Heart & Soul Funerals

21/01/2026

Dying Conversations – ‘Advanced Decisions’

End of life is still not talked about very much. At the MIC Centre in Buckfastleigh there’s a monthly meeting for anyone who would like to discuss this broad subject, ask questions you have always wanted to ask and explore the subject and how you feel about it.
An ‘Advanced Decision’ document (sometimes known as a ‘Living Will’) sets out how you would like to be treated and what treatment you would choose to have in the event of no longer being able to make your own decisions, as a result of accident, illness or mental capacity. The most common part of this is about whether to be resuscitated under certain circumstances but it also looks at other issues.

Our January meeting will look at this topic in detail, so that you can write your own ‘Advanced Decisions’ document.

The meeting is on Thursday 29th January from 6.30-8.30pm at the MIC Centre, Chapel Street, Buckfastleigh.

It’s an open drop-in group, so do come along. No charge except a donation for tea, coffee and biscuits.

Enquiries Simon Smith, Heart & Soul Funerals, Buckfastleigh. 01364 643522 hello@heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk

14/01/2026

For some, simplicity is key. A direct cremation separates the cremation from a ceremony. This is an unattended funeral, perfect for those who may wish to hold a memorial or gathering at another time.
We will meet with you in person and look after the person who’s died at our beautiful premises here at Riverstone.
Call us for more information and to find out how we can support you: 01803 840779

09/01/2026

Riverstone Simple Funeral - £2,695 fixed fee.

If you're looking for something simple, this option enables you to create a personal funeral in a beautiful setting. A Riverstone Simple Funeral is held in our hall at Riverstone in Buckfastleigh on a mutually convenient date for you and us. A simple service will be led by our celebrant, with contributions from family or friends who provide the eulogy, or tributes. See the full details and how this works on our website, or call us to find out more: 01364 643522

https://www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk/funeral-costs/

07/01/2026

A beautiful, short documentary featuring the work of Nickie Aven and the Threshold Choir as they support and accompany people in the later stages of their lives. You'll spot our very own Paul too, filmed whilst giving a talk in Totnes last summer. Enjoy the beautiful sounds, songs and deeply moving accounts from the Threshold Choir members and those they support.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2025/dec/12/threshold-the-choir-who-sing-to-the-dying-documentary?fbclid=IwY2xjawPJGWtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGmApfizlUNkwaYGrArgZ7nSXy5ePkhYTj4n1s4H3779m5OO6ZmVXYf9qj4A_aem_PpW4IQZkGE2_HgTZ8Shubw

Dying is a process and in a person’s final hours and days, Nickie and her Threshold Choir are there to accompany people on their way and bring comfort. Through specially composed songs, akin to lullabies, the choir cultivates an environment of love and safety around those on their deathbed.

16/12/2025

As we become increasingly surrounded by festive cheer, it's important to remember that if you're coping with loss, Christmas doesn't have to follow the usual traditions. It can be really daunting, facing celebrating the festive season, regardless of whether you're recently bereaved or the person died some years go. The team at Cruse Bereavement Support have compiled this excellent guide for coping with grief over Christmas: https://shorturl.at/aNlut

10/12/2025

Join the Heart and Soul Team!
We’re looking for some excellent people to join us in the roles of On Call support and Funeral Attendant. You can combine both roles or consider just one of them. Full details are on our website here: https://www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk/recruiting/

Please get in touch if you’re interested, we have no deadline for applications and will close the roles once filled.

03/12/2025

Enjoying this completely stunning morning here at Riverstone, beside the River Dart. A great spot to stop and sit with a cuppa, watching the river move along.

26/11/2025

We are big fans of our sector holding open days and behind the scenes tours. Our friends at Tamar Valley Crematorium are doing just this, on Sat 29th November. Such events help to pour light into an area of work and sector that's often shrouded in mystery and the unknown, and one which all of us will likely encounter at some point in our lives. The lovely team at Tamar Valley will answer any questions you have about their work and what they do, it's well worth a visit.

17/11/2025

We came across this interesting conversation last week, on the CBeebies Parenting Podcast: How to talk to children about grief and loss. It's thanks to the people who contribute to these conversations, and the brilliant work of many organisations, like Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children, Exeter's Balloons Charity, Cruse Bereavement Support and The Good Grief Project, that conversations about the impact of grief on younger people are brought more into our awareness, enabling support for younger folk and for those around them.

Talking to children about grief and loss with Tom Fletcher and therapist, Amanda Orange.

13/11/2025

Our stone hall, here at Riverstone, being set up for a funeral service. We can seat around 60 people and the space is yours to decorate and personalise, as you wish. Using our hall means that you have time. There's no rush - we hold one funeral a day and you can have a gathering in the hall after the service, with food, drinks and time to spend together.