Grave Expectations

31/01/2026

30/01/2026

Direct cremation is often talked about as something that takes away, a service, a moment, a chance to gather.

We don’t see it that way.

This blog explores why we see it not as a lesser option, but as a blank canvas: one that allows families to create meaningful, personal farewells on their own terms, in their own time — and in ways that feel right for them.

Read the full blog here:
https://graveexpectations.co.uk/blog/direct-cremation



Photo by DEAD GOOD LEGACIES on Unsplash

28/01/2026

Mothers day is a chance to say a big thank you 🥰

Whether you decide, flowers 💐 chocolate 🍫 or
Our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Box its a perfect way to say thank you!

😋 This is the perfect way to spoil Mum, featuring homemade sweet delights designed to be enjoyed with a cup of her favourite tea.

💰 £22 for two people
🚗 Deliver free within 6 miles
✍️ Handwritten personalised gift tag + wrapped with a ribbon.

28/01/2026

We had a really lovely visit to Mindful Memorials yesterday. It’s a beautiful space, and you immediately feel the care and thought that goes into everything they do. Their work brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, resulting in personalised memorials that are both meaningful and made to last.

What we really appreciated was the time they take to listen and work alongside families, creating pieces that reflect the life and story of the person being remembered — from classic headstones to bespoke, modern designs.

Mindful Memorials is a family-led business with generations of stonemasonry behind them, and that depth of experience is clear in the quality, detail and care of their work.

Anna and Adrian were such welcoming hosts, and we had some really good conversations while we were there. We’re excited to see where those conversations might lead.

If you have any questions about headstones or stonemasonry, you’re always welcome to talk to us — we’re proud to recommend their work.

👉 https://mindfulmemorials.co.uk

23/01/2026

We’re busy planning our 2026 calendar of workshops and events, and it feels good to be looking ahead.

There’s already lots taking shape. We’re looking forward to working with Liminal Time, Dead Good Legacies, Kate Parkin and Sarah Barnes Celebrant, alongside a range of creative and reflective workshops. These will include willow weaving, wreath making (some with a twist), and memory board sessions.

We’re also planning a Mother’s Day remembrance and celebration with Lorraine Keeling — a gentle space for reflection, remembrance and connection, allowing people to honour their mothers in a way that feels right for them.

Alongside this, we’re introducing open days, creating more opportunities for people to come along, meet us, ask questions, and explore what we do in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

🧡We’d really love your help in shaping this programme.

Is there a workshop, conversation, or gathering you’d like to see this year?

You can comment below, send us a message, or get in touch directly:

📧 enquiries@graveexpectations.co.uk
📱 WhatsApp 07894 283798

22/01/2026

We’re loving these, another beautiful addition to The Woollen Cwtch Company family 🧡

If you haven’t looked before you can see more of their products on the website, link below:

https://www.thewoollencwtchcompany.com/

They also made the lovely Harris Tweed coffin we have on display at The Old Printing Works 🧡

Our Epynt Wool Shrouds are made using 100% locally sourced Welsh wool.

The beautiful Welsh wool felt we use to make these shrouds has been grown and processed entirely within the UK.

The wool comes from a flock of Epynt Hardy Speckled Face sheep which are classified as an 'At Risk' native breed of mountain sheep by the Welsh government and conservation groups.

We work in partnership with British farmers, supporting improved returns for their wool, agricultural charities, projects and events in rural communities.

Our Epynt Wool Shrouds are for use with coffins or shroud carriers (we offer a full range of options or can create something special, just for you).

Shrouds made from authentic British Wool offer one of the most environmentally friendly funeral options available for natural burial and are 100% biodegradable.

Our Epynt Wool Shroud is supplied with a matching wool pillow, wool ties, a wrapping guide and special fully certified biodegradable liner (for optional use).

💚🐑🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

The Woollen Cwtch Company

21/01/2026

Coraline and Gandalf on welcome duty 🐾🧡

Our unofficial welcome team, always happy to be on hand when people pop in to see us. 🐶🐾

20/01/2026

Yesterday Katy and I attended the Last Days Matter training at Ashgate Hospice.

It was a deeply thoughtful afternoon, where a difficult subject was held with such gentleness and care. The space created felt calm, respectful and human — exactly what these conversations need to be.

At Grave Expectations, we believe it’s essential that we continue to learn, listen and reflect. Attending training like this helps us make sure we are having the right conversations with families — conversations that are honest, compassionate and led at their pace.

End-of-life care and funeral care are often treated as separate, but for families they are part of the same journey. Understanding what matters in those final days helps us to better support people afterwards, gently bridging the gap between end-of-life care and funeral care with continuity, understanding and kindness.

We truly believe this is a course everyone could benefit from, and we’re grateful to Ashgate Hospice for offering it so openly and sensitively to the community. 🧡

18/01/2026

We needed headshots at short notice for an article on women in business and weren’t sure how we were going to make it happen.

Alan Ward from Silk Hat Studio stepped in with less than 24 hours’ notice and came over to our building in Matlock to take the photos. No fuss, just generosity and practical support when it mattered 📸

There are a few behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot here, along with a couple of finished shots — and, as ever, Coraline made an appearance and even ended up with her own great photo 🐾

We first met Alan through Chesterfield Tech Meetup, which we went along to curious and open-minded, not knowing whether it would be relevant for a funeral directors. It turns out it was.

Thank you, Alan 🧡

16/01/2026

🌿 Community is at the heart of what we do 🌿

So here is our community board, and we need your help to fill it.

This space is for local events, groups, workshops, walks, fundraisers, support circles and anything else that brings people together.
If you’ve got a flyer (or know of something worth sharing), please drop it in to us and we’ll add it to the board.

📍 The Old Printing Works, Holt Lane, Matlock

A small space for sharing what’s happening locally.