Eire that has come close to meeting the requirements for a listing.)
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