Circle Funerals

Circle Funerals Independent, family-run funeral directors in Altrincham, providing compassionate funeral care across South Manchester.

Owned and run day-to-day by husband and wife team, Jeremy and Sara Fixter.

16/04/2026

“I am blown away by the level of detail in that email.”

This was from a celebrant we were working alongside to support a family, someone with eight years’ experience - after we’d shared what the family had told us about their mum.

When we initially meet with families, we ask them to share what they feel comfortable sharing about the person who has died. And if it feels right, we might start to plan the funeral together at that same meeting.

If they’re being supported by a celebrant or faith leader and are happy for us to, we’ll pass some of that on…

…it means the family don’t have to go over everything for a second time, and the celebrant already has a sense of things before they meet.

For us, it’s just part of working alongside each other - to make sure the family get the best support possible.


Planning a funeral across a number of different locations can involve coordinating quite a few people.For example, a pla...
11/04/2026

Planning a funeral across a number of different locations can involve coordinating quite a few people.

For example, a place of worship, a faith leader, and a burial ground or crematorium may all have their own availability.

A big part of our role is to take on that liaison, speaking with each of the people involved and bringing those arrangements together on behalf of the family.

Having that taken care of can ease some of the practical side of things at a time when there is already a lot to think about.

07/04/2026

Daffodils were chosen for a mum, grandma and wife who loved them, and the colour yellow.

They were carefully attached to the handles of the coffin, with a spray of daffodils placed on top.

It looked so elegant — people commented on how beautiful the flowers were as they arrived.

We often talk things like this through with families. Flowers can be adapted in lots of different ways, and sometimes it’s those more personal touches that feel the most right.

Thank you to Barkers the Florist for creating them so beautifully.

We’re here as usual over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, 24 hours a day, should you need us.If someone has died and y...
03/04/2026

We’re here as usual over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, 24 hours a day, should you need us.

If someone has died and you need support bringing them into our care, or if you would simply like to talk something through, even if you’re not sure where to start, you can call us at any time on 0161 928 6080.

Our premises will be closed over the weekend, but we remain available on the phone whenever you need us.

A local charity offering free support packs for children when a parent is seriously ill or when a family has experienced...
30/03/2026

A local charity offering free support packs for children when a parent is seriously ill or when a family has experienced a bereavement.

Elsie Ever After is based locally and provides thoughtfully put together packs for both primary and secondary school-aged children.

The packs include workbooks, story books and guidance for parents, helping families navigate conversations and support children at a very difficult time.

Anyone can request a pack: teachers, support workers, families, doctors, social workers, friends, neighbours, or by self-referral: elsieeverafter@hotmail.com / www.elsieeverafter.org.uk

The charity was founded by Helen, Elsie’s mum, after Elsie died in 2013 aged just 19 months. Her aim was to help families access support more easily, connect existing services, and offer something practical where there are gaps.

They now send packs across the country.

We’ve used their resources to support families where a parent was seriously ill and also following a bereavement - and found them to be a thoughtful and helpful support.

We also support their work through our community fund with Forever ManchesterManchester.

If you feel this could help someone, you can request a pack directly via their website.

People may feel like they need to have a clear idea of what they want before they come to see us.In reality, many don’t....
29/03/2026

People may feel like they need to have a clear idea of what they want before they come to see us.

In reality, many don’t.

There are usually lots of unknowns and often questions people haven’t even thought to ask yet. It’s not something people are necessarily used to navigating.

Sometimes people feel unsure about what they can ask. Questions like where the person will be cared for, what happens next, or whether they can produce the Order of Service themselves (you absolutely can).

A big part of our role is simply to talk things through and help make sense of things, step by step, at a pace that feels manageable.

Most people wouldn’t expect "So Macho" to be played at the end of a funeral.It was chosen for a Mum and Grandma.It wasn’...
26/03/2026

Most people wouldn’t expect "So Macho" to be played at the end of a funeral.

It was chosen for a Mum and Grandma.

It wasn’t listed in the Order of Service. It was played at the end, as a surprise.

When it started, people smiled. Some laughed. A few began gently bopping their shoulders. It just felt right and everyone there knew why it was being played.

Her granddaughter had shared the story behind it. She loved music, and was always singing, often getting the words wrong.

There was one 80s song she loved in particular. She’d heard it years after it first came out and would hum it, but no one could work out what it was.

Her granddaughter even took her into HMV so she could hum it to the young man behind the counter...but still no luck.

Years later, her granddaughter finally worked it out.

So Macho.

Including it in the service felt like a small but very personal story.

Music can carry so much of someone’s personality, and sometimes it brings a different kind of moment into the room - one that feels lighter, but no less meaningful.

There isn’t a set playlist for a funeral. What matters is that it reflects the person.

Many families supporting someone living with dementia are trying to navigate a lot of different information, services an...
16/03/2026

Many families supporting someone living with dementia are trying to navigate a lot of different information, services and decisions; often at the same time.

Events like this can make a real difference.

We’re really looking forward to being part of the Living Well with Dementia – Sale Open Day again this year.

This welcoming community event is being organised by Home Instead Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe - Home Care & Live-in Care, alongside a number of local organisations supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Tuesday 31 March
10am–2pm
The Salvation Army, Ashton Lane, Sale

We attended last year and more than 500 people came along, which gives a real sense of how helpful and valued this event is in the community.

We’ll be there with a stall where we’ll be:
• sharing information about funeral wishes and planning ahead
• talking about how thinking ahead can sometimes make things easier for families
• offering twiddle muffs, which can be comforting for people living with dementia

There will also be talks, support organisations, entertainment including the Dementia Disco, and refreshments.

The event is free and open to everyone, so please do come along if it would be helpful for you or someone you care about.

Sian Steeples

Thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a remembrance candle so far. Our candle initiative will come to an end t...
15/03/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a remembrance candle so far. Our candle initiative will come to an end today (Sunday 15 March).

Candles submitted before 5pm today will be shared on our page on Monday 16 March.

https://gbnf.online/340125

Mother’s Day can be a joyful day for many, but we know that for some people it can feel difficult.Today we’re thinking o...
14/03/2026

Mother’s Day can be a joyful day for many, but we know that for some people it can feel difficult.

Today we’re thinking of the families we’ve supported over the years, and others in our community for whom this day may bring a mixture of memories and emotions.

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, but days like this can sometimes bring things a little closer to the surface.

If the lead-up to this weekend has felt difficult, you’re not alone.

We’re thinking of you and you may find the advice from Cruse Bereavement Support helpful.

One line from a recent message a family sent us has stayed with me:“Nothing felt rushed.”It might sound like a small thi...
13/03/2026

One line from a recent message a family sent us has stayed with me:

“Nothing felt rushed.”

It might sound like a small thing, but it really matters.

When someone dies, families often find themselves having to make decisions they’ve never had to make before, at a time when everything can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming.

Knowing there is time to talk things through, ask questions, and go at a pace that feels manageable can make a real difference.

A big part of our role is making sure the practical things are organised and steady in the background, so families don’t feel hurried through moments that matter.

Sometimes it’s those quieter aspects of the experience that people remember most.

We’d like to thank everyone who’s created a virtual candle for their loved one so far. Here are some more memorial candl...
11/03/2026

We’d like to thank everyone who’s created a virtual candle for their loved one so far.
Here are some more memorial candles. If you’d like to submit a candle for a loved one, you can do so by clicking the link below.

https://gbnf.online/340125

Address

23 Ashley Road
Altrincham
WA142DP

Telephone

+441619286080

Website

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