Saint and Forster Funeral Directors Ltd

10/03/2026

Huge shout out and thanks today to ISG Facility Management in Darlington who absolutely saved our skin today when the security alarm went off after a power cut and we couldn't turn it off. When they heard we were expecting a client in the office soon they prioritised us and got us sorted out within the hour so that the lady who came in didn't have to deal with the noise.

THANK YOU!!!!

03/03/2026

Following on from our recent post about direct cremations, here is one of our short videos in which direct cremations are discussed. More of our FAQ videos can be found on our YouTube channel.

14/01/2026

Marketing for Direct Cremations is becoming ever-more common, but it's important to be 'in the know' on what they actually entail so you can make an informed decision. As always, we're here to help answer any questions you may have. We'll be posting in the coming weeks with more information.

16/05/2025

If you have been meaning to come and have a look around Sun Rising, this is a great chance to see it in its fresh early summer green, with company staff and charity trustees on hand to provide information, tours and answer questions. For more information online, see the https://sunrising.co.uk/event/open-day/ or get in touch.

07/05/2025

If a family member or friend of yours has had a direct cremation (where the coffin is taken directly to the crematorium with no funeral service) the Good Funeral Guide would like to hear from you. They are conducting research into the different reasons why people are choosing Direct Cremation, and their experiences of it. If this applies to you, please consider completing this survey. Feel free to share it around as well- the more responses we have the better the research.
Thank you!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYmBC7StZyq9234g5bU_3iNpnvbJ8A4U_qXItkKuonWc0Xnw/viewform?pli=1

07/05/2025

Considering a Direct Cremation or a Direct Cremation Plan? Here are some questions that you should be asking the provider before you make a decision!

07/05/2025

Our friends and mentors at the Good Funeral Guide are raising awareness about what is actually offered by the companies advertising direct cremation - and they are also interested in the different reasons a family might have for going down that path. Information here- please read this and spread it around :-)

Direct cremation What is a direct cremation? A direct cremation is NOT a funeral. This is important to recognise.A direct cremation is where the body of the person who has died is taken straight to the crematorium and cremated without a funeral ceremony. The latest Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2025...

27/03/2025

We are featured in an article in the Northern Echo about what it was like to be a funeral director during the Covid pandemic. I don't think they quite got the point I was trying to make about the growth in direct funerals though- what I was trying to say was that is people no longer see the value in a traditional funeral and so opt for no funeral at all- then maybe traditional funerals are no longer fit for purpose for many people- and we need a radical change to people-led ceremonies. More from us about that coming soon!

Five years on from the first Covid lockdown, Darlington's funeral directors have looked back at the 'overwhelming' time which saw them visited by…

23/03/2025

And here, finally, delayed to to technical issues (namely my ineptitude) here is the link to the Just Giving Page for the charity that Catherine Gill is supporting on her walk to the Mt Everest Base Camp in a couple of weeks. Duchenne UK supports those suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a (DMS) a rare form that affects mostly boys.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/catherine-gill-1?

Help Catherine Gill raise money to support Duchenne UK

15/03/2025

Here are the links to the fund raising page for St Teresa's Hospice

https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-gill-1?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR374ceo2VGtsZ4hlRMfFwthRzAjypiofkBF1YBClhjuyF73z21Ybi1UpxI_aem_qzTsaLLqV2_C6q2OqTWKFg

Help Stephen Gill raise money to support St Teresa's Hospice

15/03/2025

Saint and Forster FD are very proud indeed to be supporting Stephen and Catherine Gill, new owners of the wonderful Ange's Cut bar in Darlington on their epic adventure to the Everest Base Camp to raise money for three fabulous charities: St Teresa's Hospice, The Harvey McWilliams Foundation and Duchenne UK- which aims to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a devastating muscle-wasting disease. It is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy. Diagnosed in childhood, it mainly affects boys. If any of our wonderful community would like to support them, you can find the fundraising pages here and in our next two posts!

Good luck, guys, from all of us here at Saint and Forster!

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to … Stephen Gill needs your support for Harvey McWilliams Foundation raise money 2 source sport gear

23/12/2024

Donna, for whom we have, sadly, worked a number of times now, is known as ‘lovely Donna’ since she has given us a wonderful care package at Christmas for the last two years. This year, however, we have received the most lovely gift from her in the form of a crocheted Keith and Jen, who have pride of place in the office!