FAQs

You save into their university fund, put money aside for their wedding, their first house, their first car. But the idea of having to fund your own child’s funeral? It is a thought that no parent ever thinks will cross their mind, and one that no one should ever have to. However, in our 30 years of helping families throughout West Kent and Southeast London, it would be duplicitous to say that this is a situation we have never come across, however much we would like to.
In July 2019, the government launched the Children’s Funeral Fund, aiming to help cover the costs for grieving families. We know that no sum can account for the loss of a child, but we would like to give you information about the fund to ensure families are aware of all resources available to them.

Hollywood and prime-time TV love to show the drama of death: the paramedic calls the time, the eyelids are gently shut, and the melancholy band strikes up before we fade to the funeral scene. However, in reality, there is a lot more that goes on between a passing and a funeral, most crucially, registering a death in the UK – without which no further action can occur. So, how do you register a death, and who is qualified to do it?

It’s a very good question! With the number of unattended cremations and burials on the rise, you might be tempted to ask whether you need a traditional funeral – or whether you would have to organise one in the event that a loved one dies. But research suggests that they still play a very important role, both for the bereaved and wider society.  

The location is easy. Deciding the flower arrangements, slightly trickier. But, when planning a funeral, we hear many family members say that writing the eulogy is the hardest part. Where do I start? What are people expecting me to say? How can I possibly epitomise an entire life in just one speech? With over thirty years of experience helping families across West Kent and South East London arrange funerals, we know how daunting this task can be. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide, with tips to help you write and deliver a eulogy that truly honours your loved one. 

Dating back to ancient Egypt, funeral cortege; the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony, has deep roots. However, since what was once a grand procession, overtured by musicians and wailing subjects, is now often seen as a purely functional aspect of the funeral; it is safe to say that funeral corteges have had a bit of a fall from grace in the past five millennia. At Welham jones, your local, family-run funeral directors, we are committed to making every aspect of a funeral as personal and meaningful as possible, which is why this blog will explain how you can create a bespoke route and the most popular landmarks that families like to see in Tunbridge Wells.

The beauty of human beings is that we are all utterly unique: our likes and dislikes, our quirks and oddities, our passions, and persuasions; each of these help to make up a life loved. A life is not some abstract concept, it is 3D, it is palpable, it has a tangible effect on those around it, and at Welham Jones, we believe in creating funerals which truly honour this.
In our thirty years as family-run local funeral directors, serving families across West Kent and Southeast London, we have mastered the art of creating bespoke funerals that are as unique as the person they are celebrating. However, we’ve also noticed that many families are not aware of all the ways they can tailor their funeral, so we have created this guide to help break down what can be customised, what can’t, and the variety of requests we’ve seen throughout the years to prove that nothing is too great or too grand when it comes to celebrating the life of someone special.

For some families, the moment the curtains close at a funeral can be unexpectedly unsettling. Such a simple act can leave you feeling off balance—suddenly unsure where your loved one has gone, what is happening to them, and when they will be returned to you. The world behind the curtain can feel strangely distant, elusive, separate from your own. It may sound surprising, but in our 30+ years supporting families across the Southeast, we know these thoughts are more common than you might think. That is why we want to help—by dispelling the myths, sharing the facts, and offering some gentle reassurance about what really happens beyond the curtain.

Through 30+ years of working local funeral directors across West Kent and Southeast London, we’ve seen society get progressively better at speaking to loved ones about funerals, meaning that a lot of the mystery and myth surrounding our trade has – thankfully – started to clear. However, one question that we are still often asked is ‘what does a funeral arranger do?’ We sat down with Tunbridge Wells’ funeral arranger Sam O’flynn to find out the responsibilities, trials and triumphs that come with being a funeral arranger.

The funeral cortege – the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony – has long been seen as a purely functional aspect of the service; a way from get from A to B. However, at Welham Jones, we believe that there are a whole host of opportunities that hide between these two little letters, and that the cortege it is an often-overlooked opportunity for loved ones to reminisce one last time. So, what are the popular sights that bring back memories for Tonbridge locals? and how can you customise your cortege?

Planning a funeral, whether for a loved one or for yourself in advance, is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also one that often has to be made quickly, and during a time of great emotional stress. That’s why it’s so important to feel confident that the funeral director you choose is the right fit for your family. As a family-run, independent funeral director with branches across West Kent and South East London, we understand how crucial trust, transparency and compassion are when supporting someone through loss. Here’s how to make sure you’re in safe hands from the very start.