When faced with the duty of arranging a funeral, all the natural feelings that follow a bereavement can make the time ahead appear difficult and confusing. That's why it helps to know that the Funeral Director you entrust with your wishes has the necessary knowledge and experience to help and guide you every step of the way.

Walter H. Squires & Son was founded in 1933 by Walter Squires, a 26 year old wheelwright. Walter's son, Peter, joined the family business in 1969, Peter's son, Ryan, joined in 1989 and Ryan's wife, Melanie, joined in 2006. Between the three generations and four members of the Squires family there are 137 years of experience in the profession of Funeral Directing.

It is also reassuring to know that in this time of take-overs by larger companies, Walter H. Squires & Son is still truly independent, and family owned and run. This is affirmed by our association with the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (S.A.I.F.), the U.K.s only ruling authority for independent Funeral Directors, providing a strict Code of Practice Principles which ensures that the very highest level of professional service is offered every time. More than 60% of funerals throughout the country are carried out by independent Funeral Directors, including the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

After a take over, many companies retain the original name, giving a false sense of history and independence. Although the sign above the door may give the impression that the same family who founded the business still own and run it, it may well be owned by much larger groups such as the Co-op and Dignity Funeral Services, to name but a few.

When making funeral arrangements, it is important to know who you are speaking to - an independent Funeral Director or just one of the branches of a vast conglomerate. When you need the services of a Funeral Director, you should be able to turn to a firm which has had an investment in your community, established over many years.