Sterry Funeral Service

30/07/2025

On Saturday 26th July we took part in the New Romney Country Fayre.

We represented Firmager Funeral Service, the event was organised by a very special lady to us all and that is Helen Carr, Helen comes up with the ideas as she like to think outside of the theme she is given, the theme this year was Circus, so Helen thought there would be loads

Of clowns and anything else obvious to the circus so she came up with the idea we would by Firmager’ s Flying circus.

A lot of hard work went in to making the plane and getting the lorry ready but just seeing the faces of the crowds laughing and dancing to the music we had going makes it all worthwhile.

We had marks men around the lorry dressed up in clowns’ wigs with high viz on giving out sweets to the children, and the lorry was supplied and driven by Helen’s son Harry.

Trevor Clark and Colin Read did a fabulous job of the plane which you can see in the pictures, Heidi Caister made the Firmager Flying Circus posters, and Helen Carr, Nicky Stanton, Jen Bullen, Georgia Southgate, Sheila Read, Funeral Director Ashley Brocklebank and Phil Harrison

were all dressed up in our aeroplane inflatables with the goggle and hats.

We won first prize for the second year running, and after the award was given out Helen and myself had a hospitality tent where we gave out free drinks, sweets, and crisps to all the visitors to the fayre.

24/07/2025

A lovely review was recently left for Kevan and the entire team at Gibson’s Funeral Services, Bishop Auckland.

A heartfelt thank you to the team for showing such respect and compassion, helping to make a difficult time a little gentler for the family involved. 💜

24/07/2025

Every year on the 24th of July, or 24/7, Samaritans remind us that help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — whenever life feels overwhelming.

Across the UK and Ireland, local Samaritans branches will be hosting events to raise awareness and remind everyone that they’re here to listen, day or night, no matter what you’re going through.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 — free and confidential. 💚

Other ways to get in touch are also available. Find out more: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

23/07/2025

🌟 Community Support from Miles & Daughters 🌟

Miles & Daughters Funeral Directors have awarded over £5,000 to four local organisations in the final round of their Community Fund.

The fund supports community projects in areas surrounding their funeral homes in Winnersh, Reading, Whitley, Twyford, Binfield, Crowthorne, Maidenhead, and Tadley.

The final recipients are:
💜 Tadley & District Community Association – supporting the Tadley Community Food Pantry, where locals can access groceries for a small fee.
🏀 Reading Rockets Wheelchair Basketball Club – funding their Ball 4 All initiative, encouraging both disabled and able-bodied people to enjoy the sport together.
👁️ Berkshire Vision – enabling social trips and meetings for members living with sight loss.
🎉 Aspire 2 – helping to bring the colourful Whitley Carnival street party to life.

Since launching in 2023, the Miles & Daughters Community Fund has donated nearly £20,000 to 15 local organisations, making a real difference to people across Berkshire and beyond.

22/07/2025

Flowers often speak when words fall short. They help us honour the lives of those we’ve lost, offering comfort and expressing emotions we may struggle to put into words.

Through floriography — the language of flowers — many choose meaningful floral tributes that reflect love, remembrance, and respect.

Here are just a few popular choices and what they represent:
🌸 Lilies – A traditional symbol of peace and purity, often used to represent the soul of the departed.
🌸 Orchids – Represent love and beauty, but their meaning can change depending on the colour, for example:
- Purple orchids show admiration and dignity
- Yellow orchids express joy and friendship
🌸 Hydrangeas – Signify understanding, devotion, and true friendship.
🌸 Carnations – A popular choice that represents love and affection for those we’ve lost.

Choosing the right flowers is a thoughtful part of the grieving process — a way to honour someone's life while offering comfort and connection.

21/07/2025

From Hearses to Hiking Boots! 🏔️

The team at Ian Brown Funeral Director are taking on a heartfelt and one-of-a-kind challenge in support of lung cancer awareness.

They’ll be climbing the highest peaks on the five Scottish islands their coffins are named after — Arran, Mull, Jura, Harris, and Tiree.

Running from June to mid-October, the challenge will see them scale over 3,500 metres in total — more than two-and-a-half times the height of Ben Nevis!

The idea came from Funeral Service Operative Arry Renton, who is no stranger to a physical test, having spent 38 years in the Army and will be scouting each climb ahead of the team.
All funds raised will go to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, supporting research and raising awareness of the disease.

To donate and follow their journey, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/coffin-up-for-a-cause

18/07/2025

Congratulations to Area Development Manager Emma Moore, who has officially taken on the role of President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) in Northern Ireland.

Emma joined the Executive three years ago as Vice Chairperson and has since played an active role along with the other members in shaping the association’s direction and strategy.

She now steps into the position previously held by Stephen Larkin, whose contributions helped guide the NAFD through key developments.

Emma’s appointment signals a continued focus on industry standards, community leadership, and professional growth.

We are delighted to celebrate Emma’s latest achievement and recognise the exceptional contributions she continues to make within Funeral Partners and beyond. Her dedication, professionalism, and passion truly embody the values we stand for. Congratulations, Emma — we are proud to have you as part of our team!

18/07/2025

We’re proud to share that a potentially life-saving bleed control kit has been installed at William H Painter Funeral Directors main hub in Yardley, thanks to a request from our Funeral Service Operative, Darren Barton.

Provided by Birmingham Says No, which is a community interest company, the kit can help treat victims of serious injuries quickly and effectively. Darren shared:

“I hope we never have to use the kit, but if it helps just one person, then it’s completely worth it.

“Having it in our funeral home also means there are more spread around the area in case something terrible happens.”

The team will also receive training from Birmingham Says No to ensure they’re ready to assist in an emergency.

Thank you to Darren and Birmingham Says No for helping keep our community safer. 💜

17/07/2025

🌟 Thursday Thank You 🌟

This week’s thank you goes to Tony Kellar and the team at Burgess & Harper Funeral Directors.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for showing such compassion, care, and sensitivity while supporting a family through an incredibly difficult time. Your dedication truly makes a difference. 💜

16/07/2025

🌟 Today is Thank You Day 🌟

We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible funeral directors, arrangers, and operatives.

Your compassion, dedication, and support mean the world to the families you care for — especially during their most difficult times. 💜

We’re proud of the work you do, every day, around the clock. Today, we celebrate you. 👏

15/07/2025

Did you know some of our Funeral Directors have been serving their communities for over 200 years?

We’re proud to be part of a long-standing tradition of care, compassion, and high-quality service. While we operate nationwide, our roots remain firmly planted in local communities — where generations have trusted us during life’s most difficult moments. 💜

14/07/2025

Celebrating Success at Patrick Ryan!

We’re so proud of two amazing team members who were recently recognised at an award ceremony following the completion of their exams.

🌟 Georgiana Flaherty (Mobile Funeral Arranger) received a Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration with Credit.

🌟 Rachael Kin (Senior Funeral Arranger) achieved an Advanced Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration with Distinction — the first advanced qualification offered by the LAFD, and Rachael is the first person from Funeral Partners to sit the exam!

Huge congratulations to both Georgiana and Rachael on this fantastic achievement! 💐💜

12/07/2025

Today is a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.

On National Simplicity Day, we reflect on the value of a simpler approach to life — and, for some families, that includes how they say goodbye to a loved one.

A direct cremation offers a respectful and dignified option without the formality of a traditional service, allowing families to say goodbye in a way that feels right for them.

If you're considering a simpler farewell or just want to understand the options available, our team is here and happy to help.

29/04/2025

Introducing our Direct Cremation Plan - simple and dignified

Take advantage of this limited-time offer until 11th May 2025 to arrange your funeral plan. Choose to pay in full or spread the cost with flexible instalment options* to suit your budget.
Ready to get started? For more details and to purchase your plan, quote 200OFF when you visit us, call us or head to https://www.sterryfuneral.co.uk//choice *T&Cs apply.

This is a financial promotion from Choice Funeral Plans. Sterry Funeral Service is a trading name of Funeral Partners Limited (Funeral Partners) which distributes Choice Funeral Plans, which are provided by Alternative Planning Company Limited (APCL). Funeral Partners is an appointed representative of APCL. APCL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 965282. The normal price of an Unattended Cremation Plan is £1,795. If you were to purchase an unattended cremation today, the equivalent price would be £1,995. For more information on equivalent prices, please visit choiceplan.co.uk/about-choice/

07/03/2025

16/05/2024

Heidi and Jen would like to thank and a big well done to the community, for all your support in helping us so far raising £139.25 on the Tombola at the Mayday celebrations £139.25 XX

17/04/2024

Please come and join us on the 4th May 2024, time 12am - 5pm for HBTA Mayday Celebrations in Hythe High Street, please come and join us at Sterry and help support our Charity Tombola for Children's Cancer UK. look forward to seeing you all, its going to be a fun day for all. Jen and Heidi. xx

10/04/2024

Nicky, Jen and Heidi, would like to thank everyone in the Folkestone and Hythe community for you donations of Bras to our Sterry shops, 5 more boxes on there way for fight against Breast Cancer ###

09/04/2024

Save £200 on Choice Funeral Plans

Choice Funeral Plans enable you to record your personal wishes and pay for Funeral Director Services in advance.

And until 30th April you can save £200 on any of our Choice Funeral Plans.

Come and see us at our branch or visit https://www.sterryfuneral.co.uk/prepaid-plans/ for more information.

Sterry Funeral Service is a trading name of Funeral Partners Limited (Funeral Partners) which distributes Choice Funeral Plans, which are provided by Alternative Planning Company Limited (APCL). Funeral Partners is an appointed representative of APCL. APCL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 965282. APCL and Funeral Partners are part of the Funeral Partners Group.

04/04/2024

Another great event for Sterry funeral Service in Hythe, HBTA did a town Easter hunt for the children which we opened up for and went very well. We had 120 children find us in their hunt for their chocolate reward.

30/01/2024

Thank you Helen for your Kind words for me and Heidi. x

A huge thankyou to Heidi and Jen Bullen at Sterry Funeral Service, Hythe, for choosing the Project Fund as their Christmas charity. They raised over £130.00 at the Hythe xmas late night shopping event in December. Thank you so much x

30/01/2024

Thank you Helen from Firmager in new Romney and Nicky from Sterry in Folkestone for the support and hard work for our late night Christmas shopping in Hythe Kent
We are proud to have raised £130.00 plus for a great Charity, St Mary in the Marsh Project Fund. plus £40 for Breast Cancer x