AJ Wakely & Sons

23/02/2026

National Funeral Planning Awareness Week: A Conversation That Matters

This week is all about National Funeral Planning Awareness Week, an opportunity to help families make informed decisions during a difficult time.

Funeral planning isn’t just about the end of life; it’s about peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By planning ahead, you help ensure that your wishes are honoured, and your family is supported.

Here’s why funeral planning is so important:
✔️ Reduces stress for your family
✔️ Ensures your personal wishes are recorded
✔️ Helps prevent financial surprises
✔️ Offers comfort and peace of mind

At AJ Wakely & Sons, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the process, with compassion and care. If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.

https://www.ajwakely.com/funeral-services/pre-paid.php

With a Golden Charter funeral plan, you can pay for your plan in several ways. Spread the cost or make a one-off payment – simply choose the one that’s right for you. We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

16/02/2026

We recently saw a truly unique and personal floral tribute created by a local farmer for a loved one’s funeral. Instead of a traditional arrangement, the lovely bright flowers were thoughtfully placed inside a pair of boots.

It was a beautiful reminder that funeral tributes don’t have to follow convention. The most meaningful gestures are often those that reflect the personality, passions and story of the person being remembered.

We’re always honoured to help families bring these personal touches together, creating a farewell that feels right.

A traditional, bespoke funeral service for those who wish to arrange a personalised funeral service and burial or cremation.

05/02/2026

For almost 50 years, AJ Wakely & Sons has been proud to serve the Beaminster community. Since converting a former workshop into our Beaminster office in 1974, we have remained a trusted and familiar presence in the village, working closely with local residents, churches, and charities.

Our office in Beaminster is managed by Simon Wakely, a funeral director with deep local roots. Born and raised in Beaminster, Simon joined the family business in 1995, working alongside his father, David Wakely and grandfather, Jack Wakely.

With over 30 years of experience, Simon continues the family tradition of compassionate, personal care, supporting local families with dignity and understanding during difficult times.

If you ever need advice, support, or simply a friendly and familiar face, Simon and the team are here for the Beaminster community.

In 1995 Simon joined his father, David Wakely, and grandfather, Jack Wakely at the funeral directors in Bridport, where he learned the profession of funeral directing.

02/02/2026

29/01/2026

Every funeral we arrange is personal, and shaped around the life, values and story of the person being remembered.

Chris Legg, one of our funeral directors, was recently sent some photographs from a service that took place earlier last summer for a much-respected paramedic. With the family’s wishes at the heart of every decision, the details of the day reflected his profession, dedication and the difference he made to so many people.

It’s always a privilege to help families create a farewell that feels right for their loved one, whether that includes special tributes, meaningful symbols, or unique elements that honour a life of service.

13/01/2026

At AJ Wakely and Sons, we understand that not everyone wants a traditional funeral. Direct cremation offers a simple, no-fuss alternative, allowing families to say goodbye in their own way, at their own pace.

Unlike national providers, we are a local, independent funeral director, meaning your loved one stays in our care at all times, with no long-distance transportation or hidden fees.

✔️ Personal care from a trusted local team
✔️ Transparent pricing – no hidden costs
✔️ Your loved one remains close to home

If you’re considering direct cremation and want a caring, local service, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation chat.

https://ajwakely.com/funeral-services/direct-cremation.php

Funeral: Making all arrangements and completion of documents for the cremation ² Advice, support, and guidance. Transportation to the crematorium for cremation, carried out by two members of our team.

09/01/2026

We’re pleased to share that A.J. Wakely & Sons has partnered with Laurelo to offer families additional aftercare support during what can be an overwhelming time.

Through Laurelo’s Aftercare service, families can access clear advice, guidance and practical support for matters such as probate and estate administration, financial considerations, and the many tasks that arise after a bereavement.

What makes Laurelo different is their personal approach. You’ll always speak to a real person, not a call centre, and every call is answered by someone with first-hand experience of administering estates who is also bereavement trained and sensitive to your needs. Support is available whenever you need it, with appointments arranged to suit you, and home visits offered at no additional cost with a local consultant.

This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting families not only on the day of the funeral, but in the weeks and months that follow, ensuring you feel guided, supported and never alone.

Find out more about Laurelo here: https://aftercare.laurelo.co.uk/a-j-wakely/

Welcome To Aftercare What’s next Continued support to ensure you feel informed, reassured and not left to navigate alone. Speak with an expert or call us 0330 236 9080 Probate & Legal Support Navigating legal matters after a loss can be tough. We’re here to help guide you through every step with...

22/12/2025

Christmas Opening Hours & Support 🎄

As the festive season approaches, we would like to reassure families that AJ Wakely is always here when you need us.

Although our offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, a funeral director will be available on the telephone 24 hours a day throughout the festive period to offer help and guidance whenever it’s needed.

Our offices will be open as usual on 29th, 30th and 31st December.

From all of us at AJ Wakely, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you need us at any time, please don’t hesitate to call.

A traditional, bespoke funeral service for those who wish to arrange a personalised funeral service and burial or cremation.

15/12/2025

We’re incredibly proud to share that AJ Wakely & Sons has been shortlisted for the Somerset Business Awards 2026, in the Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year category.

With a record number of entries this year, it’s an honour to be recognised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce among so many outstanding businesses from across the county. Being shortlisted reflects the dedication, care, and values that have guided our family-run business for generations.

We’d like to thank our wonderful team and the families and communities we serve. Your trust and support make achievements like this possible. We now look forward to the next stage as the judges visit shortlisted businesses ahead of the finalists being announced early next year.

A traditional, bespoke funeral service for those who wish to arrange a personalised funeral service and burial or cremation.

09/12/2025

Last month, our team at AJ Wakely & Sons had the honour of helping a family create a wonderfully personal tribute for their loved one, a devoted train enthusiast whose life was celebrated in the most fitting way.

The service took place at the beautifully restored Station Kitchen in West Bay, Dorset.

It was a truly unique farewell, a reminder that a funeral can be a deeply personal celebration, shaped around what made someone special.

At AJ Wakely & Sons, we’re always here to help families create meaningful goodbyes that honour the individuality of the person they love. If you’d like to explore personalised options for a funeral or celebration of life, our compassionate team is always ready to guide and support you.

01/12/2025

24/11/2025

We were deeply touched to receive this kind and thoughtful review for our Yeovil team recently.

Supporting families with care, dignity, and attention to detail is at the heart of what we do, and it means so much to know that our guidance made a difference during such an important day.

Our thanks go to this family for taking the time to share their experience.

A traditional, bespoke funeral service for those who wish to arrange a personalised funeral service and burial or cremation.