Vail Funeral Services

20/11/2025

We’re inviting children to design the front cover of our Christmas song booklet, featuring Rocking Around the Christmas Tree!
Remember to include your name and contact details on the back of your design.
The winning design will appear as the official cover of our booklet and will be credited inside. A prize will be awarded to the winner at the event

We’re excited to see all the wonderful Christmas artwork!

17/11/2025

I’d like to share a sincere thank you to a family Vail Funeral Services recently supported, who have kindly allowed us to post a few photographs from their loved one’s funeral. They had arranged for a photographer to capture the day, and it was clear how much those gentle, thoughtful images meant to them.
Not everyone chooses to have photographs taken, but for some families it can be a comforting way to remember the love, support and togetherness that surrounded them. Sometimes the small details of the day become precious memories.
If this is ever something you feel might help you or your family, please know the option is always there. You’re welcome to arrange it yourselves, or we can happily put you in touch with someone who offers this kind of sensitive, respectful photography.

If you need support, we’re just a phone call away, day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353 363614
Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk
Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX

15/11/2025

Recharging in Iceland

In our line of work, we spend so much time supporting others that it’s easy to forget the importance of looking after ourselves. Even as funeral directors, we’re not immune to the weight of it all. Sometimes, stepping away for a moment isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
So Imogen and I have taken a short trip to Iceland, while Justin kindly holds the fort at home and continues looking after the families in our care. It’s strange how simply changing your surroundings can bring a sense of calm you didn’t realise you were missing.
While we’ve been here, we visited a local graveyard and a couple of beautiful churches. The stillness of Iceland seems to settle over everything even the stones feel as though they’re held in the quiet. Two headstones in particular caught my eye. One was worn and softened by time, its inscription almost lost but still carrying the unmistakable dignity of a life once lived. The other was strikingly modern, simple yet deeply thoughtful in its design, a reminder that remembrance takes many forms.
Both, in their own ways, spoke of love, legacy, and the gentle truth that every story is precious.
Travelling here has been a small act of recharging the batteries, a chance to breathe, reflect, and return home with renewed strength for the people who need us. Iceland has a way of reminding you of the beauty in pause, in the quiet moments where you simply stand still and let the world settle around you.
Sometimes, that’s all any of us really need.

If you need support, we're just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353
363614
Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.
Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX

07/11/2025

It was a real privilege for us at Vail Funeral Services to help this wonderful family celebrate the final journey of their loved one’s life. From an early age, he was known for his quick wit and playful sense of humour, a true practical joker. Later in life, he dedicated 30 years to the police force, serving his community with pride and integrity.
His daughter’s tribute gave everyone a beautiful insight into his life’s journey filled with laughter, dedication, and love. His grandchildren joined in with touching readings, and his son also shared his own heartfelt words. The service truly reflected the closeness of the family and the warmth that surrounded him.
Forget-me-knot pin badges were thoughtfully provided for everyone to wear, and the order of service, lovingly designed by his daughter, added a personal and memorable touch. His coffin was draped with his police ceremonial cloth, proudly displaying the crest, area badge, and police helmet, while the floral tributes perfectly complemented the theme and colours chosen by the family.
Family involvement was at the heart of the day, from his young granddaughter reciting a poem so beautifully, to family members helping to lower the coffin with care and dignity. These small yet powerful moments made the service deeply personal and truly unique.
It was a privilege to support such a devoted family in creating a farewell filled with love, pride, and laughter a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to both his family and his community.

27/10/2025

The silence is the loudest thing.
It fills every room, every corner of my mind,
a constant echo of laughter that isn't there anymore.
They say time heals,
but what it really does is teach you how to carry the impossible.
My heart carries a piece of you always, a beautiful, painful weight.
Every sunrise is a reminder of a future that vanished,
yet every memory is a gift I hold tighter than anything.
You were here, you lived,
you were loved beyond measure.
And in that love,
you remain, forever a part of me.

Author unknown

If you need support, we're just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353
363614
Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.
Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX

21/10/2025

A Fond Farewell to a True Gentleman

Today, we had the honour of walking alongside the family of a truly well-loved gentleman as they gave him the farewell he so richly deserved. A talented singer, songwriter, and practical joker, he brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. His love for his family was unwavering, and in return, he was loved unconditionally.
The service was filled with both tears and smiles as his life was celebrated through stories, song, and laughter. He was surrounded by beautiful floral tributes, some proudly displaying the emblem of his beloved Chelsea Football Club.
His granddaughters, so young yet so courageous, spoke with grace and love.
Myself, and all at Vail Funeral Services, feel truly privileged to have supported his family as they said their final goodbye. He will be remembered with warmth, laughter, and love.

Rest peacefully, a true gentleman through and through.

20/10/2025

Each piece of jewellery from Memory Treasure by Smallprint holds a story close to the heart. These four precious creations, beautifully made with a loved one’s fingerprint, capture the love, warmth, and connection shared within the family.
A fingerprint pendant carries the unique touch of someone special, a lasting reminder of their presence wherever life takes them. The small print necklace, engraved with a meaningful message, becomes a whisper of love that can be worn each day. A fingerprint Key ring, simple yet full of emotion, keeps a part of your loved one always by your side. Cuff links to wear on those important days marked with a name, date, or tender phrase, symbolises the unbreakable bond that ties family together. Each one created with care, meaning, and memory.
Now, these treasured pieces are ready to go home to their families, where they belong to be cherished, worn, and held close for years to come.

If you need support, we're just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353 363614
Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.
Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX

14/10/2025

TAYLOR, Mavis

Passed away peacefully on 10th October 2025, aged 76 years, at The Firs Care Home, Little Downham. Beloved wife of Glyn, much-loved mother of Marcus and Sheryl, and dear mother-in-law of Jon.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Leonard’s Church, Little Downham, on Tuesday 21st October 2025 at 1:30pm followed by burial at Littleport Cemetery.

All flowers are welcome. Donations, if desired, may be made in aid of Dementia UK and can be left on the day of the funeral or sent c/o Vail Funeral Services, Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford, Cambs CB6 2HX.

14/10/2025

07/10/2025

As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to fall, we’re reminded of the natural cycles of life. It’s a time to pause, remember, and take comfort in the memories that stay with us.

If you need support, we're just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353 363614

Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.

Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX

03/10/2025

Funeral costs can vary a lot locally

Something that many people don’t realise until the time comes is just how much funeral costs can vary, even between local directors serving the same area.
Within just a few miles, you could see a difference of several hundred pounds in the basic fees charged by funeral directors. That’s before you add on the cremation or burial costs, minister’s, or celebrant’s fee.
All funeral directors provide a caring service, but it’s important to remember that prices aren’t the same everywhere. Some are part of large groups that set their fees, others are independent family run businesses, and each has their own way of structuring charges.
The key message is this: don’t be afraid to ask for a price list and compare. By law, every funeral director must now provide a standardised price list so families can see clearly what’s included.
At such a difficult time, no one wants to think about money, but knowing your options can make a real difference, and it doesn’t mean you’ll get any less care or dignity for your loved one.

If you need support, we’re just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353 363614

Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.

Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford, CB6 2HX

30/09/2025

Did you know?

Most pre-paid funeral plans in the UK can be transferred, amended, or even cancelled.

This is because your money is held with one of 26 FCA-authorised funeral plan providers, rather than with the funeral director you may have originally chosen.

“Pre-payment doesn’t mean permanent!”
If you’ve changed your mind about the type of funeral you would like, or are thinking about using a different funeral director, you have options

Switching Funeral Directors
In most cases, you can transfer your plan to a different funeral director.

Changed Your Funeral Wishes?
Prefer a cremation instead of a burial? Many plans allow you to update your wishes.

Cancelling Your Plan?
It’s often possible to cancel a funeral plan and receive a refund.

As life changes, so can your wishes. It’s perfectly fine to review and update your farewell plans so they reflect who you are today.

Important: Always check the specific terms and conditions of your plan provider.

If you need support, we're just a phone call away day or night.
You can reach us 24/7 on 01353 363614

Email: sara@vailfuneralservices.co.uk.

Boundary Farm, Sutton Road, Witchford,
CB6 2HX