Bungard Funeral Directors

08/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to see our story featured by The Small Awards.

Being shortlisted for the Legacy Award means a great deal to us as a fifth-generation family business that has served Brighton & Hove since 1906. Over nearly 120 years, our focus has always been on providing the very highest standard of care, supporting families with compassion, dignity and personal attention.

Thank you to The Small Awards and Small Business Britain for recognising the values that continue to guide our family and team today. Most importantly, thank you to the families and community who have trusted and supported us across generations.

We are delighted to share a bit more of the story behind ‘Legacy’ award shortlisted family business Bungard Funeral Directors.

Bungard Funeral Directors has served Brighton & Hove continuously since 1906 and is proud to be one of the city’s oldest independent, family-run businesses.

As a family, they have made deliberate decisions to protect standards rather than pursue growth. One such decision was selling the stonemason’s yard on Old Shoreham Road so they could focus entirely on delivering first-class funeral care.

They would rather be the best funeral directors than the biggest. This philosophy led directly to the creation of Bungard Aftercare, now in its twelfth year, ensuring families continue to feel supported long after the funeral.

Image description: Richard Whittle from Bungard & Sons pictured in a dark suit and striped tie.

01/05/2026

You may start to see this film being shared by independent funeral directors across the country, including us here at Bungard Funeral Directors in Brighton & Hove.

We’re proud members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), and this forms part of their national Handled With Care campaign.

It focuses on something more and more families are being presented with — direct cremation, often arranged online, and often without any service or anyone present.

For some, that level of simplicity feels right. But what we see, time and again, is that people don’t always fully understand what that choice means in reality — or that there are ways to keep things simple without losing support, guidance, or the opportunity to mark a life in a meaningful way.

This campaign is about giving people a clearer, more honest picture before they make that decision — and making sure they know there’s a local, experienced team here in Brighton & Hove they can speak to directly, not a call centre, if they want to talk things through.

Because having guidance, and having the chance to come together — whether to grieve, reflect, or celebrate a life — often matters far more than people expect.

28/04/2026

We were incredibly proud to be part of a very special celebration on the 18th April. 💛

Our wonderful colleague Zoe married her partner Paul after 35 years together — proving that some love stories don’t need rushing… just the right moment.

Following their intimate registrar ceremony with Diana Harvey, Saturday was a chance to celebrate with family and friends at The Harbour Club — and we were honoured that Richard was asked to lead the ceremony as celebrant. A role he was deeply proud to take on for someone he has worked alongside and supported for many years.

It was a day full of laughter, love, and reflection — everything a meaningful ceremony should be.

We were also delighted to celebrate together as a team, alongside Richard and his wife Amie, Ben and his wife Layla, and Lisa and May from LJ's flower shack, who have been long-standing friends of ours.

A truly special occasion, and one we feel very lucky to have shared.

Congratulations Zoe & Paul 💍

27/04/2026

We had a lovely start to the weekend at The Drive Bowls Club. Richard and Zoe were invited to help open the Summer Season with the first ‘roll out’, joining the President and members for lunch before heading down to their all‑weather rink — a real hidden gem in the heart of Hove.

Richard’s first roll out went slightly better than Zoe’s 😂 but after a few practice shots we both ‘got our eye in’ and had a brilliant afternoon with the members. We can genuinely recommend giving it a go!

Bungards have proudly sponsored The Drive Bowls Club since 2019, and it’s always a pleasure to support a space that brings people together. If you’ve ever thought about trying bowls, they run relaxed, free taster sessions every Sunday morning from 10.30 to 12. No booking needed — just turn up and you’ll be warmly welcomed.

https://thedrivebowlingclub.co.uk/

The Drive Bowling Club

21/04/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Bungard Funeral Directors has been shortlisted for the Legacy Award at The Small Awards 2026.

Now in its tenth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the UK’s greatest small businesses, organised by Small Business Britain, celebrating the vital role small firms play in their communities and the wider economy.

As a fifth-generation, family-run business serving Brighton & Hove since 1906, this recognition reflects the dedication of our family – Richard, Amie and James Whittle – supported by our valued colleagues Ben Day and Zoe Walker.

The Legacy Award recognises the unique strengths and challenges of family businesses, celebrating those that demonstrate strong family involvement alongside long-term business success.

For nearly 120 years, we have remained independent and focused on providing the highest standard of care rather than being the biggest. This has led to important family decisions – from focusing entirely on funeral directing to introducing Bungard Aftercare, which has now supported families for over 12 years.

Our commitment extends beyond the funeral itself through our annual Lights of Love Remembrance Service, quarterly coffee mornings, and ongoing support within our community.

Thank you to all the families who have trusted us and to our local community for your continued support. We are honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring small businesses and look forward to celebrating in May.

08/04/2026

From a traditional funeral to a no-fuss direct cremation, plan the funeral you want with a pre-paid Golden Charter funeral plan.
When you take care of your funeral, you’re taking care of your family too.
Here at Bungards we’re proud to partner with Golden Charter.
If you’d like to find out more please get in touch.

23/03/2026

Wishing all our followers a very Happy Monday!

25/02/2026

Last week, we reached out asking for support at the funeral of the late Patricia Phyllis Hunter, fearing she might have just one person present.
Today, we were deeply moved to see many people come together to honour her. In a quiet but powerful act of kindness, members of our community stood side by side to ensure Patricia received a dignified and heartfelt farewell — despite never having known her.
Your compassion, your time, and your willingness to show up for someone else truly made a difference. We are sincerely grateful to all who came 💜

16/02/2026

At Bungard Funeral Directors, we believe every life deserves to be honoured and witnessed.

We are arranging the funeral for Patricia Phyllis Hunter, and at present it is possible that only one person will be in attendance. Her friend and Frances Tulley - funeral celebrant feel strongly that no one should be alone at their final farewell.

If you are able and willing to attend as a quiet member of the congregation, your presence would mean a great deal.

The service will take place at:

📍 Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton
📅 Wednesday 25th February
⏰ 12:00 noon

You do not need to have known Patricia personally. Simply being there is enough. Standing together as a community is a powerful act of kindness.

If you would like to attend, or would like more information, please contact us directly or see the funeral notice here:
https://bungards.co.uk/funeral-details/?tribute=patriciahunter

Thank you for helping ensure that no one is remembered alone.

—
Bungard Funeral Directors

See funeral notices from Bungard Funeral Directors in Brighton & Hove — a place to find service details, honour loved ones, and stay connected with your community.

11/02/2026

🌞 A Bright Step Forward at Bungards
We’re excited to share some good news from our little corner of Hove. As a fifth‑generation family funeral director, we’ve always believed in looking after our community — and that includes the environment we all depend on.
We’ve recently taken a meaningful step by installing solar panels at our premises. It’s a long‑term investment in reducing our environmental impact, cutting our energy use, and doing our bit for a more sustainable future.
Keeping with our ethos of using local suppliers wherever possible we used SopocoSolar in Worthing, the installation was quick, clean and tidy and we were very impressed with their work.
Small changes add up, and we’re proud to be moving forward in a way that honours both our heritage and the generations still to come.

03/02/2026

Do you have a will? If you don't, and you're not already in touch with a legal firm, you might be interested to know that the Free Wills Month this year takes place in March. The scheme is run by a charity called Free Wills Month and is supported by a number of national charities and professional law firms. You do need to be aged 55 or over to quality. You can sign up now with Free Wills Month to register your interest and will be contacted nearer the time to make an appointment with a local participating law firm. It's an online registration form so if you're not online you may need support to sign up.

Free Wills Month brings together a group of well respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written or updated free of charge by using participating solicitors in selected locations around England and Wales.