Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director

29/04/2026

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend Michael Guest on 19th April 2026, aged 74 years, a lifelong local resident.

Michael’s ministry included All Saints, Heath and Renishaw Churches and he will be remembered for his love of sport, writing, reading and theology.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Helen, daughter Victoria, son Adam, and four cherished grandchildren.

A service to celebrate his life will take place at All Saints Church, Heath on Monday 11th May 2026 at 11:00am, followed by interment in the churchyard.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Michael will be gratefully received for All Saints Church, Heath.

For all enquiries, please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

28/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Watkinson of Temple Normanton, who passed away peacefully on 16th April 2026, aged 86 years.

Peter was a much-loved and familiar figure in the Temple Normanton and Holmewood communities. A devoted pigeon fancier, he took great pride in his birds. Known to many as the “blue van man” and reliable odd job man, Peter was always willing to lend a helping hand and was a friendly face to all who met him.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A private ceremony will take place.

For all enquiries, please contact Stephen Pledger, Independent Funeral Director, on 01246 855101.

17/04/2026

A true Red, right to the very end ❤️⚽️

We recently honoured a lifelong Manchester United supporter with a farewell that reflected his passion and pride. His coffin, proudly bearing the Manchester United crest, was topped with a beautiful floral arrangement of deep reds, whites, and natural tones — a fitting tribute to both his team and his life.

Every detail spoke of loyalty, memories, and a love that never faded.

Rest in peace ‘Bluer’ - forever loved and deeply missed.

13/04/2026

⚽️❤️Please note the following update from the family⚽️❤️

The family have asked for a special tribute to honour their dad and his love for Manchester United. They would be truly touched if those attending the funeral could wear a Manchester United football shirt.

It would mean so much to them to see as many people as possible take part—something they know he would have absolutely loved ❤️

Please feel free to share this message to help spread the word.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Smith ‘Bluer’ of Holmewood, on the 19th March 2026, aged 68.

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, David will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The service is to take place at Chesterfield and District Crematorium on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 12 noon.

Family flowers only.

Donations are to be collected in David’s memory for Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Suite 4.

For all enquiries please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

05/04/2026

Happy 5th Birthday to our boy, Blu 💙🎉

Some dogs are special… and then there are the one-of-a-kind souls who change you forever.

The kind of dog who teaches you more about life than you ever expected — patience, loyalty, unconditional love and how to find joy in the simplest moments. The kind who becomes part of your story in a way that can’t be replaced.

Blu you make everything better just by being you. We’re so lucky you’re ours.

🐾

03/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Smith ‘Bluer’ of Holmewood, on the 19th March 2026, aged 68.

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, David will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The service is to take place at Chesterfield and District Crematorium on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 12 noon.

Family flowers only.

Donations are to be collected in David’s memory for Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Suite 4.

For all enquiries please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

21/03/2026

Happy Birthday to our handsome boy 💙🎉

Another year of tail wags, goofy moments, and unconditional love. You make every day brighter (and a little crazier 😄), and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

You’re truly one of a kind. Here’s to more adventures, more treats, and many more years by our side.

We love you more than words can say 🐾💙

15/03/2026

Today I’m thinking of my own mum and also my partner’s, who are both sadly no longer with us.. and to everyone who is also without theirs.
Grief is something many of us carry together, even when we feel alone.

We both think of them often and share stories of times gone by, the lessons they taught us and the love left behind.

In quiet moments, in ordinary moments, and sometimes when the world feels a little heavier without them in it.

When someone passes, memories are the eternal keepsakes, something you never part with.

To every mother who is no longer here, but forever loved and remembered — you are still part of us every single day.❤️

12/03/2026

A recent heartfelt goodbye as we placed a loved one in their final resting place, a moment to pause and reflect on a life that meant so much to so many.

All Saints Church, Heath is a place where history, faith, and community meet. Standing proudly, its walls have quietly witnessed generations of life — from joyful celebrations to moments of reflection and remembrance.

There is something special about standing in a place that has offered peace, prayer, and reflection for so many generations.

🤍

07/03/2026

Whilst out walking Blu and Pax this morning, I noticed the first signs of spring — bright daffodils beginning to bloom along the path.

With the days getting longer and the sun starting to show itself more, it’s amazing how much it can lift the mood. These small signs of spring remind us that brighter days always return.

In many ways, they mirror the memories we carry of those we love — a gentle reminder that even though someone may be gone, their presence and love never truly fades.

Hope whatever you’re doing this weekend, you have a good one. 🌼

04/03/2026

As a local independent funeral director, I understand how important it is to feel supported by someone you know and trust.

I’ve had the privilege of helping families across Chesterfield and the surrounding areas through some of life’s most difficult moments. My role is simply to guide you gently, clearly, and with dignity — taking care of every detail so you can focus on remembering your loved one.

If you ever need advice, reassurance, or immediate assistance, I am available 24 hours a day.

📞 Please don’t hesitate to call me for a quiet, confidential conversation.

A locally owned, independent funeral service based in Holmewood, Chesterfield. At Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director, you can expect a personal, compassionate and dignified service—always at a fair and competitive price.

28/02/2026

Just a gentle reminder from someone who works with families in their hardest moments:

Not every funeral is shared on social media.
Not every passing is posted online.

In a world where so much of life is shared, it can feel “expected” to announce a death publicly — but for many families, grief is deeply personal.

Some families choose privacy.
Some want to grieve quietly.
Some only want a small circle to know.

Sometimes it feels too private.
Grief isn’t content, and sharing can feel like opening a wound in public.

Sometimes they’re protecting their peace.
Social media can bring a flood of messages, questions, and opinions and not everyone has the emotional energy for that while they’re hurting.

Sometimes they want to tell people personally.
Phone calls, quiet conversations, or sitting together can feel more meaningful than a post.

Sometimes the loss feels too raw.
Typing the words “they passed away” can make it real in a way someone isn’t ready for yet.

And sometimes… they just don’t owe the internet their grief.

If you don’t see a post, it doesn’t mean a service didn’t happen.
And it doesn’t mean someone wasn’t deeply loved.

Not posting doesn’t mean someone isn’t devastated.
Grief doesn’t have a correct format.

If you see someone stay silent after a loss, try not to assume.
And if you’re grieving and don’t feel like sharing — you’re not doing it wrong.

Grief doesn’t need an audience to be real. 🤍