Thomas Greatorex & Sons Ltd Independent Family Funeral Directors

31/10/2025

Amended Notice, information regarding the wake venue has altered.

James Anthony Kirkley ‘JIM’, very sadly passed away peacefully at home on 16th September 2025, aged 75 years. A very much loved dad to Tara, Nathen and the late Anna, stepdad to Danny, grandad to Kris & Daisy, partner to Pearl, brother, uncle and a friend to many.
He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all his family & friends.

A celebration service of a life well lived will be held at Amber Valley Memorial Park & Crematorium on Friday 7th November at 1:00pm. There is no specific dress code, but the family would welcome bright colours. Family flowers only please and donations in memory of Jim for Darley Dale Juniors Football Club may be given at the service, via our website www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations or sent to Thomas Greatorex & Sons Funeral Directors, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3BU.

Jim was very well known across many circles so on this occasion there will be refreshments served at the The Grouse Inn at Darley Dale in recognition of his time spent as a Darley Boy and people are also welcome to raise a glass in his memory at The Remarkable Hare where he spent his later years

28/10/2025

Bereavement Event – December 2nd at Mad Hatter, Matlock

In the lead-up to our Bereavement Event, we’ve been spending time connecting with some of the wonderful local people who offer bereavement support in our area.

It’s been such an eye-opening experience — what we think bereavement support looks like is often just one small piece of a much bigger picture. There are so many approaches and caring individuals out there, each offering something a little different, meaning there really can be something for everyone.

Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting two lovely ladies who perfectly highlight this diversity:

✨ Sue McDonald – who runs local support groups in partnership with Complete Wellness Collective, creating safe, welcoming spaces for people to share, connect and heal together.

✨ Sarah Kallend – owner of Heart and Head Space, who offers a compassionate and holistic approach to supporting people through grief in a way that feels deeply personal and nurturing.

Our event isn’t about selling services or promoting any one approach — it’s about bringing people together. A chance to understand what local support is available, meet the faces behind these services, and hopefully find something that resonates with you or someone you care about.

We’re really looking forward to sharing this space with the community — and we hope you’ll join us.

24/10/2025

Supporting Our Local Community & Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

We were delighted to support Matlock Salsa with a £200 donation towards their recent Charity Evening in aid of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Rewilding Appeal.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Christine Leonard (from our reception team here at Thomas Greatorex & Sons) and Georgina Jones, along with the fantastic support of DJ Esref Parranda Ulas and the wonderful Matlock Salsa community, an amazing £1,100 was raised on the night!

The funds will go towards the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Middleton Moor Rewilding Appeal, helping to restore this beautiful area for local wildlife and the community to enjoy.

Matlock Salsa is a non-profit group that meets every second Friday of the month at Matlock Town Council & Imperial Rooms. Run entirely by volunteers, they’ve been bringing people together through music and dance for over 10 years — creating a true “salsa family” that supports good causes throughout the year.

We’re proud of Christine and Georgina for their ongoing commitment to the local community and to making a positive difference.

23/10/2025

We’re proud to display the Golden Charter seal

The Golden Charter seal represents trust, reassurance, and connection.

For us, it shows that we’re part of a nationwide network of independent funeral directors who share the same standards of care and professionalism.

When families see the seal, they know they can rely on us - a local, independent business supported by one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers.

21/10/2025

UNWIN, Jane

Of Matlock, passed away peacefully at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on 4th October 2025, aged 74 years.

Jane will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

A funeral service will take place at Amber Valley Crematorium on Friday 7th November at 10.00am.

Following the service, all are warmly invited to join the family for refreshments at Matlock Golf Club.

Donations in memory of Jane are for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK and may be given at the service, via our website www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations or sent to:
Thomas Greatorex & Sons Funeral Directors, 29 Knowleston Place,
Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3BU.

17/10/2025

Chesterfield Crematorium – Open Day
Sunday 2nd November | 11:00am – 1:00pm

Have you ever wanted to learn more about what happens at your local crematorium?

The Open Day offers a welcoming and informative opportunity to:

• Trace the final resting place of a loved one or ancestor.

• Discuss the options available for the disposal of cremated remains.

• Find out about our memorial schemes to commemorate loved ones.

• Learn more about the cremation process and help dispel any common worries or myths.

During the event, the team will be available to answer your questions about cremations, burials, and funeral services. You’ll also have the rare chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the crematorium and see how everything works with care and dignity.

Tour times: 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, and 12:30pm
Please note: Booking is essential as group sizes are limited.

16/10/2025

James Anthony Kirkley ‘JIM’, very sadly passed away peacefully at home on 16th September 2025, aged 75 years. A very much loved dad to Tara, Nathen and the late Anna, stepdad to Danny, grandad to Kris & Daisy, partner to Pearl, brother, uncle and a friend to many.
He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all his family & friends.
A celebration service of a life well lived will be held at Amber Valley Memorial Park & Crematorium on Friday 7th November at 1:00pm. There is no specific dress code, but the family would welcome bright colours. Family flowers only please and donations in memory of Jim for Darley Dale Juniors Football Club may be given at the service, via our website www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations or sent to Thomas Greatorex & Sons Funeral Directors, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3BU.

Jim was very well known across many circles so on this occasion there will be refreshments served at the The Grouse Inn at Darley Dale in recognition of his time spent as a Darley Boy and people are also welcome to raise a glass in his memory at The Remarkable Hare where he spent his later years

15/10/2025

LINDA BYARD
Of Matlock. Passed away on 26th September 2025 at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 74.
Dearly loved by all her family and friends.
Linda's Funeral Service will be held at Amber Valley Memorial Park & Crematorium on Tuesday 28th October at 11.00am.
Donations in lieu of flowers are being received for Blood Cancer UK. These may be given at the funeral, online: www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations, or cheques payable to the charity may be sent to Thomas Greatorex & Sons, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock. DE4 3BU.

Call us on: 01629 582470If you don’t feel ready to talk at the moment, send us your details and will get in touch with you soon.

15/10/2025

Bereavement Group Meet-Up

We are delighted to be hosting our first bereavement group meet-up during National Grief Awareness Week on Tuesday 2nd December 10.30am - 12.30pm in collaboration with Mad Hatter, Matlock.

This safe and supportive space allows you to connect with others experiencing grief, share experiences, or simply listen.

Everyone is welcome — whether you are just beginning your bereavement journey or further along. Tea and coffee vouchers will be provided by Thomas Greatorex & Sons, with light refreshments from Mad Hatter, Matlock .

How to Join

Please RSVP to the event so we can ensure refreshments are ready for everyone. Feel free to share this event with anyone who might benefit from attending. We look forward to welcoming you.

Registration in the comments below ⬇️

14/10/2025

AMANDA PARKYN
Of Youlgrave, formerly of Penkridge, Staffordshire.
Passed away on 19th September 2025 at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 87.
Loving mum of Paul and Caroline, beloved grandmother of James, Ellen, Olivia and Robin.
Amanda’s Funeral Ceremony will be held at Amber Valley Memorial Park & Crematorium, Swanwick, on Friday 24th October at 2.00pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers are invited for The Macular Society and SOS Children’s Villages UK. These may be given online: www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations, or cheques payable to ‘Jepson Funerals Ltd’ may be sent to Thomas Greatorex & Sons, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock. DE4 3BU.

10/10/2025

Sylvia Eileen Lavelle of Matlock, sadly passed away aged 90 years, on Monday 29th September. A much loved and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunty, and friend.

A service to celebrate Sylvia’s life will be held at Our Lady & St Joseph’s Church, 1 St Joseph’s Street, Matlock, DE4 3NG on Wednesday 22nd October at 11.30am. Family flowers only. At the request of Sylvia’s family, black need not be worn but instead something colourful.

Following the service, there will be a burial at 1pm at Darley Dale Cemetery, Dale Road North, Darley Dale, Matlock, DE4 2FS.

Afterwards, we invite friends for refreshments and to celebrate Sylvia’s life at the Red Lion, Matlock Green.

Donations in memory of Sylvia for The British Heart Foundation may be given at the service, or via our website; greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations/

10/10/2025

Alan Wright, sadly passed away on 28th September 2025, aged 77 years.
He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all his family & friends.

Funeral Service at Darley Dale Methodist Church on Friday 24th October at 11:00am, followed by a burial at Darley Dale Cemetery.

Family flowers only please and donations in memory of Alan for Ashgate Hospice may be given in Church, via our website www.greatorexfunerals.co.uk/donations or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent to Thomas Greatorex & Funeral Directors, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3BU.