Circle Funerals

17/12/2025

Questions to ask a funeral director – Part 2

This is the second in a series of four posts: questions to ask a funeral director. We hope these posts will give you ideas about what you might want to ask, so that you can feel more informed, supported and confident when choosing a funeral director.

Question
Will we be looked after by the same person from the first phone call through to the funeral day?

Our answer
We believe that continuity of care matters; that people value getting to know one or two familiar faces, who take the time to understand them, their family and the person who has died. When this happens, each conversation can build on the last, trust grows, and there is a shared sense of what matters most to you.

From the very beginning, we have shaped Circle Funerals around this. It is just the two of us - Jeremy and me (Sara). From the first phone call, through each conversation and on the day of the funeral itself, you will be dealing with one or both of us. We have always believed that this continuity of care makes the process simpler and gentler for you, and means that on the day of the funeral the person standing beside you will have a sense of your person in the way you have chosen to share – so our support and the service itself feel reflective and meaningful.

11/12/2025

Questions to ask a funeral director - Part 1

When arranging a funeral, it can be difficult to know what to ask a funeral director. We believe that the more you understand what is possible, the easier it is to make choices that feel right for you and your family. This is the first in a short series of posts sharing questions you might like to ask, so that you can feel informed, supported and confident in the decisions you make.

Question
How will you help us plan a funeral that feels right for us and the person that has died?

Our Answer
We believe that planning a funeral can be part of the grieving process, and there is no single “right” way to do it. Some families want something very simple; others want particular music, readings, symbols, colours or rituals. A thoughtful funeral director will listen carefully, offer ideas, and explain what is possible so that together you can create something that feels honest and true to the person who has died.

Jeremy and I (Sara) will spend time exploring what matters most to you, then gently guide you through the options so the ceremony reflects your values and those of your person.

04/12/2025

CAFTcharity Toy Appeal - Local Drop‑Off Point

We’re really pleased to be acting as a drop‑off point for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) Toy Appeal 2025.

This year CAFT will be bringing festive magic to around 3,700 ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged children.

If you’d like to donate, we’re collecting:
Family board games
Footballs
Soft toys
Toiletry sets (teenager/young adult)
Lego sets (Duplo, City, Friends, Creator, Technic ranges)
Remote‑control vehicles
Musical toys
Painting/drawing/craft sets
Dough/sand modelling sets
Educational toys

Please note that gifts need to be new and wrapped, with a photo or short description of what’s inside to help the Elves and Father Christmas match them to the right children!

If you’d like to drop toys off with us, please give us a quick ring/email first on 0161 928 6080 / sara@circlefunerals.co.uk so we can make sure we’re in and not out supporting families.

You can find us at: Circle Funerals, 23 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DP.

Please drop any gifts off by Thursday 18th December.

If you can’t get to us but still want to help, you can also donate directly to CAFT at caft.co.uk, and they’ll do the shopping for you.

Thank you so much for any support you can give 💛

03/12/2025

Carols from King’s Court Thursday 18th December, 6pm

We’re very pleased to be supporting Visit Altrincham’s “Carols from King’s Court” again this year.

It’s become such a lovely tradition for the town, and last year’s gathering, led so beautifully by The Music Place choir created the most uplifting atmosphere. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together, a fantastic evening of singing and community spirit.

Food and drink will be available to buy on the night from King’s Court’s brilliant local businesses.
It’s always a special evening, and we look forward to seeing everyone there again this year.

25/11/2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve supported several families who chose to spend some quiet time with their person who has died while the coffin was closed.

For some, it felt right to sit with a cup of tea and say the things they wanted to say. One family brought their favourite drinks and snacks and spent time together in the way they always had. Others played music that meant something to them.

One person we supported told me she hadn’t expected to spend time with her partner at all; but after talking it over with us, and then choosing to do so, she felt more prepared for the funeral and more comfortable when she saw the coffin during the service.

There’s no right or wrong way to approach this. Some people want this time, some don’t, and both are completely okay. Our role is simply to help people understand what’s possible and to support them in whatever feels right for them.

If taking a little time helps you feel connected, comforted, or more ready for the days ahead, we will always make space for that.

14/11/2025

Warm Space at Circle Funerals

This winter, we’re continuing our commitment to supporting our community by offering a warm, welcoming space for anyone who might need it.

Rising living costs are having a real impact on many households, and our hope is to provide a calm, comfortable place where people can pause, warm up, and feel at ease. Jeremy and I (Sara) are really pleased to be able to offer a friendly environment where visitors can enjoy a hot drink, a chat, or simply a quiet moment.

Although we are a funeral directors, people are often surprised by how homely and relaxed our premises feel. We regularly hear from visitors that the atmosphere is very different from what they expected - warm, calm, and reassuring. Being part of the local community is incredibly important to us, and our doors are open to anyone who wishes to make use of the space.

Our Warm Space runs every Tuesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Visitors are welcome to drop in for free tea, coffee and biscuits, free WiFi, and a peaceful place to sit.

Further details about our Warm Space, along with others in the area, can be found on the Warm Welcome UK website:
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/space?l=20279

If you know someone who may benefit, please feel free to share this information. Everyone is welcome.

Circle Funerals, 23 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DP
0161 928 6080
sara@circlefunerals.co.uk

Click below to donate now or wait until 2nd - 9th December to have your donation matched through The Big Give initiative.

28/10/2025

Funerals don’t have to take place in a church, crematorium or other faith-based space.

Over the years, we’ve helped families hold ceremonies in village halls, gardens, woodlands and at home - places that feel familiar, gentle and personal.

When the setting feels right, the whole day often feels calmer and more true to the person who has died.

There’s more flexibility than many people realise, and creating the right atmosphere can make a quiet but meaningful difference.

20/10/2025

In the conversations we’ve had with families over the years, we’ve seen that what creates meaning for families is different for everyone.

For some, it’s decorating the order of service with beads and feathers, or displaying a piece of art created by the person who has died. Others have chosen to have their choir sing during the ceremony, or to use flowers gathered from their own garden.

These small, personal details often bring a quiet sense of connection - helping the day feel true to the person being remembered.

03/10/2025

We love being part of our wonderful local community and we're really touched to have been nominated for a Professional Services award in this year's Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

We always want to offer the best support that we can, to help families and provide compassionate and personalised care that ultimately helps them through what is a difficult and emotional time.

We are in the category with many other wonderful businesses, but if you can spare 30 seconds, and your vote, please do vote for us - we are so appreciative of the support (voting closes today, Friday):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2BVF72

Thank you, Sara & Jeremy (Jez) x

01/10/2025

NEWS: Circle Funerals: A New Chapter for Altrincham's Award-Winning Funeral Directors

If you've been in Altrincham over the past few years, you'll likely know them as Full Circle Funerals. But from 1 October, Sara and Jeremy Fixter are stepping into an exciting new chapter as Circle Funerals – fully independent, locally owned, and more committed than ever to supporting families across South Manchester.

"Nothing else is changing," Sara reassures us. "We're still the same team, in the same premises, offering the same calm and personal approach. The only difference is the name."

After operating as part of a small independent franchise network from 2022 to 2025, Sara and Jeremy felt the time was right to step out on their own. "Relaunching as Circle Funerals gives us more freedom to shape everything around the needs of local families, while holding on to the values people already recognise in us: warmth, flexibility and attention to detail," Sara explains.

What makes Circle Funerals different is the diverse experience they bring. Jeremy spent 20 years in recruitment and HR before retraining as a funeral director, bringing a calm, detail-oriented presence. Sara originally trained as a solicitor, then retrained as a psychotherapist after raising their children. She also volunteers with Cruse as a bereavement supporter.

"Because we run Circle ourselves, families know they will always speak directly to us, and one of us will be there alongside them throughout," Sara says.

Their approach has earned impressive recognition. The couple received the Bereavement Support Award at the national Good Funeral Awards in 2023, were nominated as Funeral Director of the Year in 2024, and were named Business of the Year at the 2024 Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Beyond funeral care, Circle Funerals runs community talks, signposts families to bereavement support, and advises on greener funeral options. Their Forever Manchester Fund continues to expand across South Manchester, supporting local community groups and projects in areas including Wythenshawe, Partington, Sale, Didsbury, Old Trafford and Stretford.

The decision to retain the Circle name was about continuity. "Families in Altrincham and the surrounding areas already know us by it and connect it with the way we support people," Sara explains. "Keeping the Circle name shows families we are here to stay, committed to our community, and ready to keep evolving to meet people's needs."

Circle Funerals is based in Altrincham and serves families across South Manchester.

Follow on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/CircleFunerals/

Check out their website at www.circlefunerals.co.uk