Howard Goodman Funeral Home
Funeral Directors Category: South West England
-
Howard Goodman is a relatively new business – it was opened in 2014 by Tracey and Martin Challenor with Gavin Burnett and Shirley Morton. All of them are well trained and have years of experience behind them. They all worked for a big, corporate funeral director’s where they felt they were unable to offer the degree of personal service and attention which bereaved people need and deserve, which was why they decided to set upon their own. As you might expect, therefore, Tracey, Martin, Gavin and Shirley are exceptionally dedicated, nice people. This is essentially a traditional business with a freshness of approach and a service culture which we found to be extremely impressive. Above all, they really do care.
When they’re not working, all of them are keen on the theatre and playing their part in local amateur dramatics. Martin and Tracey also enjoy music, travel and walking in the English countryside.
Premises in the Boulevard are bright, comfortable and inviting. They really have made the most of this beautiful building.
Specific Gravity
The team here all know and understand Weston. Most people hereabouts opt for a traditional funeral, and this is something they carry off superbly. We found that they really do understand the ceremonial role of the funeral director and team; they conduct a funeral with great dignity and reverence. Above all, they have a sense of occasion and a strong feeling for the emotions of those present. No funeral is ‘just another funeral’. On the contrary, every funeral is unique, personal and very, very special.
If you want a less formal funeral, or something simpler, they’ll be very pleased to do as you wish. Their way of doing things is very much your way of doing things.
What’s Important?
We were really impressed by the high degree of professionalism of the Howard Goodman team in all things. They give you all the time you need, make you aware of the choices available to you and offer you expert choice and guidance. They also look after for people who have died with great care and respect. This all happens behind the scenes, of course, and we spent time reassuring ourselves that everything is as good as it can be. They have spent a great deal of money on state-of-the-art facilities because they see their duty of care as a sacred duty and they honour it faultlessly.
What’s Different?
Two things make Howard Goodman a distinctive and, we think, excellent funeral director’s. Firstly, they feel privileged to be doing this work, and it really shows in the way they treat people. We like their sincerity and wholeheartedness. We like the way they dress in the office, which is smart but not intimidatingly formal. We like the way they talk to people, on their level and as fellow human beings. This makes for a very personal relationship and partnership with all their clients. Secondly, we applaud their price structure. They are very fair in their charges, which are sinificantly below those charged by other funeral directors locally.
Services
- Your first call will be answered personally by Martin, Tracey, Shirley or Gavin, day or night.
- Home Visits– Very happy to make arrangements with you either at the funeral home or at your own home.
- Embalming – Not as a matter of routine. Only when it is your wish and / or the funeral director feels it is necessary, in which case, they will talk it through with you.
- Continuity of Care– The person with whom you arrange the funeral will be with you throughout the process and present on the day of the funeral. If for some reason it can’t be that person, then the funeral director who will be in charge on the day will introduce him/herself well in advance.
- Family Participation– If you want to carry the coffin, they’ll show you how. If you’d like to come in and wash and dress the person who has died, they’ll be there for you. If you’d just like to come in do their hair, that’s absolutely no problem. They believe in empowering you to do what you want and help you in any way they can.
- Same sex person to wash and dress?– If you want a same-sex person to wash and dress the person who has died, that’s no problem. Just ask.
- Local Celebrants– Careful to refer you only to the very best local secular celebrants.
- Home arranged funerals– Will gladly work with you in any way you want if you who wish to care for the person who has died at home: see the Do It All Yourself section of the Good Funeral Guide website.
- Client Support– After the funeral, call in anytime for a cuppa – they’ll always be pleased to see you and lots of people do it. If you need a bit of extra support, they’ll put you in touch with people who can help.
- Money matters – If money is a problem they’ll do their very best to help you. The only way they can do that is if you are completely upfront about your situation, so don’t hold back. If you need to apply to the Social Fund for a Funeral Payment, they’ll guide you through the paperwork. If you’d like to pay for your funeral in advance, they sell prepaid funeral plans.
- Parking – Pay and display on the Boulevard outside the premises, or round the back by prior arrangement.
Remarks
Really, really nice people just like us who are very good at what they do and offer a range of services to suit all tastes and budgets.
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.
-
-
Terry Tozer
In reply to .
What an exceptional tradgedy. I cannot immagine what you have coped with.
thank you for giving us the honor of looking after your beloved son.
God Bless you all.
| | | | | |
Terry Tozer
Dear Martin Tracey and Gavin,
I am writing on behalf of myself and my and my family, to thank you for your excellent services and especially for your wonderful care of my late wife, Jeanne,at this sad time.
Your exceptional kindness and consideration to us all did much to ease us through this difficult time. Thank you so much,
Yourts Sincerely,
Terry Tozer
| | | | | | | |
Olive Goodman
When our mother in law passed away, I couldn’t have asked
for a more sympathetic, empathic and diligent
Funeral Director. Martin and Gavin made our sorrow
a little easier to bear, They went over and above the call
of care and duty for us. I would thoroughly reccommend
them to anyone.
The premises are beautiful too,
Thank you Howard Goodman,
Tracey, W s M
| | | | | | | |
cindy parker
howard goodman funeral director was excellent servis, imaculate turned out. very comforting an understanding when my son passed away, cant thank them enough for what they did for me, i highly recommened them!