Celebrant Samantha Ayre

14/05/2026

From the moment I met up with Irene’s family I knew this service was going to be one to remember always. It was my absolute honour to conduct this service got the legend Irene Baldwin.

27/04/2026

16/04/2026

Jean was a woman of quiet grace and elegance, someone who carried herself with dignity and warmth in everything she did.

Always beautifully turned out, she had a natural sense of style, but it was her smile and calming presence that people remember most.

She lived her life devoted to her family, taking joy in the everyday moments, raising her children, welcoming a house full of kids filled with fun and laughter, and later cherishing every second as a proud and glamorous grandmother.

She was loving, steady, and someone who simply got on with things, supporting those around her without any fuss and made everyone feel at ease. A true lady in every sense of the word, remembered not just for how she looked, but for how she made people feel…truly special.

Fosters Funeral Directors

15/04/2026

Beautiful flowers and everyone wore a touch of pink for Madeleine.

Madeleine was never one to sugar-coat things, you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She had opinions, plenty of them, and if she wanted you to hear, you heard them.

But alongside that no-nonsense was a woman who was funny, quick-witted and loved a laugh. It was like a split personality, but, it was just Madeleine being completely and unapologetically herself.

At her heart, she was all about family. Always watching, making sure everyone was alright. And making sure Julie didn’t have her fingers in her mouth.

John G Hogg Funeral Directors

15/04/2026

When you first met Chris he could seem quiet, the one watching, weighing people up, and deciding if you were one to trust or not. But if you made it into his circle of friends, you got the loud, opinionated, full of laughter, ready to put the world to rights version of him.

Chris had a constant smile, and that proper cheeky grin that usually meant one of two things, he was up to something, or he was about to tell a little white lie. And that Shaggy song “it wasn’t me.” That was made for Chris. Like his name graffitied all over Washy … that wasn’t him or making fires in the woods….that definitely wasn’t him!!

He always loved the outdoors. As a kid Chris loved going to Derwent Hill and getting involved in all the outdoor activities with Big John’s youth group, things like gorge walking, raft building, and throwing themselves off cliffs. He especially loved the campfires. He always had a fascination with fires. Trisha thought he’d become an arsonist when he got older.

That love of the outdoors and lighting fires did stay with him as he got older. He was happiest in the woods, building little fires and sitting quietly with the dogs.

Chris was forever thoughtful (clearing all of Washington of Daffodils for his mam for Mother’s Day) and he was a fixer whether that was a broken bike, a bad day, or backing you up without question.

He was also fiercely loyal, once you knew him properly, you knew you had someone solid on your dide, someone who had your back, and someone with just the right amount of mischievousness on your side.

Chris Rocky, forever loved and never forgotten.

Deborah Mitchell Independent Funeral Services

15/04/2026

It was my absolute honour to be asked by Helen, Callum’s wife to conduct Callum’s service.

It was a military service from the 4th Royal Tank Regiment and Military Provost Guards.

Callum was a piper and a truly talented one too. He played at the military’s tattoo for years and was the lone piper standing in front of the Queen at the remembrance festival at the Royal Albert Hall.

He was proud of his heritage

Proud to be Scottish

Proud to be part of the military

But very humble of his talents saying when asked. “I’ve been known to play a tune or two”

Callum was an absolute nutter whose humour was a hybrid of Roy Chubby Brown, Billy Connelly and military humour.

He swore like a trouper, what you saw is what you got with him but he had a huge heart and was so so generous. If he had a coin and you needed it, it was yours.

Callum (Shug) “from the bottom of my heart” Fear Naught


L&G Family Funeral Directors Birtley

28/03/2026

Dorothy was the kind of woman who didn’t need to say much just one little curl of the lip (like an Elvis Presley impersonator ) and you knew exactly where you stood. She had old-fashioned values, did things properly, loved her family fiercely, and never bent for anyone… but she also had a wickedly dry sense of humour and had unbelievable luck.

She could survive seasick ferry trips, countless NHS operations, and still find the energy for a bit of shopping at Boundary Mills or Dalton Park. Just as long as Ian did the food shop.

Strong, honest as they come, loyal, and full of quiet resilience, Dorothy simply got on with life… and made sure everyone else was alright along the way.🩷

Derek Moss & Charles Embleton Funeral Directors

28/03/2026

Joyce was the kind of person who made life feel warm and steady just by being there. Loving, kind and quietly thoughtful, she was always the one looking after everyone else, making sure people were comfortable, well fed and felt welcome in her home.

Family meant everything to her, and she loved nothing more than a house full of noise, laughter and people she adored, happily sitting back and enjoying the chaos unfold around her.

Joyce’s kindness showed in the little everyday things the thoughtful gestures, keeping her family going in pek chopped pork, Avon perfume and gravy.

She built a life full of family, friendship and warmth, and that love will continue to live on in all the people who were lucky enough to be part of her world. ❤️

Deborah Mitchell Independent Funeral Services

27/03/2026

Allison was one of those people who brought life and laughter wherever she went. Bubbly, funny, a little bit cheeky and wonderfully sarcastic. If Allison had something to say, she said it. She could be quiet at times… but give her a drink and that quiet side didn’t last very long.

She spent more than 25 years behind the bar at the West End Club in Winlaton, where she belonged, chatting, laughing, and making friends with just about everyone.

Allison loved music, holidays in Turkey, (even if she came back just as white as she went) karaoke that she sang badly but with plenty enthusiasm, and a good laugh with the people around her.

But above everything else, Allison was a fantastic sister and aunty. And a devoted mam. Declan was her pride and joy, her number one, and she did everything she could to give him the best life possible.

She leaves behind so many funny stories, memories, and moments that will keep people smiling whenever we remember her. “ Goodnight. Love you” 💛

Martin Rankin Funeral Directors

27/03/2026

It was my honour to deliver Kevin’s service.

Meeting up with his lovely family was something special. Something that will stay with me for a long time.

Losing Kevin at just 46 has come as a huge shock to everyone who knew and loved him. He was one of those people you couldn’t miss, if Kev walked into a room, you knew about it. Full of humour, quick with a joke, and always ready to have a laugh, he had a way of lifting the mood and keeping people smiling.

He lived life at full speed, a real character with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Kev was a proud brother and a brilliant uncle who adored his nieces and nephews and loved nothing more than winding people up and making them laugh.

He leaves behind so many memories, stories and laughs that will be told for years to come. Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. 💙

John G Hogg Funeral Directors

10/03/2026

Terry was a character as straight as you get. He called a spade a spade. He loved to tell a good story just like all the Hunters did.

He loved a pint of John smiths. He loved to sit in The County and read his paper. Above all else he loved his family. He’s now laid to rest with his wife Martha. 💙

Go As You Please Funerals