Rosedale Funeral Home Harleston

The Rosedale Funeral Homes – with seven locations across the region – are an award-winning organisation, established by founding funeral directors Anne & Simon Beckett-Allen. Both remain involved in the business, and their influence is still evident.

Forward-thinking and deeply attuned to the needs of bereaved people, Rosedale Funeral Home aims to continue Anne’s ethos of combining professionalism with genuine compassion, bringing clarity, intelligence, and strong ethical principles to everything they do, continually seeking to enhance both the range of services offered and the standard of care provided.

All seven funeral homes, most of which are period buildings, blend traditional character with contemporary style, resulting in spaces that are both distinctive and welcoming. Each location is thoughtfully furnished and features carefully chosen details, including locally made grandfather clocks dating from the 18th century.

Staff are highly skilled and closely connected to their communities. Everyone working at Rosedale demonstrates professionalism, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Return visits confirm that the exceptional standards of care for both clients and the deceased are consistently maintained.

Rosedale Funeral Homes balance formality with approachability. While formal services are offered, they also provide non-traditional alternatives to suit individual preferences. Staff uniforms have been adapted for flexibility, allowing families to choose ‘no black’ options. The vehicle fleet is extensive, including alternatives to the standard hearse.

Strong emphasis is placed on training and professional development. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, many of which have been adopted organisation wide. Everyone is committed to providing thoughtful, client-centred service, listening attentively and responding intelligently.

We initially spent two days visiting all the funeral homes and talking to staff. We looked behind the scenes and assured ourselves that people who have died are cared for here with the greatest care and respect These are among the most caring funeral homes we have ever seen. Return visits have confirmed that these highest of standards are being proudly maintained.

Specific Gravity

Formal but not Victorian – because most people hereabouts don’t want the top hat and cane look. They can do that for you if you like, and they will also gladly dress down.

So many families have asked for this that Rosedale now have a non-formal alternative uniform for their staff which enables them to fit in when families prefer to have ‘no black’ at a funeral.

Very nice fleet of cars – Mercedes. Lots of alternatives to the standard hearse – you can see them all on their website.

What’s Important?

What’s Different?

Services

• First contact: Your call will most likely be answered by a member of staff from the branch. At night you will speak to one of the highly qualified on-call personnel.
• Home visits: Very happy to come to you to talk over the funeral arrangements.
• Embalming: Not unless you ask for it. Rosedale are against all invasive treatments. Should it seem necessary, they will discuss it with you carefully first.
• Continuity of care: Whichever funeral director you meet first will be there for you all through, holidays and sickness permitting.
• Family participation: If you would like to come in and help wash and dress the person who has died or do their nails and hair or make up that is absolutely fine. They will give you all the support you need.
• Same-sex person to wash and dress: If this is what you want, that is no problem at all. Just ask.
• Ethnic specialism: Very happy to work with all ethnic and faith groups.
• Local celebrants: They can put you in touch with a minister of religion, or a non-religious or semi-religious celebrant. All secular celebrants are hand-picked and very good.
• Home-arranged funerals: If you would like to care for the person who has died at home, they will offer you all the support and advice you ask for. They have specialist cooling equipment that they will be happy to let you use if needed.
• Website: The website is excellent. There is a great deal of information and, typical of the human touch you find here, photos of everyone who works there.
• Client support: Good range of bereavement resources. An especial strength is the after-care of children.
• Money matters: Clear and transparent — you’ll know exactly what you are paying for. Prices here. If money is a concern, please don’t be afraid to make that clear — they really want to help you and low-cost options are available as well as simple touches that are available for any size of budget. Trained staff will help any families with applications for Social Fund.  Funeral finance available as well as a bereavement and probate helpline.

Remarks

Outstandingly well run, highly professional but, top of the list, you’ll find here an exceptional focus on people. Quiet, kind, capable and utterly sincere. Good value for money too.

Any decisions you take on engaging the services of a funeral director should be based on your views and research. You should not rely solely upon the views and opinions offered by us.