Wathall's - The Funeral Directors

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

12/12/2025

We want to extend our immense gratitude to everyone who joined us at last night’s Memorial Service - A Celebration of Remembrance & Hope.

What began in December of our 150th year as a one-off event has grown into a tradition we never imagined. Seventeen years on, we are humbled to still be holding this Memorial Service.

Last night, more than 500 people came together, united by a shared experience of grief.

As funeral directors, it is a privilege to be entrusted with the care of your loved ones, but at Wathall's, we feel it is equally our responsibility to continue caring for you with the same compassion long after the funeral has passed.

This service is rooted in hope and through Dandelions Bereavement Support we continue working within the communities we serve to support the bereaved whenever they need us.

Next years service will take place on Thursday 10th December 2026 🕊️

10/12/2025

We've made the final preparations for our Memorial Service which will take place at Derby Cathedral tomorrow! As you can see, Ernie has got the most important thing under control 🥃

Each year, around 500 people take the opportunity to join us at the service to come and remember their loved ones

With the theme "Hope" the service is a positive and safe space for you to remember your loved ones while feeling supported.

It's hard to describe the feeling you get from the service, it's a bit of a mixture of everything.

But for our team, the standout emotion is gratitude 🙏

Tomorrow, we get to serve you once again, and it is such an honour. The doors will open around 5:45pm, with the service starting at 6:30pm. After the service, our team serve mince pies and sherry (biscuits, water and orange alternatives for those of us who cannot get on board with mince pies, no matter how hard we try).

We'd love to know what feeling you would use to describe the service. Let us know in the comments 🕊️

05/12/2025

Our Ernie was a stow away on our recent trip.

He took a little trip to Hardwick Hall with the Dandelions Bereavement Support group members.

A lovely look around the hall followed by a walk down to the Hardwick Inn for our incredible lunch!

Community takes on a new meaning after bereavement. Having the opportunity to share some of the bad days, the good days and everything in between with people who know what it's like can make all the difference.

💛

Our Annual Memorial Service will take place on Thursday 11th December at Derby Cathedral starting at 6:30pm.

This is a safe space for all to come, feel supported and remember our loved ones passed.