Ian Brown Funeral Director

08/10/2025

The funeral of Archie Sexton will be held on Monday 13th October 2025 at 14:30 hours at Holytown Crematorium

06/10/2025

03/10/2025

Grand Opening – Pinks Funeral Directors, Caterham

On 1st August, we proudly celebrated the grand opening of our new Pinks Funeral Directors branch in Caterham. While the location is new, Pinks has a long-standing legacy of compassionate care, and we’re thrilled to extend that tradition into the Caterham community.

The event was a fantastic success, thanks to the dedication of Karen, our Area Development Manager, and the brilliant team at Pinks who worked tirelessly to prepare the branch and welcome guests.

We were honoured to be joined by The Hon. Councillor Mike Crane, Chairman of Tandridge District Council, whose presence added a special touch to the occasion.

A highlight of the day was Caterham Town Crier and valued team member Sonia, who brought tradition and ceremony to life with her official duties—making the celebration truly memorable.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in marking this exciting new chapter for Pinks in Caterham.

03/10/2025

The funeral of Ian Brown will be held on 10th October 2025 at Carstairs Parish Church at 1pm and continue at Avenue Road Cemetery at 2pm. Ian is in our thoughts.

02/10/2025

This month we’re exploring the topic of coping with grief. Check in each week for helpful advice and guidance.

Grief is a unique journey for everyone; there's no set timeline.

It can bring overwhelming emotions like anger, guilt, and deep sadness, and even manifest as physical symptoms.

All of these reactions are normal. Don’t be afraid to seek support from loved ones or professionals.

01/10/2025

Plan ahead with a Choice Funeral Plan

Ian Brown Funeral Directors is a trading name of Funeral Partners Limited. Funeral Partners Limited is an appointed representative of Alternative Planning Company Limited (APCL). APCL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 965282. Choice Funeral Plans are provided by APCL.

01/10/2025

The funeral of Betty Woods will take place on Wednesday 8th October 2025 at 09:30 at St Mary's Church and continue to South Lanarkshire Crematorium at 11:00 hours.

01/10/2025

The funeral of Tom Gorrian will be held on Monday 6th October 2025 at 13:00 hours at Ian Brown Funeral Directors Service Room and continue at Carnwath Cemetery at 14:00 hours. The family do not wish any children under 16 to attend the funeral. Thank you.

29/09/2025

Don’t miss a beat on World Heart Day.

One in five people will die early from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Yet, up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable. That’s why, every 29 September, we celebrate World Heart Day to raise awareness of CVD and the importance of taking care of your heart.

Find out more about World Heart Day and what you can do to join in: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/about-whd/

26/09/2025

James Brown & Sons Supporting “Saddle Up” Holiday Bible Club

Last month, our Newtownabbey branch had the joy of supporting the “Saddle Up” Holiday Bible Club, made possible through the James Brown & Sons Community Fund.

Led by our fantastic team member Claire, the initiative brought together children and families for a week of western-themed fun, crafts, games, and storytelling—all hosted by the local church. The energy was infectious, and it was clear how much the event meant to everyone involved.

We were proud to play a small part in making the week a success. Claire spent time at the club during the week, joined the family BBQ on Saturday, and attended the Sunday Church service—strengthening the bond between our team and the local community.

A huge thank you to Claire for championing this initiative. It’s moments like these that remind us how powerful community connections can be.

24/09/2025

Walking Through Fire for a Cause

On 9th October, Tony Harms, Funeral Manager at James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors, will be stepping up—literally—for charity. Tony is taking on a Fire Walk to raise vital funds for North London Hospice, an organisation that provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to families across the region.

This bold challenge reflects the same unwavering dedication Tony brings to his role every day. We’re incredibly proud of his courage and commitment, and we’re rallying behind him as he walks through fire for a truly meaningful cause.

Donate today and help make a difference: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anthony-harms13

23/09/2025

Would like to say a thank you for all that attended our inaugural Macmillian Coffee morning, we raised £120. Congratulations to all raffle prize winners, who shall be contacted shortly.

22/09/2025

We’re proud to congratulate six outstanding colleagues on their achievements:

✨ Diploma in Funeral Directing
Tutored by Ian Reynolds, NAFD Approved Tutor and Operational Support Manager at Funeral Partners:
• Aimee Hughes
• Lisa Parker
• Katie Halford
• Victoria Fallon

📜 Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration
• Mollie Dowling
• Jade Cross

Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism are an inspiration to us all. Here's to the next chapter in your journey supporting families and communities with care and dignity. 💐

National Association of Funeral Directors

22/09/2025

Macmillan Coffee Morning from 11-2, please come along. Any donations kindly received. Various raffle prizes, also guess the number of sweets in the jar!

19/09/2025

GE Hartley & Son Take on Malham Cove – and a Bull – for Charity!

The incredible team from GE Hartley & Son Funeral Directors recently tackled a challenging charity walk through the breath taking Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.

What was meant to be a 13-mile trek turned into a 15-mile adventure—thanks to an unexpected detour caused by a runaway bull! From rock climbing to rugged terrain, the team powered through with laughter, resilience, and plenty of Yorkshire grit.

Together, they raised an amazing £1,385 for the Alzheimer's Society. A huge well done to everyone involved—your determination and good humour turned a wild walk into a wonderful memory.

18/09/2025

A Fond Farewell to a True Country Gentleman

G&M Goold Funeral Directors, were honoured to conduct a heartfelt farewell for a beloved local farm hand whose life was deeply rooted in the land—and in his love for tractors.

The service reflected his passion for the countryside, with thoughtful touches that celebrated his character and the life he lived. It was a privilege to support his family in saying goodbye.

A fitting tribute to a well-respected member of the local farming community.

15/09/2025

September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of prevention and early action.

Vascular disease often develops silently, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle early is key to prevention. Staying active through daily movement, choosing heart-smart foods, quitting smoking, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can make a profound difference.

This month, let’s commit to small changes that lead to stronger vessels and healthier lives. Share this message, encourage loved ones to get screened, and be part of a movement that prioritises prevention over crisis.

12/09/2025

The funeral of Shirley Moore will take place on Tuesday 16th September 2025 at 14:30 hours within Holytown Crematorium.

10/09/2025

W. Storey Funeral Service had the honour of working with Cleveland Fire Brigade to pay respect to one of the brigades former colleagues.

The 93 minute procession to the crematorium involved 8 Fire Engines, over 300 serving men and women and a guard of honour in the local fire station.

08/09/2025

Did you know that 1 in 2 strokes and heart attacks are caused by high blood pressure—and 6 million people in the UK don’t even know they have it? That’s why this week matters.

Each September Blood Pressure UK holds Know Your Numbers Week, raising awareness about the silent risks of high blood pressure and encouraging everyone to have their blood pressure tested.

Why it matters:
- High blood pressure often has no symptoms
- It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and dementia
- Early detection means better outcomes and healthier lives

Find your nearest free blood pressure check at https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/find-your-nearest-free-blood-pressure-check/

Blood Pressure UK

05/09/2025

Murray’s Funeral Directors have launched a community allotment where people who have experienced grief can get together and enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening.

Thyme to Grow – a dedicated plot at the Thorntree Lane Allotments in Swadlincote is open to anyone looking to reconnect with nature, share peaceful moments, and enjoy discovering what can be grown.

Funeral Director Megan Smart who is leading the project said : “Sometimes families that we have looked after can feel lost following the funeral of their loved one, and we thought this might be a nice way to gently introduce something new to their week, where some focus can be placed".