B Matthews Funeral Directors

05/09/2025

Save £150 on Choice Funeral Plans

B Matthews Funeral Directors is a trading name of Funeral Partners Limited. Funeral Partners Limited is an appointed representative of Alternative Planning Company Limited (APCL). APCL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 965282. Choice Funeral Plans are provided by APCL.

05/09/2025

Murray’s Funeral Directors have launched a community allotment where people who have experienced grief can get together and enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening.

Thyme to Grow – a dedicated plot at the Thorntree Lane Allotments in Swadlincote is open to anyone looking to reconnect with nature, share peaceful moments, and enjoy discovering what can be grown.

Funeral Director Megan Smart who is leading the project said : “Sometimes families that we have looked after can feel lost following the funeral of their loved one, and we thought this might be a nice way to gently introduce something new to their week, where some focus can be placed".

26/08/2025

As part of their fleet expansion and innovation plans, Funeral Partners have added two luxurious seven-seater Mercedes passenger vehicles to their fleet to give families in the Midlands more choice when travelling to the final goodbye of their loved ones.

A pair of chauffeur driven Mercedes Vitos are being offered as a modern alternative to limousines for mourners who want to travel together in style and comfort. They are now available for clients who arrange funerals in the Midlands at William H Painter Funeral Directors and Thomas Bragg & Sons Funeral Directors, both trusted names within the Funeral Partners network.

22/08/2025

Our branches are closed on 25 August for the summer bank holiday, but we can still be contacted 24 hours a day by telephone on 023 8044 7965
We hope all our customers enjoy a restful bank holiday.

21/08/2025

We’re proud to announce that Karen Rattigan, Area Development Manager, has been elected Chair of the Southern District of the London Association of Funeral Directors (LAFD).

Her appointment reflects the Committee’s trust in her experience and leadership, following three years of actively attending meetings. Karen succeeds Steve Bayley, whose dedicated leadership laid strong foundations for the work ahead. She is joined by Sarah Bartlett as Vice Chair, bringing valuable insight and continuity to the team as they continue to support members and uphold professional standards across the sector.

This marks an important milestone in Karen’s continued dedication to the funeral profession, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of her leadership in the year ahead.

15/08/2025

Our next Grief Cafe will be held on Sunday 17th August at Southampton Crematorium, West Chapel 10am - 12pm.
Join us for Tea/coffee, pastries and a friendly chat. A variety of crafting will be available free of charge, kindly sponsored by Harlee's Angels. All welcome 🥰

15/08/2025

15/08/2025

Today, we pause to remember Victory over Japan Day, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. On 15 August 1945, the world witnessed the final chapter of a global conflict that claimed millions of lives and forever changed history.
We honour the bravery of those who served in the Far East and the Pacific, many of whom endured unimaginable hardship. Their resilience and sacrifice brought peace to a world torn apart.
At 12 noon, a national two-minute silence will be observed across the UK. Let us reflect, remember, and recommit to peace.

13/08/2025

The management team at Funeral Partners Northern Ireland have raised more than £2,500 for Hope House Ireland with a 10km sponsored walk.

They were inspired by Regional Support Manager Emma-Jayne McClure, who spent a weekend at Hope House Ireland’s accommodation with her husband last year, amid her battle with cancer. Hope House Ireland offers people with cancer and their families a free break in a beautiful location.

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

You are so welcome to join us this Friday 15th August as we mark 80 years since VJ Day.

12/08/2025

You are so welcome to join us tomorrow for our Omega Café. We can't wait to see you there!
Just a reminder that there are no community lunches throughout August.

12/08/2025

This Youth Day, we celebrate the contributions and potential of young people. Their dreams, ideas, and passion are what shape our future.
We believe in supporting the next generation, both through our connections to our community and with apprenticeships and development opportunities for young people joining our profession.
Our apprenticeships are designed to help our team members pursue the career path of their choosing within the funeral industry, and we welcome young people to join our teams and grow with us.

08/08/2025

Congratulations to everyone who helped raise £6,760 for GOALS 4 GOSH.

A brilliant football match with ex pro’s, actors, comedians, presenters, reality tv personalities, content creators, doctors & nurses took place at Bromley FC on the 20th of July!

As principal sponsors of GOALS 4 GOSH, we at Funeral Partners were truly proud to support this special event in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Charity. especially since our very own Jamie Groves (Regional Development Director for London South & South East) and his friend Charlotte Styles have been so close at the heart of this wonderful charity since day 1.

We want to thank every player, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter: thank you. You’ve helped make a difference to so many children and families, and none of this would be possible without you.

07/08/2025

04/08/2025

Back Where It All Began

Chris Sykes has returned to George Brooke’s Funeral Directors in Dewsbury—where his passion for the profession began as a 14-year-old work experience student.

From washing limousines to earning industry qualifications funded by the Brooke family, Chris built a lasting career shaped by the kindness and wisdom of those around him.

Now back as Area Development Manager, he’s helping steer the business forward while honouring the local values that first inspired him.

"It wasn’t just a job—it was where I found my purpose."

Find out more: https://ow.ly/X03x50WxRPY

01/08/2025

Box Bros. Joins Funeral Partners

We are honoured to welcome Box Bros, a respected name in Blackpool for over a century, into the Funeral Partners family.

Founded in 1915 by Thomas Edwin Box, the business began in transport before expanding into funerals in the 1920s. Under the guidance of his grandson, Trevor Box, Box Bros. became known for pioneering services, including private ambulances and worldwide repatriation—hallmarks of their dedication to innovation and care.

Trevor’s commitment to the community helped shape the values of the business for decades. Trevor’s daughter Susan and her husband Peter chose to partner with Funeral Partners to secure the future of the company while protecting the legacy her father worked so hard to build.

Susan and Peter have decided to step back from the day-to-day business, handing the reigns to, new Diary and Logistics Manager David Potts and Funeral Manager Andrew Whitaker who have been recruited to lead the Box Bros going forwards, working alongside long-serving Office Manager Kim Bonar and the rest of the team.

David and Andrew previously worked together at Layton Funeral Directors a business which was set up by David’s father Mick and already have a wonderful relationship with the Box Bros team for many years.

Andrew has spent nearly two decades working in the funeral industry locally, and most recently ran his own business, while David worked closely with his father from a very young age, starting permanently in 1990.

The Box Bros. funeral homes in Blackpool and Poulton le Fylde will continue to serve local families with the same trusted team, compassion, and integrity as always.

We are proud to support and carry forward the remarkable legacy of the Box family in the Northwest.

31/07/2025

Welcome Knox & Son Funeral Directors to the Funeral Partners Family

Funeral Partners is proud to welcome Knox & Son Funeral Directors, one of Warrington’s longest established and most respected funeral businesses, to our growing family.

Founded in 1882 by coachbuilder and carriage master Joseph Caldwell Knox, Knox & Son has served its community with care and dedication for generations. Under the Greenwood family's leadership, the business flourished—and we’re pleased that Rachel Aitken, Business Principal, remains a key part of the team as the business begins this exciting new chapter.

Joining Funeral Partners brings valuable support in HR, marketing, administration and compliance—allowing Knox & Son to focus even more on providing the highest standards of funeral care in Warrington.

Our heartfelt thanks to Liz and Andy Greenwood for their many years of outstanding service. We wish them all the very best in retirement and are delighted that Rachel continues in her important role as the business evolves.

We look forward to helping Knox & Son build on its proud legacy and continue making a difference to the families it serves.

28/07/2025

A new defibrillator has been installed at M. Rushton Funeral Directors in Southport, in loving memory of Trevor Christian — a much-loved husband and father.

Trevor’s family, who were cared for by the team during a difficult time, kindly raised the funds for this life-saving device. A commemorative plaque has also been placed to celebrate Trevor’s life.

The defibrillator was installed by local charity Southport Saviours, who also provided the team training to ensure they’re fully prepared to use it in an emergency.

Michael Rushton, Business Principal, expressed how it was a privilege to house the device and emphasised the importance of being ready to help in critical moments.

This thoughtful gift not only honours Trevor’s memory but will also serve the wider community for years to come. 💜

25/07/2025

Whether it's your favourite or one that tells your story — let us know your flower colour.

24/07/2025

A lovely review was recently left for Kevan and the entire team at Gibson’s Funeral Services, Bishop Auckland.

A heartfelt thank you to the team for showing such respect and compassion, helping to make a difficult time a little gentler for the family involved. 💜

07/02/2025

February 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day—a perfect opportunity to reach out and show someone you care. While sending cards to celebrate happy moments is common, it's equally important to offer support during life's challenging times.
If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one, a heartfelt sympathy card can provide comfort and let them know they're in your thoughts. Here are some tips on what to write:
✨ Share a special memory
✨ Offer to help in practical ways
✨ Acknowledge their loss and offer your condolences
✨ Celebrate the life and legacy of their loved one
For more ideas on writing a heartfelt sympathy message, visit our guide: What to Write in a Sympathy Card
Let's use this day to connect with friends and offer our support, reminding them they're not alone. A simple card can make a world of difference.

06/02/2025

Talking about mental health doesn’t have to be difficult—it starts with a simple conversation.
Time to Talk Day is all about creating supportive communities by opening up to family, friends, and colleagues. We all have mental health, and by talking about it, we can support ourselves and each other.
There are so many ways to get involved! You could:
• Check in with a friend.
• Send a text.
• Invite someone for coffee.
Let’s break the stigma and show that we’re ready to talk and listen without judgment. 💜
How do you start conversations about mental health? Share your tips below!