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 of York’s Headquarters, where he stayed until 1984. He proudly received a medal for his 30 years’ service. Jim had a bugler from the Grenadier Guards, a piper from The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, a standard bearer from the Parachute Regiment Association and three Parachute Regiment veterans forming a guard of honour. There was a union flag on his coffin and displayed was his SAS stable belt, beret and long service medal.

Steve Rowland

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Steve Rowland,
News and Funerals

Steve Rowland is a funeral professional with over 40 years’ experience supporting families with care and integrity. A key figure at Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors, he also leads global repatriations through Rowland Brothers International and serves as a director of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans. As a founding member of the National Association for Funeral Plan Providers, Steve has championed ethical standards and transparent pre-paid funeral plans while remaining committed to modernising funeral services with respect for tradition.