Suzanne Bairstow Independent Funeral Director

28/04/2026

26/04/2026

Wow what a weekend!

Recently I was invited to the Mariposa Awards in London which took place this weekend, which meant I was going to have to wear a frock!

Mariposa International has been a beacon of hope since 2012 for those suffering the heartbreak of baby loss, whether that be at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy, and for those journeying infertility.

Around 300 people attended the Awards last night and the room was filled with so many amazing people who are so passionate about the roles they each play in supporting families. It was a great evening where we enjoyed a lovely meal and entertainment as well as raising lots of money for the Mariposa International charity.

I was absolutely delighted to be informed that I'd been nominated and shortlisted for the Community Award for the help and support that we'd given to bereaved parents. I travelled to London with Bev, Kath and Fiona who are just some of the amazing team from Airedale hospital who'd also been nominated for an award and shortlisted.

Dr. Kath Graham won the award for Lifetime Achievement, which was really moving as she has recently retired after serving 41 years as a Consultant for Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Fiona McFadyen won the Midwife of the Year award, for all her hard work and dedication over the years.

I've attached a few pictures for you to look at.

Well done to Kath, Fiona, Bev and Gemma you are all amazing. 👏🏻

13/04/2026

As I drove up the track to my house tonight I noticed in two separate fields of my neighbours the remains of two balloons. I try my best to work as an eco-conscious funeral director, and don't encourage families to release balloons as they tend to end up stuck in trees, littering the countryside or killing livestock.

Both of these fields have live stock and newly born lambs in them. I've now disposed of the balloons, so that no further damage is caused.

31/03/2026

I recently had the honour of supporting Jill's husband and family to create a very fitting and special service for her at Brocklands Woodland Burial.
When I first met Duncan he wanted to create a really special funeral service for Jill, which together we all played a part in creating. There was over 200 people that attended her service.

As people arrived they were served tea and coffee by Sam in the Haybarn. As I walked up the drive at Brocklands with Jill's coffin in the hearse following me and Duncan and their family in Jill's Land Rover Defender behind, the emotion and love shown by everyone there was clear to see.

As I continued to walk up the drive the amazing Laura Simmo played Highland Cathedral on her bagpipes as we continued to walk together to the graveside followed by family and friends.

Once we had gathered everyone around Jill's grave, Margaret A Modern Ceremony led a lovely service, followed by a very heartfelt eulogy read by Jill's husband, Duncan and tributes and poems by her family read by Margaret.

We had decorated Jill's grave with foliage and daffodils collected from her garden. When I was at her home collecting the foliage Duncan and I found an old nest in the conifer tree, so I used this as a feature at the graveside to use to hold Cadbury creme eggs in for Jill's grandchildren to come and collect at the end of the service.

I must not forget to mention Jill's flowers... they were amazing! Jill had given Duncan strict instructions as to which florist had to make her floral tribute which was a beautiful shop in Hebden Bridge called The Willow Garden. I'll definitely be paying them another visit.

Andy Purple Videos Ltd did a great job at providing the sound system for the microphone and speakers to play the music, which was a bit of a challenge with no electricity but he used his rechargeable batteries to do it.

As friends and family walked back to the Haybarn they were met by some children from Settle Primary school, who were giving out to everyone pots of bulbs in memory of Jill, it was lovely to see. This is also where Jill had worked.

Everyone then made their way to The Plough at Wigglesworth to enjoy the food, drinks and sunshine and continued to share memories of Jill whilst watching the slideshow and looking at the great picture boards. Thanks to Jonathan and the team for being so lovely to work with.

Thank you so much to Duncan for allowing me to care for Jill and for helping us create a really special service for Jill, and for allowing me to share these photos.

Many thanks also to Margaret, Andy, Laura, Peter at Marsden Funeral Vehicle Hire, Carl, Sam, Glenn, Chris, Alan, Mandy and Gordon for all of your help and support on the day, it really was appreciated X

31/03/2026

Today we held a service for a special gentleman that had passed away in Scarborough. His lovely service was taken by Amanda Willow Tree Ceremonies, and we were supported by Peter and Phil from Marsden Funeral Vehicle Hire who drove their lovely Mercedes hearse and limousine.
What was really lovely is a lady that attended the service phoned me when she arrived home to tell me it had been a lovely service and funeral tea, and to ask if she could 'book herself in with me' for at her time of need.
A lovely day, for a lovely gentleman and great team work x

31/03/2026

26/02/2026

Yesterday it was an honour for me to take care of Greg's funeral arrangements. Gregory was my landlord at The Sidings and he had informed his daughters that at his time of need he wanted to rest in his own building until the time of his funeral.

Greg had a love for Land Rovers so yesterday three teams came together and worked as one as Peter from Land Rover Defender Hearse Hire. One Life Lived It. brought Alexander his green Land Rover hearse to take Greg on his final journey.

Peter (a different Peter) from Marsden Funeral Vehicle Hire provided and drove the lovely Mercedes limousine which Greg's family travelled in.

Thank you so much to the family for allowing me to share these photos.

27/01/2026

Following a catch up and cuppa with Roy's family on Friday evening, they have given me permission to share the photos from his beautiful, personalised farewell service which myself and his family worked closely together to create.

Amazing artwork was created by both his children and grandchildren, and a beautiful floral tribute and garland was made from the flowers and foliage in his garden by his wife.

Many thanks to Roy's family for allowing me to share these photos. X

03/01/2026

On Tuesday 30th December, we were honoured to conduct the special funeral service for Harry at the beautiful St. Michael & All Angels church in Linton. On this special day it would have also been Harry's 72nd birthday.

His family allowed me to place his much loved fishing rod onto his coffin, make a floral tribute in his favourite wellies and provide a can of his favourite tipple, Tetleys, which were displayed next to his coffin.

It was clear to see how much Harry meant to his family and what a character he was, as they shared memories, tributes, read poems, readings and a beautiful flute solo was played by Camilla of Nessun Dorma.

Thank you so much to Harry's family for allowing me to share the details and pictures of his special day. Xx

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to everyone.

As we reflect on 2025, we've met some lovely families who we have helped and supported at this sad time and have felt honoured to care for their loved ones and their funeral arrangements.

Thank you to each of our clients who have taken the time to write us a testimonial on Google, it really does mean the world to us.

I'd also really like to thank the wonderful team at Marsden Funeral Vehicle Hire who provide us with our hearse and limousines and support me at each of our funerals and also to the 'flower girls' at Woodbank Nurseries - Harden, Bingley for making our floral tributes, they are always beautiful.

Of course, I can't forget to thank the amazing Celebrants that we work with also. You all do an amazing job and bring your own unique style to each funeral.

Have a lovely New Year's day xx

24/12/2025