H.H.Birch, Co-op Funeralcare

Funeral for my brother David took place on 10th September. Difficulties arose with the unavailability of the death certificate but Belinda Mason the funeral director helped with that and I felt that at all times I had the support of Belinda and all the staff who were helpful in all related matters. Thanks too to Chris Berry, the celebrant who was attentive and told David's story at the service with compassion and humour making the day easier to cope with.

Thank you to Belinda & her colleagues at H.H Birch for helping us through a very stressful time, arranging Ian’s funeral.we don’t know how we would have got through it without you all.Be it Belinda advising us on what we needed.Her colleagues phoning to check on us & answering the numerous questions that we had. Thank you all so much, you all went above and beyond. Rose, Joanne, Jordan

Belinda went far and above our expectations and guided us every step of the way. Her and her team were faultless.

Belinda and the team made a very difficult time that bit easier to deal with. My dad passed away suddenly in May this year, he left no plan or wishes for when he passed away so I was really under pressure when we found him as I didn't even know what to do. Upon deciding he would have wanted the cooperative to handle his funeral arrangements we had his body taken into their care. He was with them 4 weeks as further investigation was needed and they handled the whole process seamlessly from start to finish. The staff are all a credit to the establishment, sympathetic yet transparent with all parts of the process, straight talking, helpful, professional and friendly. I hope to not need to use their services again but would definitely recommend to anyone wanting that personal touch at a good price too. They have a lovely little building and Chapel of rest and are always happy to make a cuppa. A real support when the worst happens. 5* thanks to Belinda and the whole team. Gem Boyd (Peter Boyds daughter)

I feel obliged to write a few comments about my experience, all be it nearly 2 years ago now and maybe a few things have changed and Mr David Robertshaw has moved on. As a family we decided on Birches as the company had been used for my Father some years ago. It was sadly on this occasion to arrange the funeral of my Mother. I do believe my bad experience is down to the funeral director at the time Mr David Robertshaw, I look back and found him lacking empathy , it was as if he was fed up of his position. When I had to leave my Mums clothing and wedding ring he did not even leave his office to speak to me. Flowers belonging to another client were left in the hearse on the day of my Mums funeral. The grave marker placed on my parents grave only had my Mums name on it. He forgot to add my Father’s name on, even though it was discussed earlier. When I went to speak to him about the grave marker and the delay, he had to be asked to leave the office and was still eating with his mouth full when he spoke to us and said “What do you want” He was rude and disinterested but yet it was his mistake. The grave marker was eventually replaced and my Fathers name was spelt wrong so there was a further delay with getting the correct spelling. To be honest not an experience I would want anyone else to have, hence I wrote this review asking that you use them with caution and make sure you don’t get David Robertshaw.