Rowland Brothers 150 years

Eco-Friendly Funerals: Honouring Life Sustainably

Embracing the Journey with Nature At Rowland Brothers, we understand the growing desire for eco-friendly funerals. Our commitment to sustainability honours both your loved ones and the planet. We offer a range of green burial options that ensure a minimal environmental footprint, aligning with the wishes of those who lived with an environmental consciousness. What [...]

2024-03-05T16:35:03+00:00March 5th, 2024|News|0 Comments

Pros and Cons of Direct Cremation: A Comprehensive Overview

In recent years, direct cremation has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional funeral services.  You will have seen the ubiquitous TV adverts for national Direct cremation services. While it offers several advantages, it also has its drawbacks. In this article we provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of direct cremation to [...]

2024-02-19T09:45:39+00:00February 19th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Pros and Cons of Direct Cremation: A Comprehensive Overview

The Critical Importance of Writing a Will in the UK

In the United Kingdom, drafting a will is often viewed with apprehension, sometimes considered a morbid or unnecessary task. However, the importance of writing a will cannot be overstated. It is a crucial step in managing your assets and ensuring that your wishes are respected after your passing. This article explores the reasons why writing [...]

2024-02-02T11:56:30+00:00February 2nd, 2024|News|Comments Off on The Critical Importance of Writing a Will in the UK

Supporting Your Senior Loved One After the Loss of Their Spouse

Losing a spouse is a profound and life-altering experience, especially for seniors who have shared decades. In such times, offering support to your senior loved one becomes crucial. This Rowland Brothers article provides a guide on how to help a senior who has lost their spouse, focusing on meaningful strategies to alleviate their grief and [...]

2023-12-22T10:28:51+00:00December 22nd, 2023|News|Comments Off on Supporting Your Senior Loved One After the Loss of Their Spouse

Honoring Loved Ones During Christmas: Join Our Memorial Tree Tradition

At Rowland Brothers, we've had the privilege of standing by your side during difficult times, and as the Christmas season approaches, we understand the challenges it may bring. In an effort to offer a small gesture of support, we'd like to extend an invitation to join us in commemorating your loved ones. This year, we [...]

2023-12-15T12:44:48+00:00December 15th, 2023|Bereavement, News|Comments Off on Honoring Loved Ones During Christmas: Join Our Memorial Tree Tradition

6 Ways to Navigate Grief During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is often associated with joy, laughter, and togetherness. However, for those dealing with the heavy burden of grief, the festive period can become a time of deep sorrow and emotional challenges. Coping with the loss of a loved one during Christmas can be particularly challenging, as traditions and celebrations may serve as [...]

2023-12-07T16:07:31+00:00December 7th, 2023|News|Comments Off on 6 Ways to Navigate Grief During the Holiday Season

Navigating the Journey: Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s

This month is Alzheimer's Awareness month, where people come together to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around this dreadful disease. Alzheimer's disease is a complex and challenging condition that not only affects the individual diagnosed but also has a profound impact on their loved ones. As someone who cares deeply for a [...]

2023-09-06T14:23:19+00:00September 6th, 2023|News|Comments Off on Navigating the Journey: Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s

Triumph Through Tragedy: How to Handle Grief

In the world of sports, moments of triumph and glory are often accompanied by tales of sacrifice, determination, and overcoming adversity. The recent World Cup Final witnessed an incredible example of this narrative as footballer Olga Carmona led her team to victory while, unknown to her, her father had sadly passed. Her response not only [...]

2023-09-06T14:25:16+00:00September 6th, 2023|News|Comments Off on Triumph Through Tragedy: How to Handle Grief

Coping with Grief on Father’s Day: Honouring and Remembering Our Dads

Father's Day is a special occasion that celebrates the love of fathers in our lives. However, for those whose fathers are no longer with them, this day can be filled with a mix of emotions, ranging from sadness to nostalgia. Coping with grief on Father's Day can be challenging, but it can also be a [...]

2023-06-01T11:39:38+00:00June 1st, 2023|News|Comments Off on Coping with Grief on Father’s Day: Honouring and Remembering Our Dads

What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation can be a good option for some people, depending on their personal preferences and circumstances. Direct cremation is where the deceased is collected form the place of death and then cremated at a time to suit the funeral director and/or crematorium, without a funeral service or viewing in a Chapel of Rest [...]

2023-06-07T11:15:38+00:00May 16th, 2023|News|Comments Off on What is Direct Cremation?

How to Talk About Death At Work

Death is a topic that is often considered taboo, but unfortunately, we will all encounter it at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the death of a colleague, or a loved one, discussing death at work can be a difficult and many people may wish to avoid it all together. However, talking about [...]

2023-05-09T11:01:53+00:00May 9th, 2023|News|Comments Off on How to Talk About Death At Work

What Is a Funeral Plan and Why Is It Important?

Funeral planning is an essential part of preparing for the end of life. While it can be a difficult subject to approach but it is crucial to plan ahead so that your loved ones are not left with the burden of making arrangements during an incredibly emotional and stressful time. Funeral plans are an effective [...]

2023-05-12T12:33:28+00:00March 21st, 2023|News|Comments Off on What Is a Funeral Plan and Why Is It Important?

Veteran Stories – Ruaraidh O’Stiubhart

Ruaraidh (Rory) O'Stiubhart was in the Royal Army Medical Corps service number 22812296. We completed his pre-paid funeral plan in 2016,  and our funeral directors remember him well. Rory was blind when we met him with his carer at his flat in Thornton Heath. As a veteran of the Armed Forces, he requested military honours [...]

2022-10-27T12:22:07+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Ruaraidh O’Stiubhart

Veteran Stories – Robert Gandy

Robert Gandy joined the military to serve his National Service. He joined the elite Parachute Regiment (3 Para). Most people in the National Service never did much,  however Robert gained his Jump wings which are hard fought for. During his basic training he won best recruit “The Browning Award” and this was awarded to him [...]

2022-10-27T12:31:57+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Robert Gandy

Veteran Stories – John Wilson

John (Jack) (Tug) Wilson was in the Guards Parachute regiment. Tug served in the Irish Guards and then in the 1st (Guards) Independent Company, The Parachute Regiment. He served at the same time as his son in the same regiment. They can both be seen in the two pictures of the Company. Tug had served [...]

2022-10-27T12:32:22+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – John Wilson

Veteran Stories – James Smith

HMS Fearless James Smith was a veteran of The Royal Navy. With approximate dates, this is his navy service on board ships: Completed training at HMS Ganges – 1961 (Naval training base) HMS Vincent (Naval Training) HMS Agincourt (Battle class destroyer) HMS Grenville – 1968 (Type 15 frigate) HMS Sheraton 1970 (Minehunter) HMS Blake - [...]

2022-10-27T12:29:06+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – James Smith

Veteran Stories – Cpl James (Jim) Carpenter

Cpl James (Jim) Carpenter joined the Army at the young age of 16 in 1955 ( Service number 23503886). He was first with the East Surrey Regiment and then the Paras, where he served with 3 of his brothers. He was then selected for the 21 SAS and was stationed at the Chelsea Barracks, Duke [...]

2022-10-27T12:30:19+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Cpl James (Jim) Carpenter

Veteran Stories – Eileen Bascombe

Eileen Bascombe was a leading Aircraftswoman in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF), she was in the Air Force during the second world war. Eileen base was Chicksands Priory this was her station Z, her roll was a communications officer working at the famous Bletchley Park listening for codes and then passing them onto the [...]

2022-10-27T12:28:27+00:00October 14th, 2022|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Eileen Bascombe

Rest in Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II

We are deeply saddened to learn the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our deepest sympathises and sincerest condolences to King Charles III, the Royal Family and all people who mourn this sad loss. The official online Book of Condolence can be found here - https://www.royal.uk/ Her life will [...]

2022-09-28T08:34:36+00:00September 9th, 2022|News|Comments Off on Rest in Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II

FCA Regulation

Due to recent media coverage, concerning the funeral plan sector being regulated by the FCA, we would like to make the following statement: Rowland Brothers have partnered with Golden Leaves for 38yrs. During that time Golden Leaves has always been at the forefront of regulation of our industry being a founding member of the [...]

2023-05-12T13:20:32+00:00February 25th, 2022|Bereavement, News|Comments Off on FCA Regulation

Light a Candle: Remembering Those We Love at Christmas

Rowland Brothers invite the residents of Warlingham, Hamsey Green and Caterham to our Remembrance Light a Candle Service. Taking place at All Saints Church in Warlingham, on Saturday 11th December at 11am, we are inviting you to light a memorial candle at the service in memory of your loved one. Seating is limited, so please [...]

2023-05-12T13:45:35+00:00December 6th, 2021|Bereavement, News|Comments Off on Light a Candle: Remembering Those We Love at Christmas

Christmas Memorial Tree 2021

Rowland Brothers have been privileged to serve you, and we are aware that the approaching season of Christmas can be difficult to cope with. We would like to help you through the season in a small way by suggesting you might like to place a small memorial card on our Christmas trees, in memory [...]

2021-12-06T12:05:56+00:00December 6th, 2021|News|Comments Off on Christmas Memorial Tree 2021

Veteran Stories – Lt Colonel Kenneth Frederick Travers

  Lt Colonel Kenneth Frederick Travers I think one of the highest ranking veterans to pass through our care. He was called up for national service in 1950. He joined The Royal Artillery. He qualified for officer training. He was trained and manned the 40mm and 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns. At the end of his [...]

2021-10-14T08:47:13+00:00October 14th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Lt Colonel Kenneth Frederick Travers

Veteran Stories – Charles

Charles, who was a Sargent in the Royal Artillery Charles passed at 101 years old. He served in The Royal Artillery in the second World War. Charles fought in the Battle of Normandy Beach on D Day, Arnhem and into Germany. The Union Flag was draped over his coffin, The Royal Artillery Association Standard Bearer [...]

2021-10-14T08:44:16+00:00October 14th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Charles

Veteran Stories – Cyril Songhurst

  Cyril Songhurst Service number: 23466288 Cyril went into the boy’s service, General service corps until 22.10.57 where he joined the Royal Armoured Corps, he wanted to be a dog handler and an opportunity arose with the Royal Military Police. He joined the RMP 2 Division 1.4.1959 he served in the riots on Hong Kong [...]

2021-10-14T08:42:58+00:00October 14th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Cyril Songhurst

Veteran Stories – John Soggee

John Soggee is a twice veteran. He served in the armed forces in the parachute Regiment and after joined the Metropolitan Police Service. We were able to honour both of his service careers with the Metropolitan Police coffin drape on his coffin throughout the cortege and at the church service and upon arrival at the [...]

2021-04-09T14:20:25+00:00March 5th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – John Soggee

Veteran Stories – William (Bill) Wheeler

William (Bill) Wheeler Royal Navy World War Two by his loving daughter Sandra William Wheeler, known by all as Bill, who was born in Thornton Heath, has sadly passed away at the grand age of 96. He trained before the war as an engineer tool maker so these skills were able to be transferred when [...]

2021-04-09T15:03:39+00:00March 5th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – William (Bill) Wheeler

Veteran Stories – Lesley Albert Bates

Lesley Albert Bates, Royal Navy, World war Two Les was commissioned during the war in the arctic convoys and d day landings. He was on a survivor/coffin ship in the arctic picking up survivors and bodies from the sea. He received the arctic star medal and the Russian Ushakov medal from the Russian government to [...]

2021-04-09T14:02:55+00:00March 5th, 2021|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Lesley Albert Bates

What to Say to Someone Who is Grieving

https://ptbertram.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/what-to-say-to-someone-who-is-grieving/ April 11, 2010 — Pat Bertram I mentioned to a friend that, after receiving notification of my mate’s death, few people from a certain online group sent an acknowledgement, and she said perhaps it was because they did not know what to say. This is probably true. Most comments posted to me on the various threads began [...]

2021-04-09T13:50:36+00:00December 4th, 2020|Bereavement, News|Comments Off on What to Say to Someone Who is Grieving

Christmas Memorial Tree 2020

Rowland Brothers and our associated branches in Selsdon, Addiscombe and Orpington have been privileged to serve you, and we are aware that the approaching season of Christmas can be difficult to cope with.We would like to help you through the season in a small way by suggesting you might like to place a small memorial [...]

2021-04-12T13:34:07+00:00December 2nd, 2020|News|Comments Off on Christmas Memorial Tree 2020

Veteran Stories – Antoinette Chambeyron

The Honorary President of the Association des Auvergnats de Grande-Bretagne as well as the Federation of French Associations in Great Britain, Antoinette Chambeyron is an emblematic figure of the French community in London. Daughter of Anne Dunne, British artist born in Liverpool, and Georges Chambeyron, member of the famous juggling troupe "The Mongadors", Antoinette could [...]

2020-11-05T10:31:06+00:00November 3rd, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Antoinette Chambeyron

Veteran Stories – Charles

Charles served in the Second World War as a blacksmith in the Royal Air Force working on aircraft repairs. He started at Pembroke in Wales working on flying boats and witnessed a very heavy bombing raid from the Germans causing mass casualties. He was then posted to RAF Kenley and Biggin Hill to work on [...]

2021-04-09T13:38:11+00:00October 21st, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Charles

Veteran Stories – Edward

At St Christopher’s church was the funeral of ex Flt Sgt Edward McRae aged 93 a veteran of 50 Squadron RAF Bomber Command he volunteered in 1944 he was the mid upper gunner in a Lancaster he completed 19 missions over Europe. Crash report from the War Office 1945: BOMBER COMMAND Ferry flight in connection [...]

2021-04-09T14:40:22+00:00October 21st, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Edward

Veteran Stories – Jones

Jones was a 6-year veteran of the RCT and RLC. Vivian was a Lieutenant and is a veteran of the first Gulf War in 1991. He passed at the age of 56 with no family and no friends. The military preparation college of training carried the coffin, 3 standard bears were in attendance, Royal British [...]

2021-04-09T14:19:23+00:00October 21st, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Jones

Veteran Stories – Raymond (Razor) Kinder

Raymond kinder was 3 months short of reaching 101 years old when he passed away. Raymond “Razor” Kinder was in the army before the outbreak of World War 2 and he was in India in the Wiltshire Regiment. Upon the outbreak of war he was sent to Belgium and was part of the British Expeditionary [...]

2021-04-09T14:01:16+00:00October 21st, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Raymond (Razor) Kinder

Veteran Stories – Herbert Smith

Herbert was a Normandy veteran. Herbert joined the Territorial Army before the war and was conscripted in 1939. He was initially sent to Scotland and then was waiting for the big day, 6th June 1944. Herbert’s landing ship had mechanical problems so he was delayed with his troop and set foot on French sand two [...]

2021-04-09T14:21:00+00:00October 21st, 2020|News, Veteran Stories|Comments Off on Veteran Stories – Herbert Smith
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