Westcountry Funeral Service

28/04/2026

24/04/2026

We were delighted to attend the Service of Dedication and Official Opening of Tamar Valley Crematorium today.

A lovely service led by The Right Reverend James Grier with The Reverend Jo Northey and Mrs. Vicki Jensen and beautiful singing from The Choir of Bickleigh Down School followed by Unveiling of a commemoration Plaque by Dr. Brian Parsons (no relation!)

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this together through its many stages.

The builders, architects, tradesmen and women and specialists and of course to the Directors, management and staff of Tamar Valley Crematorium for their dedicated work and their kind invitation to join them today to commemorate it’s official Dedication.

🙏

15/04/2026

Proud to be supporting Saltash Regatta this year ⛵️⛵️

09/04/2026

Our team have been spring cleaning our funeral home in Elburton today!

Gutters cleared, weeding done and signage washed and cleaned.

Thank you Paul and Leah - you’re the best 🏅🏅

05/03/2026

Give us a like if you think our new hearse looks great!

24/02/2026

Wally Parson aka Walter C Parson

07/02/2026

Cardboard coffins used to be quite popular and were seen as an alternative to traditional coffins.

Their popularity has waned in recent years but they are still available.

29/01/2026

What’s a Funeral Mute?

Funeral mutes were professional mourners hired to attend funerals, standing solemnly and accompanying the coffin to add dignity and gravity to the proceedings.

The practice of hiring mutes became popular in Victorian Britain, though it had earlier origins, possibly dating back to Roman times when bodyguards or attendants were assigned to protect prominent citizens. By the 1600s, mutes were common at upper-class funerals, and by the 1700s, they appeared even at modest funerals. Their role gradually declined by the late 19th century due to their reputation for appearing drunk or comical, which undermined the solemnity of the funeral.

Hic!

26/01/2026

We’re at Glynn Valley crematorium, Bodmin this morning for a Direct Cremation (sometimes referred to as a Pure Cremation). Opened in 1989 by the Great Southern Group, Glynn Valley Crematorium has beautiful views over Cornwall making it a memorable and tranquil setting for a simple service to say goodbye.

23/01/2026

Richard Walter Parson - fifth generation of the Parson family of Funeral Directors and our Principal.

Westcountry Funeral Service - the Parson family don't work for anyone else.

13/01/2026

Team member Paul leading our cortège of hearse and two limousines through the narrow streets of Cawsand and Kingsand today.

Great job Paul!

07/01/2026

Another freezing cold fingers start to the day! 🥶🥶