Back in February, we welcomed Ricci Webster, our newest Tunbridge Wells funeral arranger, to Welham Jones. And, we have to say, if there is anyone who has a natural knack for building rapport and always knowing the right words to say – or not say – it’s Ricci, who brings experience as both a hairdresser and working in a private baby scanning clinic. Thus, it is our pleasure to introduce you formally to Ricci.
Ricci’s career has always revolved around people. After leaving school, she began a hairdressing apprenticeship with Graham Webb, where she worked for 10 years before taking time out to raise her three sons. When she returned to work, Ricci moved into the baby sector, supporting families at a private baby scanning clinic.
The role was both rewarding and emotionally challenging, but the long commute to Canterbury, combined with weekends away from her boys, made family life difficult. When she saw the advert for Welham Jones, Ricci recognised that her transferable skills – empathy, communication, and supporting people through difficult news – would make her a good fit as a funeral arranger.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people. I’ve always been a real people person,” she explains. “Although this work is very different to the baby scanning clinic, both roles involve supporting people through emotional moments in their lives. That’s what drew me to Welham Jones.”
What makes Ricci such a natural fit for Welham Jones is her ability to connect with people in a way that feels instinctive.
“I don’t think you can be taught how to read a room,” she says. “Some people want you to put an arm around them, others couldn’t think of anything worse. It’s about knowing what that person needs at that moment. You have to listen and be interested in their stories – even the small details about their loved one.”
For Ricci, the most rewarding part of being a funeral arranger is removing stress for grieving families. She takes pride in managing the paperwork and practicalities of funeral arrangements so that families can focus on choosing flowers, music, and ways to celebrate their loved one’s life.
“When families take the time to bring in a thank-you card or chocolates, it means the world,” she says. “Knowing that this is the last thing you can do for a person is so meaningful. I just want everything to be perfect for them and their families.”
No two days at Welham Jones are the same. Ricci shares her role with her colleague Sam, which allows for flexibility while ensuring continuity for families. Mornings begin with checking handover notes, reviewing any overnight calls, and contacting families to start planning funerals.
“Sometimes people are ready straight away, other times they just need more time,” she explains. “It’s about recognising when someone is too upset to talk and letting them know we’ll come back to it when they’re ready. We never want anyone to feel forgotten.”
Alongside client support, there’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work. “The paperwork was a real learning curve,” Ricci admits. “There’s so much more that goes into arranging a funeral than people realise – from medical examiner protocols to legal processes. Thankfully, the team is brilliant at supporting each other, and I know I can always ask for help.”
Balancing the emotional weight of her role is made easier by Ricci’s strong support network. She lives locally in Sevenoaks, meaning her commute is shorter than in her previous job, and her evenings and weekends are spent with her three sons, who are all keen sportsmen.
“I’m on the rugby field come rain or shine,” she laughs. “I also love going to the theatre with my mum – we buy each other tickets for birthdays and Christmas so we always have something to look forward to. Having that family time makes such a difference.”
When asked what advice she would give families in Tunbridge Wells facing the loss of a loved one, Ricci’s answer is simple but heartfelt:
“Just take your time. Grief is different for everyone, and it hits people in different ways. Don’t feel rushed – we’re here to support you through every step, at your pace.”
At Welham Jones, we’re proud to have Ricci as part of our Tunbridge Wells team. Her empathy, warmth, and people-first approach are exactly what families need during such a difficult time.
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