31/12/2025
It is the end of our second full year as a small Independent family run funeral service and we have had another totally unbelievable year offering support to not just families at a time of need when a loved one passes away but before and after, offering advice and grief counselling and support with many local families.
Yesterday I was in tears over my cornflakes as I received a poem especially written for us at the funeral service, this poem was loving penned by Julie Parker who many of you will remember as a caring and dedicated Nursing team at Earby Surgery, although we haven't conducted a funeral for Julie family she follows us on Facebook. This poem means so much as it encompasses everything we aim to achieve when we opened our Chapel doors in 2023.
"You take away people’s stress and fear.
So I chose you to wish a Happy New Year.
You and your team are changing a fashion.
Re writing the meaning of care and compassion .
You must have been sent by up above.
To take care of the ones we love.
Taking everyone’s loved ones to a restful place.
Every detail noted with style and grace.
So that’s it from me just for now.
Team David Hartley you can take a bow.
Thank you Julie for such lovely sentiments put into poetry.
Could I also take this opportunity to thank all our families for entrusting us with your loved ones and to everyone who we work alongside side to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Lamberts Coffins at Nelson .Marsden Funeral Vehicle Hire , Sam Williams and her team at The Florist in Barnoldswick and Colne, Jason and Chris at EP print in Skipton, all our catering suppliers in house and outside outside catering, especially the Village Bakery, All our ministers and celebrants, Rev Sheena McMain , Rev Hugh Fielden. Rev Julie Bryan and Catherine Oldfield .
To Nat Artingstall and Adrian Lilley from the Royal British Legion for attending our military services and bearing on funerals.
And finally to my dedicated on call team of family and friends who turn out night and day on all weathers and have stepped into this profession with dignity and care, John Hartley, Mick Warrington, and Bryony Hartley and Michael Harrison.
To Marcus Lilley, for bearing coffins, Wendy Warrington and Clare Hartley for office and phone sitting while we are on funeral duty.
And everyone who follows us on social media and reads are funeral notices in our window, to the ladies who knit angles and hearts.
"Dignity and Tradition cost nothing but means so much."
Thank you everyone and may I wish you all all the best for 2026, may health, wealth and happiness bless the coming year for you all
David Hartley
'Shining a little light in your darkest hour.'
