03/02/2026
Appreciation Post for Richard Gladders, who to most people is simply known as Budgie.
One night in Atherstone, he asked Matthew and Nigel if he could help out on the occasional funeral here and there… and 45 hours a week and three years later, he’s practically become full-time, helping during the day and out of hours, seven days a week.
He’s the first one in most mornings, usually a good hour before we even start, and he takes massive pride in making sure the cars leave the unit absolutely gleaming.
He’s got to be one of the most popular people we’ve ever come across. Wherever we go, Budgie seems to know somebody — whether it’s from his pit days, football, or socialising. It’s rare we attend a funeral where he doesn’t recognise a familiar face.
He’s a fantastic chap with a heart of gold, who would help anybody without hesitation, and he truly goes above and beyond the call of duty to support people during the most difficult times of their lives.
Thank you, Budgie, for everything you do.