The Company gallery

The Company gallery

Removal ambulances.

It may sound odd to some people. But we do need more than one of these vehicles. I should add that the vehicle on the right of the picture, is now the vehicle used by Dave, the company handyman. The others have professionally built stainless steel electric decks inside. These vehicles are only used for this sole purpose.

 

What an awful picture. Where is Craig when you want him. Anyway here is a photo of our latest addition. This is the second new pair of hearse and limousine that the company has purchased. No other local independent Funeral Director has this standard of equipment. We are very pleased to say that this pair is hybrid, and we intend to move towards electric vehicles over the next five years. Charging points have already been installed at three of the offices where we can charge vehicles without trailing cables across the pavement.

 

Excitement at Bearsted

As it gets closer to the point at which I can comfortably relax and work less days a week, so it gets very exciting for those who will step up to take on more responsibility. And so it was today, that Karan our new Funeral Director at the Bearsted office stepped out into the rain (not really laughing Karan) to conduct her first solo funeral. She has been with the company completing her office training first, and now has been attending services with me for a while and now she is away.

Karan first solo FD

Ok its a grimace really, not a smile. But she didn’t want me to take even this simple shot. Hard luck Karan, this is one for the company gallery. And I will work on the hat, for those of you who are thinking that it isn’t on properly. And of course the coat is not done up. Just imagine what her mum will be thinking when she looks at this later. Or her children! Good luck from everyone in the company Karan, and I look forward to spending more time in the garden.

Headcorn new roof

The roof at the office in Headcorn had been up there since Victoria was on the Throne, and sadly parts of it had begun to look a little less than waterproof. So it was decided to get it completely replaced during the summer months. That didn’t quite go to plan, and sadly it wasn’t started until into October! There were a few puddles on a couple of occasions but we managed to get through it with the help of a few prayers and some extra tarpaulin! It will look fabulous when its all done and add to the attractive view in the High Street.

The view at the back of the premises

Jo, our resident Funeral Director at Headcorn, enjoying the sunshine after an “complicated” funeral. Clearly the day is all about the family and the deceased. But I have to say, due to the heightened level of concentration, that they do take it out of us too!

A Dove above the rest

We had to add “A dove above the rest” to the company gallery. These beautiful creatures are available to all families at any venue. Please ask for details.

Nicola from A Dove above the rest
Nicola from A Dove above the rest.

The new office at Headcorn has proved to be a wise move on our part. I have been looking here for a couple of years for some nice premises and after a complete refurbishment we were pleased to be finally open.

Headcorn Family Funeral Service

Here in the gallery, there will be some photos that are of interest to you and some that will not. There is nothing distasteful or disrespectful here. I hope some of these may help.

Handle posy

Coffins are never very nice things to look at, so we have developed a handle posy. These fit snugly into the handles around to coffin. They look very effective, and are a simple but effective way for younger family members to be significantly involved with the funeral. We have them made to match the coffin spray, which is on top of the coffin. This is the company gallery, so I must add some more pictures to help you.

Colours and sizes can vary, as can the colour of the ribbon. and of course each child can write their own tribute card to be attached to their posy.

And the pets came too

They say stranger things happen at sea, and I suppose they may well do. However in this case the family got the bit well and truly between their teeth and brought out the pet donkeys to say goodbye to their owner. The family were comforted, and it made this funeral start off in a very special way. It takes courage to make things different, and it can really help. This family very kindly gave me permission to take pictures for the website.

Being different means different things to different people.

This family wanted to make the funeral for a young man of 42, as different as possible. I am allowed to call him Andrew. His brother John and sister Hayley were devastated. They had had a very difficult upbringing as they had lost their Mum very early and were all estranged from their Dad. It’s amazing they are as sane as they are really. Andrew’s family arranged for a lorry from the Construction Company he worked for to be used to take him to the funeral. He loved his work, so why not. Then they arranged a motorbike escort to the crematorium from the office. The bikers stopped all the traffic, even a police car! John and Hayley kindly gave me permission to include the following pictures on the website. Thank you John and Hayley.

Remember different things to different people. Oh yes, and if you wish to arrange a motorbike escort, please tell me in advance. I am happy for there to be one, its just that when they stop all the traffic we get there too quickly!!!

From North of the Border

Now recently we were instructed by another lovely family. The gentleman was a true Scot. So of course we had to have bagpipes! The piper played as I walked to the house, which was quite close to the office. Then he played again as we came back towards him. Then he jumped in his car and went to the Church. He played again after the service and walked around the outside of the Church whilst the family mingled around inside.

This is not an inexpensive extra, so it needs to be considered carefully before going ahead. However the sound is quite fantastic!

Now Greg is a great chap and he will happily talk to you directly and his number is 07590 388801 I am sure he will be happy to do other work that you may have too. He has full Highland Dress, or this Day Wear. Full Highland Dress is a bit more expensive.

Every now and then you get to see a really lovely rose, and this is one of them. I just felt I had to include this picture, and the larger one of the tribute it came from, as it is so pretty.

As you will know, pictures of flowers never do them justice do they. Looking at this picture now, and the real tribute just beside me, makes me wonder why I bother with a camera I’m so useless at taking pictures!

Vehicles

The new Volvo hearse and limousines, of which we are very proud, are in black rather than our previous black over grey. They are all seat belted and six doors, air conditioned and leather throughout, for your comfort.

In June 2018 I placed an order with Volvo Cars, for another two brand new vehicles to add to the fleet. We were very excited about this new addition and managed to get some pictures for the local papers when they arrived.

Vintage vehicles

Once again, not to everyone’s taste but if you would like this or feel it would be appropriate please do say. We will be happy to make the arrangements for you. However they are vintage and they are not very comfortable! Don’t even think about riding in here with me.

Now this is not everyone’s idea of the perfect vehicle, but the gallery wouldn’t be the gallery without something very bright, and if the cap fits……

This is quite an old Daimler DS420, which to be honest, are not in demand these days. With the exception of this one. This is the only pink hearse in the country that I know of, and it is based in London where it is very busy. I have used it in 2010, and it was quite something. There is no matching limousine yet (2012).

And for those who like the idea of something other than black, or pink, there are the following.

White, OK if the weather is good, but they look dirty very quickly if the weather is not good.

Silver, is a very smart colour, and very popular too.

Again these are quite old vehicles, and not greatly sought after these days. Except if you want a different colour. I have to admit to a long love affair with these old monsters. I cut my teeth driving one of these when the family used to have them. Lovely to drive, great to ride in on the back seat (occasional seats for the others) but hateful to wash because they are as big as a small lorry!

Horse drawn hearse

To be honest, this is a very peaceful way to travel. But not too far, and pray for dry weather!

We use Cooks Carriages when we are instructed to provide a horse drawn hearse. There are others around but this needs to be a professional experienced company. Not someone who just takes it up for fun!