Associated Funeral Directors
The following are local Funeral Directors with whom I am registered and / or (*) have performed ceremonies on behalf of their clients.
| Director | Office Locations | Telephone | Information |
| * L Tranter & Son | Telford / Newport / Ironbridge | 01952 613932 | Family run business started in 1898 |
| * Frank Painter & Sons | Shrewsbury | 01743 362024 | Family run business started in 1939 |
| * E.H. Owen | Shrewsbury | 01743 464509 | .Local business with years of experience |
| * J. R. Williams | Market Drayton / Waters Upton | 01630 654490 | Family run business started in 1978 |
| * Harry Edwards & Sons | Wellington | 01952 244949 | Independent Family Business |
| * Hilton’s Funeral Directors | Muxton, Telford | 01952 228570 | Independent Family Run Business |
| * C J Williams Funeral Service | Telford (Dawley / Madeley / Lawley) | 01952 506835 | 150 Years as an Independent Family Business |
| * Northwood & Sons | Much Wenlock | 01952 727248 | Traditional Funeral Services |
| * Co-op Funeral Care | Shrewsbury / Crewe | 01743 353838 | Multiple offices throughout Shropshire |
| * APNE Sanderson | Wolverhampton | 01902 399740 | Independent family company |
| * Pughs Funeral Directors | Shrewsbury | 01743 344 646 | Family run business started in 1890 (4th Gen) |
| * F. Hayes Funeralcare | Northwich | 01606 74665 | CO-OP Associated Funeral Services |
| * E. Clarke Funeralcare | Wrexham | 01978 263158 | CO-OP Associated Funeral Services |
| * E. J. Edgerton & Son | Bradenheath / Whitchurch / Ellesmere | 01948 710286 | Family Business / Monumental Masons |
| * R Greaves & Co | Wem | 01939 768070 | Lady Funeral Director – Since 2002 |
| * Rolfe’s Family Funerals | Whitchurch | 01948 662209 | Family run business established 50 years |
| * Grindalls of Wem | Wem | 01939 233903 | Overseen by Frank Painter & Sons |
| * John Williams Funeral Service | Shifnal | 01952 460669 | Member of the Shropshire Funeral Plan |
| * Nantwich Funeral Services | Nantwich / Crewe / Audlem | 01270 812512 | Three offices offering full range of services |
| * Gavin Palin Funeral Services | Nantwich | 01270 624153 | Independent Funeral Services |
| * Crewe Funeral Services | Crewe | 01270 588980 | Steve Linde – Independent Family Business |
The Funeral Director
The National Association of Funeral Directors defines funeral directors as:
‘Those persons who are personally responsible for dealing with the bereaved for the purpose of making and / or conducting the funeral arrangements’.
The Funeral Arranger
Someone employed by the Funeral Director who may initially meet and speak with the bereaved and consequently take instructions as to what sort of funeral is required, as well as when and where.
Roles of the Funeral Director
* Master of Ceremonies
Effectively ‘Master of Ceremonies’ on the day of the funeral and in essence, in charge of the smooth running of the occasion.
* Custodian of the Body
They act as custodian of the body from the time the person is collected by them and brought to their premises to the time of the funeral.
* Health & Safety Advisor
At a burial, they will need to ensure health and safety around the coffin at the graveside and that the grave is the appropriate size.
* Agent
Act as agent between the family and other associated organisations. This will include ensuring the correct paperwork and certificates are completed and may include liaising with doctors, coroners’ officers, clergy, celebrants, crematoriums and cemeteries, gravediggers, coffins, florists, printers etc.
* Technical Advisor
Advising families on the options open to them, different types of funerals available, venues, crematoriums and cemeteries in the local area. They advise on the supply of products such as flowers, printing and can purchase them in readiness. They also arrange charity donations, newspaper announcements and music requirements.
* Contractor
The funeral director acts as a contractor to carry out the wishes of the family and they handle all payments, often paying suppliers including celebrants before the funeral takes place.