FUNERAL DIRECTOR Until fifteen or so years ago Alan James was an IT consultant. Alan is forward-thinking, keenly aware of the way things are changing, recognising that clients are more price-conscious and want to create funerals which focus on the life of the person who has died, and in which mourners can participate in any way they feel comfortable. His interests include walking, photography and listening to music. Alan is an Elder at his local Baptist church, and the responsibilities which come with that take up a fair amount of his time. SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Alan will conduct a funeral in the traditional costume, or he will wear something less formal if you wish. He has a handsome Ford hearse. If you want a less formal vehicle, he has a Ford Mondeo estate.WHAT'S IMPORTANT? The focus of Alan and his team is to give you a bespoke funeral which exactly matches your wishes, beliefs and values. He is very happy to work with people of all beliefs and none, and from any ethnic heritage. For Muslims, he offers a cotton shroud which approved by Islamic authorities. He often leads funerals for those who do not want a minister, but want “something of God in the service.” For those of no belief, he has a good Humanist celebrant on his books.WHAT'S DIFFERENT? This is not a big, traditional funeral director’s which carries out lots and lots of funerals. It is a small business where you will not be just another client. You will be known to everybody to works here, and for this reason, you will receive a very personal service.SERVICES: . You will be looked after by just one member of staff throughout. Alan is very happy to come and see you at home and, indeed, normally does. If you want to come in and help dress the person who has died, they are very happy that you should. If you would like to care for the person who has died at home, Alan will be very happy to act as a consultant for you and do just as much as you want. If you want the person who has died to be looked after by a female, that’s fine. Alan regards embalming as “just an unnecessary expense” and will not advise it unless wholly necessary. Unusually for a funeral director, this one has an excellent website.REMARKS An excellent small funeral director run with integrity and intelligence, and which tries that much harder than many others. Highly competitive on price.Specialities: Woodland Burials, Bespoke funerals, Cremations