Wathall's - The Funeral Directors

02/04/2026

Our offices will be closing today at 5pm for the bank holiday weekend.

As always our phone lines remain open 24 hours a day, and our on call team will be available to assist you should you need us.

Easter can be particularly painful for those who are grieving, but I was recently reminded at a service at St. Alkmund's Church Duffield that the overarching message of the season is hope, renewal and to put it simply, eternal love.

There is a well known saying, "The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies." Logically speaking, the first half of the statement is difficult to comprehend, however, the second part...love never dies...that is felt.

We feel the love of our loved ones passed even when they are not there, so in some way, they do live on. Whatever you do this long weekend, remember to treat yourself with kindness.

For regular bereavement support content, follow our award winning support 👉🏽 Dandelions Bereavement Support

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On-call team this bank holiday: Amanda, Anita, David, Frank, Simon, Scott & Will

15/03/2026

🤍💐 for anyone struggling today, we’re here

However you're moving through Mother's Day, we see you.

Whether you've lost your mother, lost a child, experienced pregnancy loss, or are supporting someone navigating these losses, today can feel impossible.

You don't have to celebrate. You don't have to send cards or make phone calls or pretend you're okay. You don't have to show up to anything that feel too painful. You're allowed to protect your peace.

And if you need to honour your person in your own way - lighting a candle, visiting a place that reminds you of them, writing them a letter, or simply sitting with your grief - that's enough.

There's no right way to move through this day. However you're feeling - sadness, anger, numbness, relief, or all of it at once - it's valid.

We're here. Our support groups continue throughout the month. Our counselling services are available. And our community is holding space for all of it.

You're not alone in this.

08/03/2026

We are so incredibly fortunate to have such a strong team at Wathall’s, and the women are no exception.

Their kindness, compassion and strength is awe inspiring.

But as we celebrate International Women’s Day today, we wanted to highlight a different strength, the strength of the women who walk through our doors.

The ones who carry the invisible weight of a loss. The ones who keep going because they don’t have a choice. The ones who hold it all together.

You are who we celebrate today, you inspire us every single day.

Today, we celebrate you 🤍

05/03/2026

For those struggling to carry the weight of grief, our in house bereavement support is open to anyone who needs it.

From free befriending groups to counselling with short wait times, and everything in-between. Our dedicated bereavement team have got you. 💛

March support at Dandelions 🌷

Our drop-in bereavement support groups continue throughout March - no booking needed, just show up when you're ready:
• Evening Dandelions at Derby Rugby Club - 1st Tuesday of every month 6-8pm (March 3rd)
• Ashbourne Dandelions Support at Leisure Centre, Minor Hall - 1st Wednesday of each month 1:30-3pm (March 4th)
• Daytime Dandelions at St. Peter's Church, Derby City Centre - 2nd & Last Tuesday 1:30-3:30pm (March 10th & 31st)

Mother's Day is March 15th, and we know this is a heavy day for many in our community. Whether you've lost your mother, lost a child, or are navigating loss in any form, we're here.

We have counselling availability, support groups, and Mother's Day cards for those holding grief alongside love. You don't have to navigate this day alone.

DM us or visit our website to book a call, order cards, or learn more about our support.

04/03/2026

It’s a very special occasion when a funeral director gets a new hearse 🎩

A few weeks go Paul & Mark R flew to Ireland to view a new hearse. After finding it online, they booked their flight asap. They inspected the vehicle and couldn’t wait to get the green light from the boss.

Today, Paul & one of our camera shy funeral conductors bring it back to Derby.

We’re incredibly proud to be able to add this new hearse to our fleet of Mercedes funeral vehicles.

Isn’t she a beauty 😍

06/02/2026

When Fay walked into our office all those years ago for her one week work experience, we could never have imagined the journey we would go on together.

From a humble idea to publishing her books, she’s put her all into this project.

Fay, you are the perfect person to head up Dandelions Bereavement Support! Well done on your achievement 💜 we’re so proud of you 👏🏼

How do you talk to little ones about death?

A Derby author hopes to help with a book which gently guides children through understanding loss.

Read more: https://bbc.in/4rucpfK

06/02/2026

With a pre-paid Golden Charter funeral plan you’re not just taking care of your funeral, you’re taking care of your family.

Golden Charter funeral plan holders will benefit from our professionalism and care when carrying out your funeral wishes, whenever in the future they’re required.

It means you can be sure of a truly personal service when it matters most.

See how planning ahead could help you and your family.

Visit http://bit.ly/4pCgKMw

📸 Horse Drawn Funeral conducted by Scott Adams at Trent Valley Crematorium - photos kindly supplied to us by the family

29/01/2026

What is a funeral plan?

A funeral plan is a service that allows you to prepay for funeral director’s services in advance. From a traditional funeral to a no-fuss direct cremation, at Wathall's we’re here to make a difficult time easier.

We were established in 1858, which gives us 168 years worth of history & knowledge. Last year, our managing director Helen Wathall celebrated 40 years of service and following in her fathers footsteps, we have the highest regard for care and service.

In fact, we worked out that across the full Wathall's team currently employed there is 357.5 years of service 🎩

32 years ago, we partnered with Golden Charter so that when the time comes your family and your wishes are taken care of. A relationship we are so proud of.

To find out more about pre-paid Golden Charter Funeral Plans contact us now.

☎️ Tel: 01332 345268
💻 Web: http://bit.ly/4pCgKMw

📸 Winning National Funeral Planner of the year award in 1995, pictured from left, Jackie Dowdy, Helen Wathall, Wendy Booth & the late John Coulby

21/01/2026

Three benefits of a local independent funeral director.

Three reasons to choose an independent funeral
director for your Golden Charter Funeral Plan.

🎩 We bring genuine local knowledge and understanding.
🎩 You’ll receive a truly personal level of care and service.
🎩 We offer flexibility and support when you need it most.

Pop in or give us a call to learn more about funeral
plans.

Visit http://bit.ly/4pCgKMw for more information.

14/01/2026

What makes us different?

At Wathall's we’re proud to be your local independent funeral director, serving our community with care and understanding.

What makes us different? A personal approach that puts your wishes first,
delivered with the highest standards of service when the time comes.
We partner with Golden Charter, one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers. *

Visit our website for more details http://bit.ly/4pCgKMw

* Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the funeral plan market size as of May 2024.

24/12/2025

We have a lot of traditions at Wathalls, but the Christmas ones are our favourite.

Ernie the Elf, Lunch on Jesus volunteering, Christmas tree festivals and the two year old Christmas fuddle tradition.

Our doors are now closed, and our team are tucking into a homemade feast!!

❤️Sausages & caramelised onions cooked by Paul
🤍Butter & condiments supplied by Mel
❤️Pulled pork, chicken and beef cooked by Fay, Charlotte and Lynne
🤍 Soft drinks supplied by Anita
❤️ Stuffing, gravy and cobs made by Kaylee

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas 🤍

The Wathall’s team x

16/12/2025

We have some changes to our opening hours which we wanted to highlight.

While our offices may be closed, we are always available by phone, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

As a family run funeral directors, our team take it in turns to cover the phones during the hours our office is closed and Christmas & New Year is no exception.

This year two of our longest serving members of the team will be covering the phones. Mr Frank Rigby & Mr Mark Hodgson will be supported by a few members of our yard team, although they are a little shy and wish to remain anonymous.

During our open day we were asked: “do you still answer call outs on Christmas Day”.

Our answer: “We do this every day of the year, whatever time you need us”.

We are available on any of our branch numbers, but here’s our main number for reference just in case ☎️ 01332 345268

We wish you a peaceful Christmas x