On Thursday 24th April 2008 Ryan and Melanie Squires proudly unveiled their new premises in Cullompton to a select group of guests in a ceremony that marked the end of a project that has spanned 19 months.

The evening commenced with a short speech from Ryan Squires, next Cullompton's Mayor, Councellor Barrie Marshall, unveiled the Chapel dedication certificate, guests were then given a full guided tour of the premises by Ryan and Melanie Squires, and finally a reception buffet.

The new premises boasts a large entrance lobby and reception room, a dedicated Chapel of Rest – served by its own private waiting room, large mortuary facilities which include an embalming theatre, two arrangement rooms and many features included to ensure the disabled are able to take full advantage of the facilities offered.

Commenting on the premises Audrey Hill, lay reader of St. Andrew’s Church, Cullompton said “The new facilities are marvellous. There are quiet rooms for relatives, the chapel is nicely laid out and the whole ambience is one of peacefulness and very much geared to the care of the bereaved.” Barrie Marshall, mayor of Cullompton said: “It is a beautiful place, when you go into the building the atmosphere is so nice, it is tastefully decorated and carpeted everywhere. I was pleased to be able to unveil the plaque and to congratulate Mr & Mrs Squires. Any new business is good for Cullompton.” Dr. Andrew Smith of the College Surgery Partnership said: “it is a very impressive building the Squires’ have created, which seems to be very well-though out to cater for the needs of the people they serve. The opening of the new parlour is an excellent addition to the services on offer in the Cullompton area.”

Commenting on the new premises and their official opening Ryan said “This has been a personal dream of mine for the last eight years. Both Melanie and I are immensely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and I know we will be a valuable asset to Cullompton and the Culm Valley area. Although Walter H. Squires & Son has assisted many families in the area over the last 75 years I realise we will be seen as newcomers to Cullompton so we are already becoming involved in local groups on order to support the Town, and on Saturday, 5th July, in association with Golden Charter Funeral Plans, we will be sponsoring the Heard Open Triples Tournament at the Culm Vale Bowling Club.”

The premises officially open on Monday 28th April and any members of the public who wish to inspect them are welcome to call in, the premises will be staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

You can view photographs of the premises here.

The Tiverton Gazette article can be viewed here.

Issued on behalf of Walter H. Squires & Son

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