Westcountry Funeral Services

09/10/2023

09/10/2023

Plymouth's first crematorium opened at Efford cemetery in 1934, the first crematorium in the South West was at Arnos Vale cemetery in Bristol which opened in 1928.

The cremator was housed in the basement of the crypt in the non-conformist chapel which meant a lift was needed. The point of committal resembled a burial, with the deceased being lowered down to the cremating chamber using a manually operated system.

Following the cremation, the remains were placed into the "cremulator" to be ground into the particles/dust that were then returned to the family or strewn in the Gardens of Remembrance.

30/08/2023

We pride ourselves on our flag etiquette to make sure that traditions are honoured and memories cherished.

Owner-run by Richard Walter Parson, Westcountry Funeral Service offer experience and expertise

09/08/2023

A really big thank you to all the bikers that came along last week to make Chris’ last ride such a positive, memorable event. Thank you 💕

22/07/2023

During the Victorian period the funeral profession became established and Funeral Undertakers began to advertise in print for the first time.

Our genuine Victorian printing plate survives from the very beginning of the Undertaking trade as we know it.

Ink stained and aged with time, it is a family heirloom that directly links us, from one generation to the next, to our history.

Owner-run by Richard Parson

21/07/2023

One hundred years ago, Oscar Walter Parson (pictured) was supplying the funeral trade with coffins as well as carrying out funerals himself.

These handwritten receipts from the 1920’s form a part of the collection of artefacts that our family retain.

06/07/2023

“A drink for the bearers” was a common thing in days gone by.

Richard Walter Parson inherited his Father’s (Wally Parson) pacing cane, which he had inherited from his father (Walter Parson).

They carried it for many years in their work as Funeral Directors.

Hidden away in the handle is just such a place to keep that drink and two small drinking cups so you could share with a friend.

30/04/2023

For many years, if you needed anything made of wood, you would go to the carpenter or cabinet maker.

Doors, windows, beds, tables, chairs and of course, coffins.
Any woodworker could put a sign in their shop window to advertise that they could also make coffins.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that Undertaking began to emerge as a new trade and during that time, many woodworkers incorporated 'Funerals Undertaken' into their business' strapline.

As a result of that, we became known as Funeral Undertakers, later shortened to simply Undertakers.

Owner-run by Richard Walter Parson, Westcountry Funeral Service offer experience and expertise

30/03/2023

Before opening the offices today, we were washing the ceremonial cars and cleaning the brake dust off their wheels.

Later, the paintwork can be polished and the tyre and trim treatment applied, then the cars can be cleaned and vacuumed inside.

Each vehicle takes about an hour and a half to get ready for your loved one’s funeral service

It’s the pride in a job well done that drives us.

14/03/2023

Donations in lieu of flowers at a funeral have become the most common way to pay tribute to a loved one. It is estimated that around £100 million in funeral donations is given to charity every year in the UK.

27/02/2023

Being a Funeral Director is not all about wearing a nice suit and driving a nice car!

For most people, speaking with a funeral director is something that only happens when you need them. Understanding what the funeral profession is about, and recognising that funeral directors are human too, can have a really positive impact on how you feel when you do need to engage one. This is why...

24/01/2023

Two cars washed, cleaned and put away. Ten freezing cold fingers!

Time for a cuppa I think!

17/01/2023

Inscribed silver band on a walking stick which our Principal, Richard Walter Parson inherited from his Grandfather, Walter Cyril Parson. A gift presented to Walter in 1982 to commemorate 50 years in the funeral profession.

07/12/2022

Spotted this morning at St. Melor’s church, Linkinhorne.

The stocks were used to humiliate people for crimes such as swearing or drunkenness. Criminals would sit or stand at a wooden frame and the local people would throw rotten food or even stones at them.

The stocks were used as a punishment throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Their use declined in the 18th century… mores the pity! 😇