W.E. Pinder & Son Ltd
Funeral Directors Category: Yorkshire & The Humber
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Owner / Funeral director
John Pinder is the owner and the principal funeral director here. How did he get to be a funeral director? By following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather and father. This is a good old family business firmly rooted in its community. For John it was the example of his father which was the major influence in drawing him into the business: “a combination of the respect in which my father was held within our community, coupled with the obvious satisfaction he got from looking after the bereaved.” An easy option for John? No. These were big shoes to step in to: “For the first few years customers would look disappointed when I arrived, not my dad.”
There’s no mistaking John’s strong sense of vocation. Indeed, he’s one of the most earnestly dedicated funeral directors we have encountered. He’s friendly, easy, mild-mannered and reassuringly normal. He is also, we discovered by asking around, incredibly conscientious, famed for his attention to detail.
Married to Claire. Three children. Out of work interests include getaways to the family caravan in the Lake District, walking Meg and Angus, the dogs and trips to the cinema. John also plays bass in a rock covers band, which he really enjoys.
There are four other funeral directors here, all hand picked by John for being the right kind of people : Chris Hurton, Michael Towle, Jacqui Clifford and Tom Pinder (John’s son and the fifth generation). They are joined by the superbly competent Jenny, who has worked alongside John for 16 years and does just about everything – “I suppose you’re our Operations Manager really,” John mused when we were chatting to Jenny and asking about her work. Pauline works alongside Jenny looking after more of the financial aspects.
Alongside the front of house team, James Fisher, James Fuller and Sam Pinder (John’s younger son) are the behind-the-scenes invaluable back office team who carry out all the hidden work, collecting people from their places of death, fitting and lining coffins, cleaning and caring for the immaculate cars and everything else that needs doing.
Specific Gravity
Formal and extremely smart but understated. That phrase says a lot about Pinder’s. Will dress up for your funeral, or tone it down to suits and ties. Fleet of sparkling Mercedes, and if you want an alternative to a conventional hearse they will source it for you.
What’s Important?
Getting it right for people is the overriding concern here, and there is nothing that John will allow to get in the way of that. “If someone needs to visit at 2.00am, they can with no extra charge, so long as they let us know,” he says. How many other funeral directors say the same? Does not require payment of disbursements upfront – a thoughtful and, nowadays, highly unusual touch.
We spent time in John’s mortuary and saw for ourselves the care and respect he shows to everyone he takes into his care. You may be absolutely certain that all who have died are looked after here with the utmost professionalism and sincerity of purpose.
What’s Different?
What’s different here is the degree of personal service – which all clients receive. It’s not intrusive, you just know that they’re there for you and nothing’s too much trouble. Absolutely no bossiness. These are very comfortable people to be around. Commitment here extends to attending the funeral service unless you say no. “We routinely help with singing. Chris and I have good voices.” Nice touch.
In keeping with the builder-and-undertaker history of the firm, Pinder’s still occupies a domestic property, a house that was built by John’s grandfather. To John’s parents this was home as, until recently, it was for John and his family. From the front it looks like an ordinary house, but it goes back and back. It’s all very nicely appointed and comfy. John says, “We try to keep it all as homely as possible.” The downstairs arranging room is John’s mother’s old ‘best’ sitting room, it has recently been decorated and furnished (under Jenny’s expert eye) and is quite one of the nicest arranging rooms we’ve been in, set out just like a sitting room with comfortable chairs and sofa around a coffee table.
In the entrance hallway, a grandfather clock keeps time and chimes on the hour (“That belonged to my Auntie”) and there’s a second room upstairs that can be used for a second family to meet with one of the funeral directors if the downstairs arranging room is occupied – “This used to be my bedroom when I was young”. The whole building has the quiet, reassuring feel of a home that has been lived in and loved for more than a century.
Other upstairs rooms are used for storage, while the remainder of the downstairs is taken up by office space and a kitchen with quite the best coffee machine we’ve ever come across.
People who have died are cared for in the building at the back of the house, which contains a large mortuary area and three chapels of rest. You enter into a small reception area where families can sit in privacy while spending time with their relative in the chapel. Jenny’s eye for attractive furnishings can be seen here too, it’s been recently refurbished. There are two small chapels on the right of the corridor, and a larger on to the left. When we visited, each was occupied, and John knew who each of the people were and some of their backgrounds. Coffins are covered with a white voile covering, allowing people to gradually get used to being in the presence of someone dead when first entering the chapel – it’s a nice touch, and gives the same feeling of care that you get from everything else about this company.
The preparation area where people are washed and dressed is sparkling clean, and there are three fridges and a huge cold storage area, ensuring that even in the busiest times, everyone here can be cared for properly.
John recently acquired the neighbouring property, which he has converted into an intimate service chapel for up to 30 people along with a reception room where guests can enjoy time together with refreshments following a service. “This new facility is proving very popular, and if families decide not to attend the subsequent cremation, the cost of a funeral is substantially reduced” he says.
A virtual tour of Pinder’s can be viewed here
The vehicles are kept just along the road at a former car showroom that John acquired recently. Two hearses and three limousines ensure that Pinder’s can normally accommodate any funeral request, and they have also recently added a wheelchair taxi to the fleet which saves families having to try and ring round to find transport for a family member who uses a wheelchair.
Services
- Your call will be answered by either Jenny, Pauline, John, Chris, Jacqui, Michael or Tom. They are there for you 24 hours a day.
- Home Visits – They are very happy to visit you at home to make arrangements. Indeed, they do so for most of their clients.
- Embalming – Do not routinely embalm. Will advise you if they think it is necessary.
- Continuity of Care – Whichever funeral director you speak to first will be there for you all the way through and lead the funeral on the day.
- Family Participation – If you’d like to come in and wash and dress the person who has died, or simply do their hair, they’ll be there for you, to help you or leave you to it.’
- Same Sex person to wash and dress – If you wish, yes. Just ask. Jenny and Jacqui will look after women while the remainder of the team can look after men in their care.
- Ethnic Specialism – Experienced in a wide range of funeral customs and religious requirements.
- Local Celebrants – Outstanding local celebrants if you do not want a full religious service.
- Home arranged funerals – Will gladly help you look after the person who has died at home in any capacity you choose – and has done so.
- Web Site – Helpful, well-designed website with useful information. Nice photo on the home page showing all the staff. That’s John at the front with the beard.
- Client Support – Will put you in touch with a grief counsellor if you wish.
- Prices – Very competitive prices (see here) and a high-calibre service make Pinder’s excellent value for money. If your budget is tight, John will help you make the most of it. If money is a problem, be open about it and he will help you find a way. John’s commitment is to all the people of this community.
- Direct Cremation – offered at £1,272 including all third party fees.
- Parking – Offstreet parking outside the premises.
Remarks
Pinder’s have that gift of making you feel that yours is the only funeral in the world. John has the backing of a really good team. Highly professional, very, very nice, honest, down-to-earth people, responsive to the needs and wishes of their local community. John is not ‘one of them’, he is ‘one of us’.
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.
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Andy O’Sullivan
Dear Robert
I wish to express, on behalf of my family, our gratitude on the service you provided in the funeral arrangements for my Dad, John O’Sullivan.
Your professionalism and approach in all aspects at this painful time for us was exemplary. From initial contact through to the conclusion of matters, the way you have managed the process and dealt with the occasion in a dignified and respectful manner, meant that my family were able to deal with our loss in our own way whilst being confident in your company delivering a service second to none. Your service and approach (even the little touches) met with universal approval from all family and friends.
Your introduction of Paul Hinds was an excellent choice and he delivered a fantastic service and eulogy. As my brother Dean highlighted in his thank you to Paul – he encapsulated what made Dad so special. Paul got it 100% right.
My Dad was great believer in making complaints when service was poor, but in parallel was equally effusive of heaping praise on those who’s service goes above and beyond. I’m sure he would have echoed my sentiments above.
I know Dad would be particularly pleased with the respectful way that his family and friends were able to add their own personal touches and that he was treated with such dignity through his final journey provided a great deal of comfort and pride for us all, allowing us to Celebrate Dads Life.
Thanks again to you and your team.
Best Regards
Andy
(on behalf of Lesley, Dean, Graham and the O’Sullivan family)
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Margaret Boocock Amanda and Nick.
John pinder came very highly recommended me and my family when my husband passed away recently.
His very prompt response to our call was very helpful.
His professionalism,care, and kindness was truly amazing when the arrangements were being made.
He had everything at hand times, dates and everything arranged with such attention to detail.
He was a great comfort to us, the type of guy anyone would want around them at such a sad time. Nothing was too much trouble.
The funeral was exactly what I wanted. We felt so proud and very comforted.
Thankyou John, and of course your team.
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Cheryl Tindale
After calling numerous funeral directors in the Doncaster area, I was instantly drawn in by John’s grace, honesty and sensitivity. Planning a funeral around Christmas time is hard and with John it felt easy. After providing not only the most reasonable quote in Doncaster, John also had a working knowledge of the availability of crematorium dates and coroner enquiries. John was always in contact keeping us up-to-date with what stage we were at and worked well around our needs.
On the day of the service, unfortunately John was not available however, Chris who arrived instead was equally as courteous and knowledgeable.
I will be recommending Pinder & Son to all in need of these services.
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Mr Mrs wrenn
My daughter Shannon wrenn and partner Craig Richardson had a still birth at 28 weeks , we approached Mr John Pinder as he had done my mother n father inlaws funeral and also a close friend recently , but as these were older didn’t no wot to do under these circumstances , but being Mr John Pinder he knew exactly how to deal with everything making us feel so easy ,every detail was taken into consideration and nothing was too much trouble, the care still continues after, he’s always at the end of the phone to talk to and through his kindness and dedication has made us feel we can see light at the end of the tunnel, can’t thank him enough .outstanding service
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Michael Longworth
We as a family have now lost a Brother and a Mother and John Pinder and his team at W.E.Pinder have looked after us.
They are just very good at what they do. From the first phone call reporting the loss of a loved one to the completion of the funeral day they deliver a first class service.
They are efficient in their organization, diplomatic when arrangements are being made when opinions differ. Sympathetic and caring when it matters,
The attention to detail in all the arrangements leading up to the day from all the team is first class. On the day the planning really shows in helping to give our loved ones a send off to be remembered all the worries are lifted. They really do care
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rachel barrass
Would highly recommend John Pinder. When me and my parter lost our baby at 16 weeks gestation we contacted John though recommendation, when John came to visit us about what we wanted he treated us with compassion. The day of the service was just how we wanted it to be and more. Me or my partner and family members who attend the service could not thank John enough.
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Askin family
We have known John and his father before him for a very long time. Since then the business has succesfully grown. However, John and his team always have time to help, support and guide grieving families through the most difficult time in their lifes. John has personally helped our family by taking the stress away so we could focus on our own health and grieve. Thank you John.
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Veena Marsden
John,
Sorry its taken such a long time to say how much you have meant to us when my mum in law died unexpectedly in March 2011.
We were all so devastated and your kind, gentle manner eased us through some of the most difficult moments. Giving us time whenever we knocked on your door, always there to listen and helping us along during our grieving. Words cannot fully express how much you meant to us.
You are a consumate professional!
We were treated with dignity and respect, never made to feel a nuisance and you always made time for us when we needed to speak to you.
At that time we were commuting from Berkshire and you managed everything for us as mum would have wanted.
My husband and I found your kind nature very touching.
So much so that I now hope to make arrangement with you in the event of either of us passing away!
You are an angel! Thankyou John
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Paul Lunn
John Ponder is an amazing man and his team are fantastic. I recently lost my mum in tragic circumstances and John and his team were so fantastic with helping me and my family deal with everything we had to do. No matter what we asked of John he couldn’t of been more helpful. He did everything he could to make the process run smoothly and helped me in being able to give my mum the funeral she deserved. Nothing we asked was to much trouble and he helped us so that we could carry the coffin and let me lead the funeral procession with him. I cannot say just how much they helped us and made everything that we needed to do so much easier.
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Janet Ferguson
I recently lost my sister in tragic circumstances and myself and all the family knew that the only undertaker we wanted to use was John Pinder as in November 1997 I lost my husband and Pinder’s was the undertaker’s I chose to use then. The service then was excellent. John is so understanding, outstandingly professional and nothing is too much trouble. John is sensitive to everyone’s needs and guides you through the whole process giving support and ensuring that everything runs smoothly from beginning to end. After using John nearly seventeen years ago all I can say is the service received recently is still to the same high standard.
I would like to again thank John and all his team and say that I could not recommend this firm more highly. Superb.
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Sue Short
The family of the late Brian Buckley would like to express sincere thanks to John Pinder for the sensitive and understanding support he gave to us all following Dads death on 16th February. When arranging the funeral seemed an impossbly daunting task John and his team where there to take the weight off our shoulders. We could not recommend John more highly.
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Graham and Elizabeth Scott
Chris – we would like to convey our sincere thanks for the wonderful service you provided on 1st March 2013 for our late father , Den Stockley. The professionalism shown by the ‘Pinder’s Team’ was so appreciated and commented on by all those in attendance at both the The Methodist Church Tickhill and Rose Hill Crematorium in Cantley. Everything ran like clockwork, and my wife, son and I could not have been more pleased with all the services Pinders provided. Many heartfelt thanks for all the hard work and guidance you provided the family through extremely difficult times.
I could not recommend this firm more highly.
I hope you agree that the hymns (including your favourite ‘And Can It Be’), congregation and ministers address were all wonderful and we take away with us such happy memories.
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Peter Harris
My late father-in-law died peacefully, in his own home, on Christmas Day evening 2012 at the grand old age of 93 years. John Pinder, who had arranged my mother-in-law’s funeral about 6 years earlier, attended that evening and looked after all the arrangements for the funeral which took place a couple of weeks later. There was a family cremation, a memorial service for nearly 200 people, and refreshments afterwards at a local hotel. Everything ran like clockwork, and my wife and her sister could not have been more pleased with all the services he provided. I could not recommend this firm more highly.
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Mrs Mary E Trevena
When my husband died just a few days before Christmas, I could not have found a better undertaker than John Pinder. He was very professional, sensitive to my needs and that of my family, and provided exactly what we wanted – a dignified, respectful and somehow joyful send-off for my husband. I have already booked my own funeral with W.E.Pinder & Son
Under very sad times, Pinder’s where most professional, helpful and a company I can only very strongly recommend to anyone when that time comes. A1 100% You should use them. Mark Askew 25/03/2020
Dear John,
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to you and your staff for the care and considerations made to mum from the initial meeting to organise her funeral care package to the final committal at The Barnby Moor Crematorium.
Whilst operating in the current difficult times we could not have asked for a better day, how you managed to organise the sunshine will always remain a mystery to us, thank you.
Dear John,
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to you and your staff for the care and considerations made to mum from the initial meeting to organise her funeral care package to the final committal at The Barnby Moor Crematorium.
Having attended funerals administered by others along with W.E.Pinder & Son I have always found that yours are highly regarded. This from a personal point and listening to comments made by others at your administered funerals. Bearing this in mind I will be contacting you to arrange my own funeral care package, having seen how smoothly it all ran at time when the bereaved are consumed with grief at the loss of a loved one. Knowing that mum had arranged the funeral care package beforehand made things much easier for the family.
Whilst operating in the current difficult times we could not have asked for a better day, how you managed to organise the sunshine will always remain a mystery to us, thank you on behalf of the Walker family.