F W Jones

08/05/2026

The Dying Matters website is full of really helpful resources, including a Planning Ahead tool which can be found here: http://bit.ly/4deb6MA

If has got you thinking about the future, the tool could help you consider some of those choices that may need to be made. After reflecting on and giving answers to a series of questions about medical care, you can download your answers as a handy document, and there's advice on possible next steps.

None of us find thinking or talking about these things easy, but having your values and preferences known can be of comfort and reassurance.

07/05/2026

As invites us to talk more openly about death and dying, we want to highlight how important these conversations can be - especially when dementia is involved.

Although difficult, talking early about dying can bring reassurance and clarity for people living with dementia and those who love them. It gives families time to understand wishes, plan with confidence, and feel supported rather than overwhelmed later on.

We believe talking about death doesn’t take away comfort, it creates it. This Dying Matters week, we gently encourage our community to start conversations that help bring understanding, dignity, and peace of mind. If this resonates with you and you'd like to talk about how to approach the conversation, please get in touch with us.

06/05/2026

How involvement in funeral preparation can be a healing part of the grieving journey

The son and daughter of a very much-loved lady we are looking after asked if they could decorate the cardboard coffin they had chosen for their Mum - our answer was, absolutely.

Our Funeral Director Meg Cathcart-James provided a private space where they could spend the day measuring, cutting and applying the carefully chosen patterned coverings, transforming the coffin into a completely individual resting place that speaks of their Mum's love of nature and colour. Time spent together as siblings carrying out a gentle act of remembrance.

There are many ways to be involved in preparing for a loved one's funeral, from coffin decoration to writing down memories to be spoken, finding the perfect flowers that were their favourite to choosing songs that make you smile at a memory.

However you feel you need to be a part of the process, we are here to support you.

05/05/2026

We believe open, honest conversations about death and dying help people feel better prepared, supported, and less alone.

This belief sits at the heart of our Caring with Confidence course, designed jointly with Hospice UK. In the Chippenham area, our Funeral Director Meg Cathcart-James runs the session in care homes and for home care providers, creating a safe, supportive space for care teams to reflect on grief, loss, and the emotional impact of caring - topics that are often felt deeply, but rarely talked about.

By encouraging open discussion around grief, compassionate leadership, and burnout, the course helps normalise conversations that can otherwise feel uncomfortable. It’s about giving care teams the confidence to talk, to listen, and to support one another - especially after a death.

Supporting the community means supporting those who care for others, and Caring with Confidence is one small but meaningful way F W Jones is contributing to important conversations around death and dying.

No matter your line of work, if you feel this course would be of benefit to your team please get in touch on 01249 652 525.

04/05/2026

Today marks the beginning of from Hospice UK, and this year's theme is all about finding the opportunities, the words and the courage to talk about death and dying.

The F W Jones team often sees how much comfort it can bring when families have talked about death, dying and funeral wishes ahead of time. Knowing a loved one's wishes can ease uncertainty, and help people feel confident that they're honouring their wishes.

Conversations can start quietly, over a cup of tea, or could grow from asking a question about something on TV or in an article. There's no right or wrong way.

If you'd ever like some guidance or a friendly conversation, our door is always open and the kettle always hot.

04/05/2026

Our thanks to Friends of Chippenham Museum for hosting us at their Heritage Cafe last week where Funeral Director Harry Miller gave a really engaging talk at a well-attended event all about our history, and how modern-day funeral practices have evolved from historic traditions.

Our Funeral Director Meg Cathcart-James was also on hand to describe our current coffin-building methods - on a larger scale, and in a factory, but still handmade by dedicated craftsmen.

The world of funerals is often shrouded in mystery - we love getting out and about in our community to pull away the veil, educate and have a chat over tea and biscuits about what we do!

30/04/2026

Discover a fascinating side of local history at this Heritage Café talk for Friends of Chippenham Museum at Chippenham Museum.

A representative from F W Jones Funeral Directors will explore the history of funerals in Chippenham, sharing stories and insights from the business’s journey since 1930.

⏰ 2-3pm on Friday 1st May
📍 Chippenham Museum Education Room

Find out more on our website (link in comments below)

30/04/2026

https://dignity.kallidusrecruit.com/VacancyInformation.aspx?VId=3985

24/04/2026