The Alty Funeral Service

08/05/2026

Talking about death isn’t easy...

This Dying Matters Week (4–10th May), we're opening up the conversation and support to those who may be grieving. You don’t have to have all the answers, just being there can make all the difference. So let's start conversation today.

07/05/2026

During one of the most difficult and emotional times in a person’s life, families deserve compassion, dignity, transparency, and genuine personal care. Independent funeral directors are often deeply rooted in their local communities, allowing them to provide a more attentive and understanding service tailored to the wishes of each family.

Whilst Carla's story may be distressing to hear, it's an important reminder of why independent funeral services matter. At Alty's, we're proud to be part of the SAIF family.

Stories like Carla’s highlight just how important human connection is when supporting you through the loss of a loved one.

05/05/2026

At every step, you’re not alone. 🤍
Our doors are open to provide guidance, comfort, and reassurance during difficult times.
Whether you visit us in person or call us any time of day, we are always here to help.

Get in touch with our Higher Walton (Preston) offices...
📲 01772 428580
📩 admin@altysfunerals.co.uk
🌐 altysfunerals.co.uk

27/04/2026

A peaceful place to reflect, plan, and feel supported. 🤍

Our Broomfield Place office in Witton (Blackburn) offers a calm and private setting where we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

20/04/2026

We’re here for you, whenever you need us. 🤍

Our Higher Walton, Preston, office offers a calm, welcoming space where you can talk through arrangements with care and support.

📲 Give us a call on 01772 428580
Available every hour of the day, every day of the year.

12/03/2026

Full Time Funeral Service Operative

Location: Altys Funeral Services, Blackburn
Salary: £24,000 – £25,000 per annum plus overtime.

Alty’s Funeral Service are looking for a compassionate, reliable and professional Funeral Service Operative to join our team.

About Us
William Alty & Sons Ltd Funeral Services is a long-established, independent family funeral director based in Blackburn. We are dedicated to providing professional, compassionate and dignified care to families during difficult times, supporting them with respectful and personalised funeral services.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with an on-call rota including weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.

Annual Leave: 32 days per year (including bank holidays).
Key Duties:
• Assisting with funeral services and acting as a pallbearer when required
• Driving funeral vehicles including hearses and limousines and private ambulances
• Collecting and transporting the deceased with dignity and care from hospital settings, care homes and private residences
• Preparing coffins, vehicles and equipment for services
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation
• Supporting funeral directors to ensure services run smoothly
Requirements:
• Full clean driving licence (essential)
• Professional, respectful and compassionate manner
• Smart appearance and good communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Flexibility to take part in the on-call rota including some evenings and weekends
• Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying
• Is comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions

Experience in the funeral profession is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided.
To apply, please send your CV to:
claire.humphreys@altysfunerals.co.uk

03/12/2025

BENJAMIN HOULGRAVE

Suddenly on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at his home
Ben aged 33 years.
The dearly loved son of Dale, a much loved brother of Joshua and Samantha a treasured grandson of Jean and the late Derek, a dear nephew of Howard, Mark, Stephen and Hazel and also a dear cousin and friend to many.
Ben will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.
A service will be held at St Jude's Church on Friday 12th December at 1pm, followed by a cremation at Pleasington Crematorium at 2.15pm.
Family flowers only, or if so desired, donations may be made in memory of Ben to RSPCA, c/o The Alty Funeral Service or via https://benjaminhoulgrave.muchloved.com . Enq.
The Alty Funeral Service, (Family Owned) Broomfield Place, Blackburn, BB2 1XF Tel: 01254 503240 (24hrs)
Email: admin@altysfunerals.co.uk

Dedicated to the memory of Benjamin Houlgrave

30/05/2025

BARRY MICHAEL SMITH


BARRY MICHAEL SMITH
Peacefully on Sunday 18th May 2025 at Haydock Nursing Home, Barry aged 81 years.
The dearly loved husband of Margaret, a much loved grandad to Jolyon and Alaric, great grandad of Alber and Ruby, a dear brother to Lynn, brother-in-law to Geoff, Donald and Joan and a dear niece of Gemma, Aimee and Charlie. A cherished friend to Jean & Keith, Anna, Madelaine and Lee.
Barry will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mahela, who cared for Barry with great compassion to the very end.
A service and cremation will be held at Pleasington on Thursday 5th June 2025 at 2:15pm.
Family flowers only, or if so desired, donations may be made in memory of Barry to Dementia UK, c/o The Alty Funeral Service.
Enquiries to: The Alty Funeral Service (Family Owned), Broomfield Place, Blackburn, BB2 1XF
Tel: 01254 503240 (24hrs)
Email: admin@altysfunerals.co.uk

15/05/2025

MARK ANTHONY FINN

Suddenly on Monday 5th May 2025 at his home.
Mark aged 35 years.
The dearly loved son of John and the late Bernie, a much loved brother of Nathan, Matthew and Megan, a dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Mark will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.
A service will be held at Pleasington Crematorium on Thursday 22nd May 2025 at 10.30am.
At the bequest of the family black attire is not required.
Family flowers only, or if so desired, donations may be made in memory of Mark to Diabetes UK, c/o The Alty Funeral Service.https://markanthonyfinn.muchloved.com Enq.
The Alty Funeral Service, (Family Owned) Broomfield Place, Blackburn, BB2 1XF Tel: 01254 503240 (24hrs)
Email: admin@altysfunerals.co.uk

28/02/2025

WILLIAM JOHN MASON
(BILL)


Bill, aged 61, passed away peacefully on Thursday 20th February 2025 at Royal Preston Hospital with his loving family by his side.

The dearly loved husband of Fiona, a much loved father of Ella and Matthew, a treasured son of Sheila and the late William Arthur, a dear brother of Jacqueline, also a dear brother-in-law and uncle.

Bill will be sadly missed by is loving family and many friends.

A service will be held at St Andrew's Church, Slaidburn on Friday 14th March 2025 at 11am followed by an interment in the churchyard.

Family flowers only, or if so desired, donations may be made in memory of William to Field Nurse, c/o The Alty Funeral Service. or via

https://william-mason-1963-2025.muchloved.com
Enq. The Alty Funeral Service, (Family Owned) Broomfield Place, Blackburn, BB2 1XF Tel: 01254 503240 (24hrs)
Email: admin@altysfunerals.co.uk

Dedicated to the memory of Bill

12/02/2025

FRANCIS WILLIAM ROLFE

Peacefully on Sunday 9th February 2025 at Royal Blackburn Hospital

Bill aged 85 years. The dearly loved husband of the late Eileen, a much loved father of Michelle, David and Christopher, a dear father-in-law of Tony, Nicky and Michelle, a devoted grandad of Amie, Ashley, Emily, Ben, Chloe, Lewis, Katie and Liam, a treasured great grandad of Gracie-Mae, Lincoln and Leo, a dear brother of Jean and also a dear brother-in-law of Kathleen.

Bill will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends.
A service and cremation will be held at 11.15am on Tuesday 25th February 2025 at Pleasington Crematorium.

Family flowers only, or if so desired, donations may be made in memory of Bill to The British Heart Foundation, c/o The Alty Funeral Service. or via https://francisrolfe.muchloved.com,
Enq.The Alty Funeral Service, (Family Owned) Broomfield Place, Blackburn, BB2 1XF Tel: 01254 503240 (24hrs)
Email: admin@altysfunerals.co.uk

Dedicated to the memory of Bill