Losing someone close to you is one of life's most difficult experiences. In those first few hours and days, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, unsure what needs to happen next, or worried about getting something wrong. The reality is that there are a few practical steps that need to be taken when a death occurs, [...]
Cost is one of the first things families ask us about, and it is often asked in an apologetic way, as if it is the wrong question to raise so soon. We can assure you, it is not. Knowing what a funeral is likely to cost helps you make calm decisions at a point when very little feels calm, [...]
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences any of us will face. In the days that follow, there are practical decisions to be made, often while you are still in shock, still processing what has happened. Knowing what to expect from the funeral arrangement process can help to ease some of [...]
Families come to us with a lot of questions, which is completely understandable. Most people haven't arranged a funeral before and when the time comes, it can feel like there's an enormous amount to figure out very quickly. We've pulled together the questions we hear most often, with honest answers to each one. [...]
Most people only really think about what a funeral director does when they need one. And by that point, there's a lot going on — grief, family, decisions that feel impossible to make. It's not an easy time to be asking questions. So here's an easy, honest look at what a funeral director actually [...]
Natural burial grounds have become a thoughtful choice for families who want something simpler and closer to nature. The idea of a woodland setting, birdsong in the background and a landscape that changes with the seasons feels comforting to many people. It offers a different kind of peace. If you are exploring natural burial [...]
Thinking about your own funeral is not something most of us do willingly. It can feel uncomfortable, even unnecessary, particularly when life feels full and busy. But for many families we support here at Rowland Brothers, the lack of any prior planning can add considerable pressure at an already painful time. Choosing a funeral [...]
When someone you care about loses a loved one, it's natural to feel unsure about what to say or do. You want to help, but you don't want to say the wrong thing. You might even find yourself avoiding them, not out of selfishness, but because grief can feel like unfamiliar territory and the [...]
Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating legal responsibilities alongside this can often feel overwhelming. Many families begin searching for clear guidance on probate processes in England and Wales but quickly find the terminology confusing. This simple and compassionate guide aims to support you in understanding probate, covering what it is, when it’s needed, and the steps involved, to help you [...]
Planning your funeral in advance is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family. A pre-paid funeral plan allows you to make important decisions in advance, secure today’s prices and remove any uncertainty about what your wishes are during an already difficult time for your loved ones. At Rowland Brothers, we [...]
Sharing the news that someone has died may be one of the most difficult messages you have to write, and not something people prepare for. Many families today choose to use social media platforms to do so, especially when the people they wish to inform are spread across the world. If you’re wondering how [...]
Grief is an intensely individual experience. Even when two people endure a similar loss, their emotional responses and timelines can look entirely different. Some individuals notice a gradual return to balance within a few months, while others continue to experience powerful emotions for years to come. Because there is no single pattern, it is [...]
The Obituary of Royal Navy Veteran, Donald Bell (1931 - 2024) In December 2024, we were honoured to conduct the funeral of Donald Bell, a distinguished veteran of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and a dedicated public servant. Donald's life was one of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to his country and community. Donald [...]
Honouring a Hero: The Farewell of Royal Navy Veteran & Freemason Arthur Easey We recently had the privilege of conducting the funeral for Arthur Easey, affectionately known as Ralph to his friends, a distinguished Royal Navy veteran and devoted Mason. The service was a poignant tribute to his remarkable life and achievements. The ceremony featured [...]
Honouring the Life of Captain Anthony (Tony) Reddy: A Distinguished Veteran and Dedicated Cadet Leader We recently had the honour of conducting the funeral for Captain Anthony (Tony) Reddy, a decorated veteran and respected figure in the cadet and military communities. Captain Reddy's remarkable career spanned decades, beginning with the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and the [...]
Honouring Festus Fairweather: A Jamaican Hero of the Royal Air Force The funeral of Festus Fairweather, a Jamaican veteran who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, was a poignant tribute to a remarkable life. Festus was among the 500 brave individuals from the Caribbean who enlisted to support the war [...]
Honouring a Hero: The Farewell of Royal Air Force Veteran Dennis Wheeler The funeral of Royal Air Force Veteran Dennis Wheeler was a poignant and remarkable event. Dennis, who sadly passed away without any immediate family, was supported by friends from the Union Jack Club in Waterloo, London - a club dedicated to veterans of [...]
Honouring a Hero: The Farewell of Tony John, A Veteran Paratrooper The late Tony John, a proud veteran of the 2nd and 10th Battalions of The Parachute Regiment, was taken from us far too soon by an incurable cancer. A seasoned soldier with distinguished service in Northern Ireland, Tony's legacy is one of courage [...]
Celebrating the Life of Reverend Alan Bowley: A Remarkable Man of Faith and Service Reverend Alan Bowley was a man of extraordinary dedication and character, whose life left an indelible mark on all who knew him. A National Service veteran of the Royal Air Force and a reservist with the Royal Engineers, he served [...]
Honouring the Life of Andrew Boyd veteran of the London Ambulance Service We had the honour of conducting the funeral service for Andrew Boyd, a dedicated Paramedic veteran of the London Ambulance Service. The ceremony paid a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable service, featuring the London Ambulance coffin drape, a ceremonial guard of honour, first [...]
Pictured: Neil Athron veteran RAF Regiment and Steve Rowland receiving the award from Sir Ken Olisa OBE, CStJ, FRSA, FBCS – HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Air Vice Marshal Ranald Munro, Captain Paul Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Darren Johnston Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors, one of London’s leading and most respected funeral directors, is proud to [...]
In a significant development for the funeral services community in West Wickham, Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors has proudly announced the transition of JR Killick Funeral Directors into a new office under the Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors banner. This transition marks a fusion of expertise, compassion, and decades of dedicated service. Both companies share a [...]
As the sun rose over the Normandy coastline on June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied soldiers prepared to undertake what would become one of the largest and most pivotal military operations of World War II: D-Day.
Introduction In the realm of future planning and safeguarding one's personal affairs, the concept of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK holds significant importance. Unlike a general Power of Attorney, an LPA remains valid even if you lose mental capacity. This article aims to shed light on the crucial reasons why arranging [...]
Introduction: At Rowland Brothers, we understand the importance of honouring the life and legacy of your loved one through a traditional funeral service. This guide provides an overview of what to expect and how we can assist you in planning a dignified and respectful farewell. What is a Traditional Funeral Service? A traditional funeral service, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
We conducted the funeral of James Tabor, a friend of Tony Rowland who also was the conductor. James served his country in The Royal Navy for his National Service and went on to be civilian staff as a controller for the City of London Police for 25 years. We honoured James with a flag [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
Elsie Eastman was a World War Two Royal Auxiliary Air Force veteran. She was an office worker before and at the beginning of the war decided to do her bit. She joined up and qualified as a navigator. In her eulogy it was said she loved flying in the planes however there were not [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors have taken the next step in their development program by the appointment of four new members to the board of the directors.
Guidance for Funerals During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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 [...]
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Rowland Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales with company number 06883205. VAT number GB181921013. 299-303 Whitehorse Road, Croydon, CR0 2HR
Rowland Brothers Limited trading as Rowland Brothers, Colin Fisher Funeral Directors and Selsdon & District Funeral Service is an appointed representative of Golden Leaves Limited, authorised and registered by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 960923. You can check this on the Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk. Please note that this authorisation and regulation is for funeral plans only and does not extend to other activities that we carry out such as at-need funerals.
