Circle Funerals

25/11/2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve supported several families who chose to spend some quiet time with their person who has died while the coffin was closed.

For some, it felt right to sit with a cup of tea and say the things they wanted to say. One family brought their favourite drinks and snacks and spent time together in the way they always had. Others played music that meant something to them.

One person we supported told me she hadn’t expected to spend time with her partner at all; but after talking it over with us, and then choosing to do so, she felt more prepared for the funeral and more comfortable when she saw the coffin during the service.

There’s no right or wrong way to approach this. Some people want this time, some don’t, and both are completely okay. Our role is simply to help people understand what’s possible and to support them in whatever feels right for them.

If taking a little time helps you feel connected, comforted, or more ready for the days ahead, we will always make space for that.

14/11/2025

Warm Space at Circle Funerals

This winter, we’re continuing our commitment to supporting our community by offering a warm, welcoming space for anyone who might need it.

Rising living costs are having a real impact on many households, and our hope is to provide a calm, comfortable place where people can pause, warm up, and feel at ease. Jeremy and I (Sara) are really pleased to be able to offer a friendly environment where visitors can enjoy a hot drink, a chat, or simply a quiet moment.

Although we are a funeral directors, people are often surprised by how homely and relaxed our premises feel. We regularly hear from visitors that the atmosphere is very different from what they expected - warm, calm, and reassuring. Being part of the local community is incredibly important to us, and our doors are open to anyone who wishes to make use of the space.

Our Warm Space runs every Tuesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Visitors are welcome to drop in for free tea, coffee and biscuits, free WiFi, and a peaceful place to sit.

Further details about our Warm Space, along with others in the area, can be found on the Warm Welcome UK website:
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/space?l=20279

If you know someone who may benefit, please feel free to share this information. Everyone is welcome.

Circle Funerals, 23 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DP
0161 928 6080
sara@circlefunerals.co.uk

Click below to donate now or wait until 2nd - 9th December to have your donation matched through The Big Give initiative.

28/10/2025

Funerals don’t have to take place in a church, crematorium or other faith-based space.

Over the years, we’ve helped families hold ceremonies in village halls, gardens, woodlands and at home - places that feel familiar, gentle and personal.

When the setting feels right, the whole day often feels calmer and more true to the person who has died.

There’s more flexibility than many people realise, and creating the right atmosphere can make a quiet but meaningful difference.

20/10/2025

In the conversations we’ve had with families over the years, we’ve seen that what creates meaning for families is different for everyone.

For some, it’s decorating the order of service with beads and feathers, or displaying a piece of art created by the person who has died. Others have chosen to have their choir sing during the ceremony, or to use flowers gathered from their own garden.

These small, personal details often bring a quiet sense of connection - helping the day feel true to the person being remembered.

03/10/2025

We love being part of our wonderful local community and we're really touched to have been nominated for a Professional Services award in this year's Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

We always want to offer the best support that we can, to help families and provide compassionate and personalised care that ultimately helps them through what is a difficult and emotional time.

We are in the category with many other wonderful businesses, but if you can spare 30 seconds, and your vote, please do vote for us - we are so appreciative of the support (voting closes today, Friday):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2BVF72

Thank you, Sara & Jeremy (Jez) x

01/10/2025

NEWS: Circle Funerals: A New Chapter for Altrincham's Award-Winning Funeral Directors

If you've been in Altrincham over the past few years, you'll likely know them as Full Circle Funerals. But from 1 October, Sara and Jeremy Fixter are stepping into an exciting new chapter as Circle Funerals – fully independent, locally owned, and more committed than ever to supporting families across South Manchester.

"Nothing else is changing," Sara reassures us. "We're still the same team, in the same premises, offering the same calm and personal approach. The only difference is the name."

After operating as part of a small independent franchise network from 2022 to 2025, Sara and Jeremy felt the time was right to step out on their own. "Relaunching as Circle Funerals gives us more freedom to shape everything around the needs of local families, while holding on to the values people already recognise in us: warmth, flexibility and attention to detail," Sara explains.

What makes Circle Funerals different is the diverse experience they bring. Jeremy spent 20 years in recruitment and HR before retraining as a funeral director, bringing a calm, detail-oriented presence. Sara originally trained as a solicitor, then retrained as a psychotherapist after raising their children. She also volunteers with Cruse as a bereavement supporter.

"Because we run Circle ourselves, families know they will always speak directly to us, and one of us will be there alongside them throughout," Sara says.

Their approach has earned impressive recognition. The couple received the Bereavement Support Award at the national Good Funeral Awards in 2023, were nominated as Funeral Director of the Year in 2024, and were named Business of the Year at the 2024 Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Beyond funeral care, Circle Funerals runs community talks, signposts families to bereavement support, and advises on greener funeral options. Their Forever Manchester Fund continues to expand across South Manchester, supporting local community groups and projects in areas including Wythenshawe, Partington, Sale, Didsbury, Old Trafford and Stretford.

The decision to retain the Circle name was about continuity. "Families in Altrincham and the surrounding areas already know us by it and connect it with the way we support people," Sara explains. "Keeping the Circle name shows families we are here to stay, committed to our community, and ready to keep evolving to meet people's needs."

Circle Funerals is based in Altrincham and serves families across South Manchester.

Follow on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/CircleFunerals/

Check out their website at www.circlefunerals.co.uk

23/09/2025

Accreditation and membership can give families quiet reassurance at a difficult time.

Being accredited by the The Good Funeral Guide CIC and part of SAIF independent funeral directors means our work is independently recognised and regularly reviewed.

For families, it’s another way of knowing the person who has died will be cared for with professionalism, and that support will always be open and honest.

18/09/2025

It was a pleasure to join the Collaborative Care Networking Group at Oakfield Croft Care Home this week. The group meets monthly and brings together professionals from across the healthcare community to share ideas and strengthen the support available to local families.

I spoke about the high quality funeral care we provide, the range of choices available, and the bereavement signposting and workshops we run.

If you work in health, social care or community support and would like to join, please contact Amber Williams at Oakfield Croft or myself – new members are always welcome.

I also announced some exciting news re some changes that are coming for us at Full Circle Funerals Partners next month, so watch this space!

Oakfield Croft care home BreathChamps Home Instead Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe - Home Care & Live-in Care Rewired For Men I'm Worried About Mum Beyond Barriers CIC

16/09/2025

Sharing bereavement support

One of the ways Jeremy and I (Sara) try to support people is by keeping up to date with the wide range of local and national bereavement resources. Everyone’s needs are different, and what feels useful can change over time.

By sharing information about what’s available, we hope more people will be able to find the type of support that works for them – whether that’s now or in the future.

If you’re an individual or part of an organisation and would like details of bereavement support services, please feel free to get in touch. We’re always glad to help signpost to options that may be helpful:

Sara.fixter@fullcirclefunerals.partners / 0161 928 6080

13/09/2025

We specialise in high-quality funeral care, but that doesn’t mean we’re more expensive than other providers. For us, high quality means listening carefully, paying attention to the details, and making sure everything feels right for the family we are supporting.

Our prices are clear and transparent. We don’t offer packages, because we feel packages can include things that aren’t right for you. We share a simple professional fee and then guide you through the choices, so you only include what feels right:

Options and PricesTrustpilot

22/08/2025

When someone we care for dies, our relationship with them doesn’t come to an end, it changes. The Continuing Bonds theory suggests that the bond we share can remain just as strong, evolving over time. Gentle rituals and meaningful activities can help us nurture that connection and keep our person present in our lives.

Here are just a few ideas that many people find comforting:
• Creating a memory bear from their clothes
• Going on their favourite walk
• Writing a poem or song in their memory
• Making a playlist of their favourite songs or those you enjoyed together
• Cooking their favourite meal and sharing it with others
• Visiting a place that holds special meaning
• Sharing your story online or in a podcast, so others can connect and relate

You can find more suggestions on our website:

https://fullcirclefunerals.co.uk/bereavement-support/continuing-bonds/

If you’d like someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here, day and night, to listen and support you.