Countryside Funerals

24/02/2026

Many people assume a funeral has to take place in a church or crematorium chapel. For some families that feels right. For others, it doesn’t.

We’ve recently written a short blog about alternative venues for funeral ceremonies, including rural venues here in Devon that can host both the ceremony and a gathering or wake afterwards.

Places such as The Corn Barn and Hawke Barn offer a relaxed, flexible and considered setting for those looking for something less traditional.

At Countryside Funerals, we specialise in creating personal, tailored services. There is no set format, it should reflect the person and their life. If you are planning ahead, or arranging a funeral for someone close to you, you may find the blog helpful.

You can read it here: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/alternative-funeral-venues-devon/

And if you would like to talk things through, you’re always welcome to contact us directly on 01884 258 881.

30/01/2026

We’ve published a new blog looking at why we are proud members of the Society of Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF independent funeral directors ) – a professional body that exists to uphold high standards across independent funeral care.

Membership is not simply a badge; it requires funeral directors to meet clear criteria and to submit to regular independent inspections and it’s part of our commitment to openness, care, and doing things properly - every step of the way.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach, you can read the blog here: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/why-professional-standards-matter-countryside-funerals/

09/01/2026

Losing someone you care about can leave you feeling unprepared for the days and weeks that follow a funeral. Many people tell us that once the service is over, the support can feel harder to find.

At Countryside Funerals, we believe caring for families goes beyond the day of the funeral. That’s why we offer free bereavement support in partnership with When Life Changes.

This gentle programme is delivered by email and includes short weekly videos from grief expert Dr Bill Webster, along with access to GriefChat, where you can speak to trained bereavement counsellors. The support is available to use in your own time, in a way that feels right for you.

If you or someone you care about may find this helpful, you can read more about the support available on our website here: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/bereavement-support-after-the-funeral/

23/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, we'd like to take a moment to thank our colleagues, suppliers and associates for the care, commitment and support you have shown throughout the year - it is always genuinely appreciated.

To the families we have worked with, we know that Christmas may feel different this year. We hope it brings moments of peace, comfort and gentle moments of reflection.

12/12/2025

We recently published a blog by Dr Bill Webster on our website, focusing on how to support someone who is grieving during the Christmas season. For many, this time of year can be particularly overwhelming, and knowing how to help isn’t always straightforward.

In the article, Dr Bill reminds us that often the most valuable thing you can offer is simply your presence. As he writes, “Often, we are primarily concerned about what we can do to assist another, but what is needed is for someone to ‘be there’.” Quiet company, patience, and a willingness to listen can bring more comfort than grand gestures.

He also encourages us to make specific, practical offers of help, rather than relying on general invitations. Everyday tasks can feel much harder when someone is grieving, and thoughtful support can ease some of that pressure.

Importantly, Dr Bill points out that grief is a natural human response, and that “normal is different for everyone.” Understanding this can help us respond with compassion and avoid assumptions about what someone “should” be feeling or doing.

If you are supporting a friend or family member who is grieving this Christmas, you may find his guidance helpful. You can read the full blog on our website here: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/a-different-christmas-this-year

05/12/2025

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

These familiar words, capture the contrasting emotions many people feel as Christmas approaches when someone they love is no longer here.

We have just published a blog by Dr Bill Webster on the Countryside Funerals website, focusing on navigating the Christmas season when you are grieving. It offers gentle guidance for those who may be finding this time of year especially difficult.

As Dr Bill reflects, “When someone you care about dies, words cannot express the depths of the grief we often experience. It feels like the worst of times.” The festive period can intensify emotions - memories feel sharper, traditions can feel heavier, and the absence of a loved one is often felt more deeply.

His guidance offers both compassion and practical suggestions for managing the weeks ahead; discussing the importance of allowing yourself to feel what you feel, remembering the person in meaningful ways, and recognising that it is completely natural if your experience of Christmas has changed. He also shares gentle ideas that may help - from creating new traditions to giving yourself permission to step back when needed.

If you or someone close to you is finding this time of year especially difficult, we hope his words bring comfort and reassurance.

You can read the full blog over on our website: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/a-different-christmas-this-year/

25/11/2025

We’ve created a new blog page on our website - a gentle, helpful space for families who may be planning a funeral, supporting a loved one, or looking for guidance after a bereavement.

You’ll find:

• Updates on our services and products
• Practical advice for arranging a funeral
• Helpful resources for the days and weeks that follow
• Links to bereavement support and local organisations
• Community news and ways we help bring people together

Our hope is that this blog becomes a source of clear guidance and quiet support whenever it’s needed.

You can read the first post here: https://countrysidefunerals.co.uk/countryside-funerals-tiverton-support-guidance/

If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, we’d be glad to hear from you.

11/11/2025

To mark we felt we must share this photo of the stunning poppy wall and gate at St Peter's Church here in Tiverton
🌹

18/10/2025

A really helpful initiative which I am sure will be an enormous help.

This is a new idea we're very happy to be part of. Loss is part of life and we need places for natural conversations to help us adjust......

10/10/2025

Bright autumn morning commute

17/09/2025

Something of a busman's holiday for me today; finding out about ancient Greek burial rites

12/08/2025

Reflections