Hillier Funeral Services

For a good, well run business there can be real advantages in being around for a long time. Talking to Mark Hillier and his staff, we were conscious of the comfort and confidence that grows out of long experience and of the long established high standards that run through all they do.

Hillier’s has been serving families in Swindon and the surrounding areas since the 1920s. They are the oldest family owned and run funeral director in the town and you are immediately aware of their strong commitment to the community they serve that extends well beyond the funerals they arrange.

Of course there is always a risk that an old business might be tempted to rest on its laurels, but that’s absolutely not the case here. Their guiding principle is to do whatever it takes to make sure that the families they serve are happy with the funerals they arrange, and that keeps them on their toes and responsive in a changing world.

Mark is the third generation of Hillier’s’ to lead the business – but joining it was by no means automatic. His father was concerned that he should only join the company if he was prepared to commit himself to it. Mark wasn’t sure at first and, after completing a degree in bio-chemistry, started work at Glaxo – but quickly found the corporate world of memos and hierarchy irksome. When an opening arose in 1980,he joined the family business, and when his father Michael retired in 1992 Mark stepped into his shoes. He has now been joined in the business by one of his daughters, Becky, who shares the same quiet manner and dedication to her work as her father.

Both Becky and Mark are closely involved in all aspects of the day to day operations as well as both arranging and conducting funerals. Mark’s father, Michael, still takes a close interest in the company, and occasionally conducts funerals when requested, despite being well past retirement age.

Mark comes across as extremely kind, sincere and even self- effacing – a very nice, thoughtful man. His staff clearly respect him immensely. Mark’s values and high standards set the tone for Hillier’s’ and they take great care to make sure that every member of staff shares them – when recruiting, they look for just the right combination of compassion and efficiency. The training is very thorough too and it means you can be sure that, whoever you speak to, you will receive the same high quality of care and service.

It’s an approach that inspires great loyalty, a real pride in what Hillier’s stands for and a deep commitment to the families they serve.

Hillier’s have three premises. The administration offices and arranging rooms were formerly in the heart of the old town in Swindon, in Victoria Road in a converted and extended town house where they are known, Mark says, ‘for being there’. Late in 2022, the company moved to a larger premises at Kingshill House in Kent Road, allowing clients more choice with three chapels on site and a large service room where up to 40 people can attend ceremonies. We look forward to visiting the new premises as soon as time allows.

The Chapels of Rest are in Whitworth Road, at The Broadway in Roebourne Cheney. This was the original building where Harold Hillier established the undertaking business alongside his building company. Over the years the premises have been developed and expanded and they now offer a spacious centre for the practical side of the business.

There are five lovely chapels in different sizes and styles, each one with fresh flowers delivered weekly by Hillier’s florist. The chapels are all open every day of the year, between 8.30 in the morning and 9.00 in the evening. Arrangements can be made outside of these hours when there is need, as there are two caretakers who live on site. The concept of caretakers is really important to Mark, he thinks it is essential to be able to respond to families rather than requiring them to fit into an appointment system, and by having trusted people on site this is easy to do = there are also caretakers at the Highworth branch where there are two chapels of rest.

Talking to Bev, who manages the Chapel it was clear that everything possible is done to support a family visiting and looking after their loved one before the funeral. Chapels can simply be made over to you and your family. You’ll be able to visit, personalise the room and spend as much time there as you want. If you want you will be able to dress and care for your loved one and bring in personal belongings and leave them there.

The mortuary is next door and you are welcome to visit it. Spacious, and spick and span, the behind the scenes area is a model of care and good practice, and has been expanded to offer sufficient room for over thirty people to be care for. You are welcome to come and help care for the person who has died if you wish to, or simply observe Hillier’s staff looking after them. There have even been times when a family have been supported in their wish to watch as their loved one was embalmed.

*Under the restrictions imposed by the government during the coronavirus pandemic, visits are only by appointment.