David Knowles Funeral Service

10/04/2026

Is there anyone locally who could help Yarm Wellness get their new outdoor area ready for next weeks grand opening?

Tomorrow from 11am and this coming Wednesday from 9am.

🌼🌹🌺 Community gardening help needed this Saturday 11am. Cake and refreshments provided! Our new community garden will be opening in April. We would love you to get onboard 🙏

10/04/2026

The family of the late Christine Knifton (Owen) have asked me to share the following information:

KNIFTON (Owen)
Christine

Peacefully in hospital on 6th April, Chris aged 75 years.
In accordance with Chris’ wishes there will be no Funeral Service.
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

09/04/2026

We’re incredibly proud to have been invited by Teesside Hospice to support this year’s Dying Matters Week. An important national campaign led by Hospice UK encouraging open and honest conversations about death, dying and grief.

This year, Teesside Hospice are hosting their very first Dying Matters Conference and we’re honoured to be part of it.

📅 Tuesday 5th May 2026
📍 Teesside University Students' Union

We’ll have a dedicated area set up throughout the day where anyone attending can come and speak with us. Whether you have questions about funerals or simply want some guidance.

I’ve also been asked to deliver a talk during one of the breakout sessions, where I’ll be discussing:

• The role of the Funeral Director.
• How funerals have evolved over time.
• Supporting families with Dignity and Kindness.

This is such an important opportunity to bring our community together, break down barriers and normalise conversations that many find difficult.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone.

You can register here, https://www.teessidehospice.org/events/dying-matters-conference/

09/04/2026

The family of the late Brian Tempest have asked me to share the details of his Funeral which are as follows:

TEMPEST
Brian

Peacefully in Reuben Manor Care Home on 7th April, Brian aged 88 years. Beloved Husband of Marion and also a much loved Father and Grandad who will be very sadly missed.
Service to take place in St John the Baptist Church, Egglescliffe on Monday 27th April at 1:00pm followed by burial within Egglescliffe Cemetery at 1:45pm.
Would friends please meet at Church.
Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired to Cancer Research UK. Donations can be made and memories of Brian can be shared by visiting Brian’s online tribute page by using the following link, https://briantempest.muchloved.com/ a collection will also be available at Church.
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

08/04/2026

Here is the recording from our other radio interview with The Red last week. Thank you so much for inviting us on.

08/04/2026

The family of the late Rosie Hill have asked me to share the details of her Funeral which are as follows:

HILL
Rosemary

Peacefully in Rydal Care Home on 7th April, Rosie aged 78 years. Beloved Wife of Howard. Devoted and much loved Mam of Catherine and Helen. Adored Grandma of Victoria, Ben, Kirsty and Ruby and also a cherished Sister of Mike and Bernie.
A service of Thanksgiving will take place in St Mary’s Church, Long Newton on Thursday 30th April at 10:00am immediately followed by the burial of Rosie’s ashes within the Churchyard. A private Cremation will take place prior to the service of Thanksgiving.
Would friends please meet at Church.
Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired to Brain Tumour Research. Donations can be made and memories of Rosie can be shared by visiting Rosie’s online tribute page by using the following link, https://rosemary-hill-1947-2026.muchloved.com/ a collection will also be available at Church.
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

08/04/2026

The family of the late Des Newton have asked me to share the details of his Funeral which are as follows:

NEWTON
Des
(Former Teacher at Bishopsgarth School and Stockton Sixth Form)

Suddenly following admission to hospital on 28th March, Des aged 70 years. Beloved Brother of Graham. Much loved Brother-in-Law of Michelle and also a very dear Uncle to Hannah and Millie.
Service and Cremation takes place in the Maplewood Chapel, Stockton Crematorium on Tuesday 28th April at 12 Noon.
Would friends please meet at the Crematorium Chapel.
Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired to Stockton Rugby Club, Women and Girls section in support of Des' niece Millie’s team, a collection will be available at the Crematorium. Memories of Des can be shared by visiting Des’ online tribute page by using the following link, https://desmondnewton.muchloved.com/
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

08/04/2026

If you missed our interview last Tuesday with Gary Philipson on BBC Tees, here’s the recording.

We spoke about our upcoming two-year anniversary, the importance of truly personal care and how your support has helped us give back over £10,000 to our local community.

This was the first of two radio interviews I had that morning. We were very grateful for the opportunity to share our story.

As always, thank you to every family who places their trust in us.

03/04/2026

Our thoughts are with every family affected.

02/04/2026

Like many across the country, I’ve followed today’s news surrounding the Legacy Funeral Directors case in Hull with a heavy heart.

What has come to light is deeply distressing, with families placed in unimaginable situations.

Our thoughts are firmly with every family affected.

The pain and trauma caused is something no one should ever have to endure, especially at a time when trust, care and dignity matter most.

This case has also highlighted something many of us within the profession have been calling for, clear and strong regulation within the funeral sector. Families deserve absolute reassurance that their loved ones are being cared for with the highest standards, transparency and accountability.

As an independent funeral director and proud members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), we fully support and welcome that conversation. Good funeral directors do exist, professionals who genuinely care, who uphold the highest standards and who place families at the very heart of everything they do.

If anyone ever has concerns, questions, or simply wants reassurance, our door is always open. You are more than welcome to visit our funeral home, see our facilities and understand exactly how your loved one would be cared for, with dignity and kindness at every step.

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

We have just received this incredible ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review.

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, it truly means a great deal to me and the whole team.

It was an honour to support you and your family in arranging such a personal and meaningful service. I’m so pleased that the small touches helped make the day feel special and fitting for Chris.

Your words about our care, empathy and professionalism are deeply appreciated. We always strive to be there in whatever way families need, and I’m grateful you felt supported throughout.

Thank you again for placing your trust in us during such a difficult time, and for taking the time to share your experience, it really does mean everything.

David