Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services

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 http://www.wmdodgson.co.uk//choice *T&Cs apply.

This is a financial promotion from Choice Funeral Plans. Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services 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/

27/11/2023

*Introducing our new Unattended Cremation Plan*

We are excited to announce we are adding to our funeral plan products with the launch of our ‘Unattended Cremation Plan.’

At Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services we are committed to creating funeral plans which meet the individual circumstances and needs of our clients.

This new plan, priced at £1,795, now provides an option for customers who would prefer a more simple and dignified cremation without the frills of a traditional service, with no family, friends or mourners present. In addition, we have made some positive changes to our existing Choice Essentials and Choice Plus Plans.

To enquire about our range of Choice Funeral Plans visit: www.wmdodgson.co.uk/prepaid-plans

T&Cs apply. Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services (Funeral Partners) 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. APCL and Funeral Partners are part of the Funeral Partners Group.

12/09/2023

What will your funeral song be?

If you want to have a say in your musical choices, record your wishes in advance with a Choice Funeral Plan.

Contact our friendly team or visit wmdodgson.co.uk/prepaid-plans to plan your funeral your way and to save £150 off Choice Plans by quoting TV150.

Comment below the song you would like to be played at your funeral.

Terms & Conditions apply: funeralpartners.co.uk/tv150

This is "Choice TV Advert - One Man Band" by Funeral Partners on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

13/07/2023

Plan your funeral your way with a Choice Funeral Plan
Specify your wishes and fix the cost of Funeral Director Services, which could protect your loved ones.
Plus until August 31st 2023, you can save £200 off Choice Funeral Plans by quoting NT107.
https://www.wmdodgson.co.uk/prepaid-plans/
T&Cs apply. Wm Dodgson & Son Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Alternative Planning Company Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

14/06/2023

Social media plays a large part in many of our lives. and as a result, is often used to share the news when a loved one passes.

Here is our guide to announcing a death on social media:

http://ow.ly/RJFV50Ouc6H

01/08/2022

Happy Yorkshire Day from the team at Wm. Dodgson & Son Funeral Services

30/07/2022

How would you define a friend? Someone who supports you through the challenges of life? Someone who has your best interests at heart?

Today is World Friendship Day, a day to honour those special people in your life. Send a text or call your friends to tell them how much you appreciate and value them, make new friends by starting a new hobby, reconnect with a friend you haven't spoken to for a while.

Be a good friend and do something uplifting for someone today because life can be tough and we all need a friend.

29/07/2022

Great news! From today, all Funeral Plans including Choice Funeral Plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving customers even more confidence, transparency and security when they purchase a Funeral Plan.
To plan your funeral your way and for more information, speak to our friendly team or visit https://www.wmdodgson.co.uk/prepaid-plans/

24/07/2022

Today’s date is 24/7. We’re supporting by reminding you that if you need to talk, Samaritans is there 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to listen.

06/06/2022

This week is Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution 6.5 million unpaid carers make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

To help make carers Visible, Valued and Supported visit the official Carers Week website and add your voice: http://ow.ly/lVS550Jau8H

09/05/2022

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘Loneliness’.
Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and having a huge impact on people’s physical and mental health.
During the lockdowns, connections with loved ones, were disrupted and in some cases broken.
This week is the opportunity to ask questions about how we can reduce loneliness after we continue to come out of the pandemic.
Could you get in touch with a friend, family member or neighbour you haven’t spoken to for a while?

04/05/2022

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week.
Every year, people around the country use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a vehicle to encourage all communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them.
Its theme of being in a ‘good place to die’, highlights not only where individuals would like to be when the time comes, but also creates the space to talk about their wishes.
There is never a good time to talk about death with a loved one, you might be unsure where to start, what to say, or need help with planning. The subject of death or dying is usually one we avoid, but it’s an important topic of conversation that we should learn to embrace.
In the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2022 only 1% of people knew all their loved ones’ funeral wishes – and 19% didn’t know any of their wishes at all. Of those who knew their wishes, 62% had been told directly, 18% were told by family and friends, and 16% found out from the will.
We will be posting content all week on topics such as Probate, Wills and Estate Planning so make sure to check back in for more information.
For more information about our Choice prepaid funeral plans, visit our local funeral home or go online at www.choiceplan.co.uk