H Porter & Sons Funeral Directors

21/01/2026

Without support and care, funerals are reduced to a mere transaction - life's end diminished to a checklist, a small part of what makes us human denied.

That's why, at H. Porter & Sons, we're firm believers in the power of community and coming together to say goodbye. Shared grief and memories allow us to find comfort and chart a path to acceptance and closure.

And we're regularly reminded of the importance of this approach through the messages we receive from the families we serve. Here is just one of the latest notes sent to our team following a funeral.

No matter how you wish to say goodbye, never lose sight of the care.

15/01/2026

Christmas might feel like an age ago, but cherished festive memories linger. And one we’re particularly fond of is seeing the joy everyone experienced when Kevin and Elsa the reindeer dropped into Bethel Chapel during December.

Accompanied by none other than Father Christmas, the delightful duo’s presence helped draw in the crowds and raise vital funds for the upkeep of the Wollescote Chapel's community activities. At H. Porter & Sons, we were proud to support this wonderful event.



Fred & Friends at Bethel Chapel

05/01/2026

We are seeing more families choose unattended funerals or direct cremation to avoid "fuss". But it's often the case that the grieving family still needs a place to say goodbye.

We were honoured to support Paula and her family as they found that balance. Using our private venue, The Lounge, they were able to respect her mom’s wish for a direct cremation while still holding a warm, intimate gathering to share memories and find closure.

It was, in Paula's words, “a lovely day under the circumstances”.

Read the full story in our new blog. https://www.hporter.co.uk/finding-closure-in-the-age-of-direct-cremation

Funerals might be changing but when it comes to the death of someone close, one thing remains constant: the need for closure. This is something we’re trying to help bereaved people with as more families choose an unattended funeral, which some describe as a direct cremation or a pure cremation,…

01/01/2026

Happy New Year.

No matter what the next 12 months hold, we remain committed to supporting families, whether you are newly bereaved or are still struggling with loss years later.

We are also looking forward to helping local good causes again this year through practical support and donations via our John Porter Community Fund. You can find out more about the fund via the link below.

Here's to a caring 2026.



https://www.hporter.co.uk/the-john-porter-community-fund

23/12/2025

Wishing the wonderful Stourbridge community a happy and peaceful Christmas. We also send our warmest wishes to all the families who have turned to our caring team for support during 2025.

If you are struggling with grief during the Festive Season, please remember that our colleagues are on hand by phone to provide advice and guidance throughout the holiday. Our offices will also be operating - but on reduced hours. Please see below for further details.

10/12/2025

At this time of year, it's great to reflect on past achievements. We are particularly proud of two successes from our caring funeral directors, Ian James and Alex Gray. Both received top National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) qualifications during a recent graduation ceremony at the NAFD's AGM.

Ian attained his Level 4 Higher Diploma in Funeral Directing, while Alex achieved his Funeral Arranging and Administration Certificate with distinction.

Their commitment to learning ensures we continue to provide the best possible care. Excellent work, gents!



With thanks to Motorcycle Funerals Limited for the images below.

09/12/2025

While National Grief Awareness Week took place last week, it's vital that we continue the conversation all year round. There's never a wrong time to open up about bereavement and remind each other that it’s okay not to be okay.

The recent theme, ‘Growing with Grief’, resonates deeply with what we often see in the families we support. It’s not about moving on from the pain, but rather growing around it as a way of coming to terms with loss.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don't have to walk it alone. If you are struggling right now, our caring team is here to offer information, guidance and support.

04/12/2025

Well, that was special! Thank you to everyone who attended our second annual Christmas Memorial Service, which took place at St Mary's Church Oldswinford last night. It was wonderful to see so many families find comfort in coming together for this shared journey of remembrance.

We're truly grateful to the Rev. Jonathan Flitcroft, Rev. Claire Cox, Reverend Father Philip Griffin, Pastor Jill Berry and civil celebrants Debs Brace and Debbie Bates for their moving words and thoughts. And the event wouldn't have been possible without the amazing team at St Mary's Church who were so accommodating and helpful. Thanks must also go to florist Jan Burbie Flowers for the stunning floral displays and buttonholes for H. Porter & Sons colleagues.

The roll of honour, featuring those remembered during the service, will be on display up to Christmas at our premises in South Road should anyone wish to come along and view a loved one's entry.

Thank you again to all who turned out on a chilly December night for a truly memorable event.

03/12/2025

Our caring team are ready and the venue is all set. We're looking forward to welcoming families from across our community for the second annual Christmas Memorial Service at St Mary's Church Oldswinford tonight.

We'll hear a mix of readings from ministers and celebrants and will pause to reflect as the names of those no longer with us are read out from the roll of honour. Candles will also be lit in their memory.

It's certain to be a poignant but uplifting occasion at this special time of year.

01/12/2025

Perhaps the last person you want to call over the Festive Season is a funeral director. But it’s reassuring to know that care and support are at hand if the unthinkable happens.

As ever, our friendly professional team is available round the clock every day of the year on 01384 395048 should you need us. However, our office hours will be reduced during the holiday period. Please see below for more information.

20/11/2025

Are you planning a Christmas fair or fundraiser? If so, we'd love to help with raffle or tombola prizes!

We have a number of specially selected, free gift bags available for local community groups staging events in the run-up to the Festive Season.

Contents range from sweet treats and other goodies for children to locally produced tipples and pickles for grown-ups. To apply, simply email: lucyparker@hporter.co.uk. Hurry while stocks last!