Gordon Blake Funeral Directors

13/05/2026

With direct cremation, you may not get a chance to say goodbye.
For some families, direct cremation means no viewing, no service, and no moment to
come together. It’s often chosen for its simplicity — but the emotional impact isn’t always understood until afterwards. Some moments can’t be undone.

06/05/2026

Don't let a wish for simplicity lead to a lifetime of "what ifs." Let's find a path that supports you both. Statistics show that 51% of people who chose an unattended service were left with a lingering sense of regret, but we can create a quiet, modest send-off that respects their legacy while giving you the peace of mind
you deserve.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

If you have any questions regarding funerals or death, why not come along?
Our Funeral Director Michael Kennerley will be on hand to answer any questions....

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 is 4 - 10 May, come and join the conversation at St Stephen's Church (Belle Vue Rd, Cinderford, GL14 2AA) on Wednesday 6 May at 2.00 pm or 7.00 pm.

At both sessions there will be a space to talk about any aspect of death or dying, to ask questions and perhaps consider some of your desires for your own funeral.

The vicar, along with other Cinderford Churches funeral ministers will be present, alongside staff from Gordon Blake Funeral Directors and Co-op Funeralcare.

There will be tea / coffee and refreshments, so you can stay as long as you like.

Any questions, please drop the page a message or email Rachel (rachel@cinderford-churches.org.uk).

Dying Matters Awareness Week is a Hospice UK initiative.



[Image description: Poster with a pale background and words detailing the Dying Matters event on Wednesday 6 May at St Stephen's as detailed above; plus the Dying Matters, Cinderford Churches, Gordon Blakes, Coop Funeral and HospiceUK logos]

01/05/2026

There is a quiet power in being present.
Did you know that 79% of people find attending a funeral essential for
acknowledging their loss?
We pride ourselves on holding a space for you to
say a real, heartfelt goodbye that feels right for you.
Whether that’s through a favourite song, a shared story, a football team, or even a much-needed moment of laughter.

30/04/2026

'The Enablers'
So often the Funeral Directors at Ernest Heal & Sons receive such positive feedback on the services we have provided. But what enables us to provide that service?
Although our Funeral Directors are often at the forefront of the funeral arrangements, each funeral is not delivered by an individual. There is a strong team behind every funeral, ensuring your loved one is cared for at every step of the journey.
Meet our team of Funeral Operatives, Richard, Martyn & Steve.
The team ensures that everything behind the scenes is prepared to a high standard and in a timely fashion. From ensuring that the ceremonial fleet is immaculately presented, each coffin is prepared to a high standard and floristry deliveries are cared for- this small team really do their share and more often than not, go above and beyond.

13/04/2026

Mel Rudge started cleaning cars and preparing coffins with Gordon Blake Funeral Directors in 1995 and has continued in various roles, particularly as a pall bearer, for over 30 years.
Having reached the grand old age of 80, Mel has decided to retire from the funeral business.
This photo shows our Funeral Director and Branch Manager, Michael Kennerley thanking Mel Rudge for his service at Bathhurst Park Memorial Garden.
Mel will not, however be sitting at home watching day time TV. Mel has so many other interests to keep him busy, including Dean Forest Railway, his continuing work with Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal in particular.
All the team here wish Mel all the best for the future and thank him for his loyalty, accumulated knowledge and experience, his good humour and enthusiasm.
Whenever he has been able, he has done all he can to help. And his help has, over the years been very much appreciated, not only by Gordon Blake Funeral Directors, but also by the many families we serve in the local community.
Thank you Mel!

16/03/2026

As part of Mother’s Day Light a Candle, we’ve shared virtual memorial candles to help honour the memories of your loved ones. Here are the remaining memorial candles that were submitted.

Thank you to everyone who created a memorial candle.

15/03/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a remembrance candle so far. Our candle initiative will come to an end today (Sunday 15 March).

Candles submitted before 5pm today will be shared on our page on Monday 16 March.

https://gbnf.online/300667

11/03/2026

We’d like to thank everyone who’s created a virtual candle for their loved one so far.
Here are some more memorial candles. If you’d like to submit a candle for a loved one, you can do so by clicking the link below.

https://gbnf.online/300667

05/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who’s submitted a memorial candle so far. We’ve now started to create your personalised virtual candle posts, and they’ll begin to appear on our page shortly.

If you don't see your candle yet, please don't worry, we’ll share it soon. If you’d like to submit a candle for a loved one, you can do so by clicking the link below.

https://gbnf.online/300667