Smiths Funeral Directors

10/12/2025

Whether it’s your first Christmas without a loved one, or another Christmas that feels heavy, our special “Coping With Christmas” Cafe this Thursday (10:30am–12 noon) offers a warm and supportive space to think about what might help through the festive season. 🎄
All are very welcome, and as always we’ll be enjoying some delicious refreshments together. ☕️

We’ll be at Smiths Funeral Directors bereavement cafe this Thursday for a Christmas special! If you’d like a safe space to be with your grief as you head into the Christmas season then come and join us.

04/12/2025

🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

We’re so grateful to share this 5-star Google review from Sharon Hutcherson:

“From our very first visit, Ruth was incredibly patient and caring. She made us feel supported at every step during such a difficult time. Smiths Funeral Directors continued to show that same kindness throughout, especially by allowing my mum to visit my dad as often as she needed, which brought her so much comfort. Sid Bridges was an exceptional celebrant, thoughtful, genuine, and able to capture my dad perfectly. I know my dad would’ve said, ‘They did well didn’t they, mate.’ Just want to say a big thank you.”

A special mention to Sid Bridges (Funeral Celebrant), whose warmth and thoughtful approach always shines through in the services he leads.

Thank you, Sharon, for sharing such heartfelt words, knowing your dad would’ve said, “They did well didn’t they, mate,” truly touched our hearts. We’re truly honoured to have supported your family. 💛

03/12/2025

☕ Bereavement Cafe Tomorrow – Winter Memorial Tree & Grief Awareness Week 🎄

As we mark Grief Awareness Week, we’re reminded of the importance of coming together, talking openly, and supporting one another through loss.

We invite you to join us and our friends from Prodigal Connect tomorrow at our Bereavement Cafe.

📍 Old Court House, Smiths Funeral Directors
🕒 10:30am – 12 noon

Our Winter Memorial Tree is also now in our reception area and will be positioned in the cafe tomorrow. You’re invited to write a message and place it on the tree as a tribute to your loved one.

If you can’t make it but would still like a message added, please send it to us and we’ll place it on the winter tree with care. 💙

During this meaningful week and throughout the winter season, please remember: you’re not alone. We’re here to support you in any way we can.

27/11/2025

🕊️ Testimonial Thursday 🕊️

Today’s kind words come from a family we recently supported, who kindly left us this 5-star Google review:

"Smiths Funeral Directors provided amazing care and professionalism throughout the arrangements for my late mum’s funeral. Ian (Smith) and his team were compassionate, respectful, and attentive to every detail, ensuring the day ran smoothly and beautifully. Their support and understanding made a very difficult time much easier for our family, and I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and dedication."

Our sincere thanks for this touching message. It is our honour to offer guidance, comfort, and dignity to every family who places their trust in us. 🤍

13/11/2025

🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

We’re so touched to have received this 5⭐ Google review on Tuesday.

“A massive thank you to everyone at Smiths Funeral Directors for arranging the funeral of our wonderful mum. We are so grateful for the exceptional support and care we received. You all assured us that nothing was too much trouble and everything ran to perfection on the day. Knowing that we were in such caring hands was a great comfort to all our family too. We will happily recommend yourselves to family and friends when the need arises and reassure them of the excellent service they will receive.”

It was a true privilege to help arrange the funeral for Megan’s much-loved mum. We’re so glad our care and attention brought comfort during such a difficult time. 💜

Thank you, Megan, for your kind words and for allowing us the honour of looking after your family.

12/11/2025

💜 Visiting Your Loved One — The Meaning of the ‘Chapel of Rest’ 💜

For some, when a loved one has passed away, taking a quiet moment to visit them can bring great comfort — a chance to reflect, say goodbye, or simply be close once more.
For others, choosing not to visit feels right, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s a deeply personal choice, and everyone grieves in their own way.

The term “Chapel of Rest” was first used here in the UK by funeral directors in the early 20th century to describe a peaceful, private space for families to visit their loved one before the funeral. The word “chapel” reflects calm and reflection, while “of rest” symbolises peace and dignity.

In years gone by, it was usual for families to keep their loved one at home before the funeral. As traditions changed, funeral directors wanted to provide a gentle and respectful alternative — a place where families could visit in privacy and peace. The words “of rest” expressed the idea that the person who had died was now at peace.

Although the term includes “chapel,” Chapels of Rest are non-denominational spaces, welcoming people of all faiths or none. Today, they remain gentle, comforting environments where families can spend quiet moments with their loved one — a chance to reflect, say goodbye, or simply be close once more. 💕

Our peaceful Chapels of Rest offer that same sense of comfort and care — calm, private spaces where families can spend time in their own way and at their own pace. Visits are by appointment, allowing us to prepare the space with care and ensure you have privacy and gentle support throughout.

To learn more, please visit:
www.smithsfuneraldirectors.co.uk/visiting-your-loved-one/

We’re here for you — always with care, compassion, and understanding. 🤍

09/11/2025

Today, we pause to honour the brave men and women who gave their tomorrow for our today.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”
— Laurence Binyon, 1914

07/11/2025

We know we’ve shared a rainbow over the funeral home before… but today, Sid Bridges of Prodigal Connect captured another beautiful moment as we supported a family together — a gentle rainbow stretching over Peterborough Crematorium after a busy week supporting families.

Even in times of sadness, these unexpected touches of colour remind us of hope, peace, and the light that still finds its way through.

To the families we’ve cared for this week, and to those continuing their journey through grief, please know you remain in our thoughts. 🌈💛

06/11/2025

✨ Testimonial Thursday ✨

We had the honour of supporting the family of the late David Bennett BEM. His lovely wife Sandy and the family brought in a beautiful card and flowers — a gesture that meant so much to our team, especially to Naomi. Their heartfelt words truly touched us:

“To Naomi, thank you for everything during our very sad loss. You are always prepared to go above and beyond and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May you continue to shine. Love and best wishes always from Sandy and family x”

It is always an honour to support families whose loved ones have proudly served our country in the Armed Forces. As we approach this poignant time of remembrance, it feels especially meaningful to share this heartfelt testimonial for David, who served our country with distinction.

David's funeral service was carried out with dignity and respect, featuring a Union Jack flag respectfully draped over his coffin, standard bearers, and a bugler who sounded the moving Last Post — a truly fitting tribute.

Shared with the family’s kind permission.

30/10/2025

🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

We recently had the privilege of supporting a family following the passing of their much-loved husband and father, Paul.

Naomi and the team supported the family throughout the funeral arrangements, helping them create a special service to honour and celebrate Paul’s life - reflecting the love, memories and laughter they shared together.

This week, Chris and Jo kindly sent in a beautiful hamper and some delicious cupcakes for our team — such a thoughtful gesture that meant so much to us all.

It’s a privilege to support families across Peterborough and the wider region in their time of need. 💛

Thank you, Chris & Jo, from all of us. 💐