16 January 2026
How Long Does Grief Last? Understanding Bereavement Timelines
Grief has no fixed timeline. Learn how long bereavement may last, what affects recovery and when ongoing grief may need extra support.
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11 December 2025
Memorial Christmas Tree Tribute 2025
Join Rowland Brothers’ annual Memorial Christmas Tree tradition. Honour loved ones with a tribute and access free bereavement support.
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21 December 2024
The Obituary of Royal Navy Veteran, Donald Bell (1931 – 2024)
In Dec 2024, we were honoured to conduct the funeral of Donald Bell, a dignified veteran of the Royal Navy and a dedicated public servant.
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5 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Arthur Easey
We recently had the privilege of conducting the funeral for Arthur Easey, affectionately known as Ralph to his friends.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Captain Anthony (Tony) Reddy
We had the honour of conducting the funeral for Captain Anthony Reddy, a veteran and respected figure in the cadet and military communities.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Andrew Boyd
We had the honour of conducting the funeral service for Andrew Boyd, a dedicated Paramedic veteran of the London Ambulance Service.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Dennis Wheeler
The funeral of Royal Air Force Veteran Dennis Wheeler was a poignant event and he was supported by friends from the Union Jack Club in London.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Festus Fairweather
The funeral of Festus Fairweather, a Jamaican veteran who served in the Royal Air Force, a poignant tribute to a remarkable life.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Reverend Alan Bowley
Reverend Alan Bowley was a man of extraordinary dedication and character, whose life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
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4 December 2024
Rowland Brothers Veteran Stories - Tony John
The late Tony John, a proud veteran of the 2nd and 10th Battalions of The Parachute Regiment, was taken from us far too soon.
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6 November 2024
RB Honoured with Armed Forces Covenant Gold Awards
Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors is proud to announce it has been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.
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29 October 2024
New Branch | West Wickham Funeral Directors
RB Funeral Directors has proudly announced the transition of JR Killick Funeral Directors, West Wickham into a new office under the RB.
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5 June 2024
Honouring the Heroes: Remembering D-Day, June 6, 1944
As the sun rose over the Normandy coastline on June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied soldiers prepared to undertake what would become one of the largest and most pivotal military operations of World War II: D-Day.
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26 April 2024
Understanding the Value of a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK | LPA
This article aims to shed light on the crucial reasons why arranging an LPA is a wise decision for any individual in the UK.
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12 April 2024
Understanding Traditional Funeral Services: A Guide from Rowland Brothers
This guide provides an overview of what to expect and how we can assist you in planning a dignified and respectful farewell.
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5 March 2024
Eco-Friendly Funerals | Honouring Lives Sustainably
We understand the growing desire for eco-friendly funerals. Our commitment to sustainability honours both your loved ones and the planet.
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19 February 2024
Pros and Cons of Direct Cremation: An Overview
In this article we provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of direct cremation to help individuals and families.
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2 February 2024
The Critical Importance of Writing a Will
This article explores the reasons why writing a will is so important in the UK.
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22 December 2023
Supporting Your Senior Loved One After the Loss of Their Partner
This guide offers compassionate ways to help your loved one cope, focusing on social connections and support during their grief journey.
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15 December 2023
Honoring Loved Ones At Christmas: Our Memorial Tree - RB
We again have a the Memorial Tree up in our branches over the Christmas period, with the chance to hang a message of remembrance.
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7 December 2023
6 Ways to Navigate Grief During the Christmas Season
In this blog, we explore ways to navigate grief in the Christmas period, aiming to guide you towards finding moments of solace and healing.
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6 September 2023
Navigating the Journey: Supporting Someone with Alzheimer's
Discover the ways you can honour your fathers memory and cope with your grief on Fathers Day.
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6 September 2023
Triumph Through Tragedy: How to Handle Grief
Discover the ways you can honour your fathers memory and cope with your grief on Fathers Day.
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1 June 2023
Coping with Grief on Father's Day
Discover the ways you can honour your fathers memory and cope with your grief on Fathers Day.
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16 May 2023
What is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation can be a good option for some people, depending on their personal preferences and circumstances.
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9 May 2023
How To Talk about Death At Work
Discussing death at work can be a difficult, but it is important. Here are some tips for how to a talk about death at work.
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21 March 2023
What Is a Funeral Plan and Why Is It Important?
Funeral planning is an essential part of preparing for the end of life. While it can be a difficult subject to approach but it is crucial to plan ahead so that your loved ones are not left with the burden of making arrangements during an incredibly emotional and stressful time. Funeral plans are an effective way to ensure that your final wishes are carried out and your loved ones are taken care of.
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25 October 2022
Floating Funeral Arranger- Careers with RB Funerals
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and committed Funeral Arranger to join Rowland Brothers based in the Croydon area.
Read more → 25 October 2022
Funeral Operative - Careers with RB Funerals
This is an exciting opportunity for a Funeral Operative to join Rowland Brothers based in the Croydon area.
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14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – Cpl James (Jim) Carpenter
Cpl James (Jim) Carpenter joined the Army at the young age of 16 in 1955 ( Service number 23503886).
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – Eileen Bascombe - Funeral Directors
Eileen Bascombe was a leading Aircraftswoman in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF), she was in the Air Force during the second world war.
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – Elsie Eastman
Elsie Eastman was a World War Two Royal Auxiliary Air Force veteran.
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – James Tabor - Funeral Directors
We conducted the funeral of James Tabor, a friend of Tony Rowland who also was the conductor.
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – James Smith
James Smith was a veteran of The Royal Navy. With approximate dates, this is his navy service on board ships:
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – John Wilson - Funeral Directors
John (Jack) (Tug) Wilson served in the Irish Guards and then in the 1st (Guards) Independent Company, The Parachute Company.
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – Robert Gandy - Funeral Directors
John Soggee is a twice veteran. He served in the armed forces in the parachute Regiment and after joined the Metropolitan Police Service.
Read more → 14 October 2022
Veteran Stories – O'Stiubhart
Ruaraidh (Rory) O'Stiubhart was in the Royal Army Medical Corps service number 22812296.
Read more → 10 October 2022
Experienced Floating Funeral Arranger- Careers with RB Funerals
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and committed Funeral Arranger to join Rowland Brothers based in the Croydon area.
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9 September 2022
Rest in Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II
Rest in Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II
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23 May 2022
The Language of Sympathy Card Messages
Rowland Brothers invite the residents of Warlingham, Hamsey Green and Caterham to our Remembrance Light a Candle Service.
Read more → 15 March 2022
Funeral Arranger - Careers with Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and committed Funeral Arranger to join Rowland Brothers based in the Croydon area.
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25 February 2022
FCA Regulation
Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors Croydon statement on new FCA regulation of the funeral services sector.
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3 February 2022
Our Response To The Growing Problem Of Knife Crime In Croydon
Rowland Brothers Foundation response to the growing problem of knife crime in Croydon.
Read more → 25 January 2022
Funeral Directors Announces the Appointment of New Board Members
Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors Announces the Appointment of New Board Members. Read what our new members have to say
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12 January 2022
Rowland Brothers Foundation Schools Project
Rowland Brothers Foundation Schools Project is in response to the fact that 30 young people were stabbed and murdered in London in 2021.
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20 December 2021
Guidance for Funerals During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Guidance for Funerals During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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6 December 2021
Christmas Memorial Tree 2021
Rowland Brothers have been privileged to serve you, and we are aware that the approaching season of Christmas can be difficult to cope with.
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6 December 2021
Remembering Those We Love at Christmas
Rowland Brothers invite the residents of Warlingham, Hamsey Green and Caterham to our Remembrance Light a Candle Service.
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3 December 2021
3 Unusual Ways To Commemorate A Loved One
Losing somebody you love is one of the hardest things a person can go through
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3 December 2021
A Guide To Coping with Grief at Christmas
It’s National Grief Awareness Week from December 2nd – 8th an event that feels particularly pertinent given the impact of the Covid19 pandemic
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3 December 2021
What to Write in a Christmas Card When Someone Has Died
Get advice on what to write on a Christmas Card to someone who is recently bereaved, or whether to send cards if you are bereaved.
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14 October 2021
Masonic Funerals - Frederick White and Alan Wright
We have had the honour of conducting two Masonic funerals recently, one for Frederick White and the second for Alan Wright.
Read more → 14 October 2021
Veteran Stories – Charles - Funeral Directors
Charles, served in The Royal Artillery in the second World War and fought in the Battle of Normandy Beach on D Day, Arnhem and into Germany.
Read more → 14 October 2021
Veteran Stories – Cyril Songhurst - Funeral Directors
Cyril Songhurst went into the boy’s service, General service corps until 22.10.57 where he joined the Royal Armoured Corps.
Read more → 14 October 2021
Veteran Stories – John Rule Sr.
John Rule senior is the father of one of our own here at Rowland Brothers who we looked after on his final journey
Read more → 14 October 2021
Veteran Stories – Lt Colonel Kenneth Frederick Travers
Lt Colonel Kenneth Frederick Travers I think one of the highest ranking veterans to pass through our care.
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30 April 2021
Advice on Writing and Delivering a Eulogy
Check out our blog for all the tips you'll need when writing and delivering a Eulogy to do justice to your friend or relative
Read more → 5 March 2021
Veteran Stories – John Soggee - Funeral Directors
John Soggee is a twice veteran. He served in the armed forces in the parachute Regiment and after joined the Metropolitan Police Service.
Read more → 5 March 2021
Veteran Stories – Lesley Albert Bates
Les passed 10 days after his wife and we conducted a double funeral service, with full military honours and Royal Marines buglers playing.
Read more → 5 March 2021
Veteran Stories – William (Bill) Wheeler
William Wheeler, known by all as Bill, who was born in Thornton Heath, has sadly passed away at the grand age of 96.
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4 December 2020
What to Say to Someone Who is Grieving
Grief is such an isolating experience, that any indication of concern helps remind me that people do care, that I’m not totally alone.
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2 December 2020
Christmas Memorial Tree 2020
Rowland Brothers have been privileged to serve you, and we are aware that the approaching season of Christmas can be difficult to cope with.
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3 November 2020
Veteran Stories - Antoinette Chambeyron
Read the story of Antoinette Chambeyron, a World War 2 veteran whose funeral was recently organised by Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Randolf de Souza
Randolf was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He was part of the anti-submarine patrols during the cold war he flew mainly Shackleton’s.
Read more → 21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Charles
At Charles funeral the RAF standard was paraded and the cadets of the Air Training Corps from 97 Squadron formed a guard of honour.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories Colin Price
For Colin, a veteran of the Royal Artillery and Korean War, we arranged for The Royal Artillery standard bearer at his funeral.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Clive Knowles
We conducted a funeral for Clive Knowles a veteran of The Royal Fusiliers.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories
Dave was a Metropolitan Police officer. The funeral had police outriders, a guard of honour and helicopter as tribute to 48 years’ service.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Dean Purcell
At Dean’s funeral there were 11 standard bearers, 8 Royal British Legion Riders, pearly Kings and Queens & a serving grenadier Guard Chaplain
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories - Edward (Ron) Jackson
At Rons funeral we had serving officers from his regiments and the Ensign on the Belfast was flown half-mast for the duration of the service.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Desmond Warner
At the outbreak of WW2 Des lied about his age and joined the Home Guard at 13 years old. He became a Sergeant by 15.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Edward
At St Christopher’s church was the funeral of ex Flt Sgt Edward McRae aged 93 a veteran of 50 Squadron RAF Bomber Command.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Fred Lay
Fred never claimed his National Service Medal one was sourced in a presentation box so he could have it displayed on his coffin.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Herbert Smith
Present at Herberts funeral were the Standards of the Royal British legion and the Normandy association along with Colonel McRobbie.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories Len Rowe
During the Blitz, Len served with the 52nd (London) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment and then in the 82nd West African Division as a Bombardier
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Jones
Jones was a 6-year veteran of the RCT and RLC. His funeral had Royal British Legion Riders escorting and a bugler from the Scots guards.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Raymond (Razor) Kinder
Raymond Kinder was in the army before the outbreak of World War 2 and was 3 months short of reaching 101 years old when he passed away.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Ronald Wonacott
Ronald was a world war two Royal Marine veteran who was sent into action in Norway at the start of the war.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Stanley Spackman
Stanley was Ex Royal Airforce Force 255 Squadron. He served in the WWII in North Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Sicily, Italy, Malta and Egypt.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Steven Wilson Undy
Stephen served in the Royal Engineers from 04/07/1951 as career soldier and he served in the Korean War and Japan
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Tony Pacitti
Tony was captured in Singapore and marched through the Far East working on both the Burma Railway and the Bridge in the Kwai.
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21 October 2020
Veteran Stories – Walter Price
Walter was as an ex-serviceman who was a member of the Royal Artillery. With the help of Veterans we sent him off on his final march in honor
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11 September 2020
George Parsons War Story
War Story from George Parsons, formally The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers then 2 Commando, a Minister and a Chelsea pensioner.
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4 June 2020
My Bereavement Counselling Through COVID-19
My bereavement counselling through COVID-19 has changed and in this blog I am going to explain how and the types of clients I have been working with.
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18 March 2020
COVID 19 Notice
At Rowland Brothers, we recognise that amid this pandemic, we all have fears and concerns for the safety of our families and loved ones.
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3 February 2020
An Elderly Gentleman's View of Bereavement
Hear about coping with bereavement from someone who has lost friends, acquaintances, co-workers, parents, relatives and neighbours.
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3 December 2019
Christmas Memorial Tree 2019
If you would like to help you if you are grieving by inviting you to place a memorial tag on our Christmas tree, in memory of the person you have lost.
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22 November 2019
Are You Struggling With Grief This Winter?
Less sunshine and darker evenings can make us change our normal activities and leave us feeling isolated. Add in a bereveament and we can struggle to cope.
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8 November 2019
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior: A History
Lying in Westminster Abbey, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is a National Act of Remembrance, representative of all those we lost in the Great War.
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9 October 2019
Anger in Bereavement - How Counselling Can Help
Anger is a common, normal response to bereavement. We get angry when we cannot control what is happening to us and can be confusing.
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26 September 2019
Multiple Losses: How to Cope with Loss & Change
When I first started facilitating bereavement groups, I sort of assumed that people would be coming for help for “just” one loss.
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30 August 2019
Never Alone - A New Drop In Facility
The Rowland Brothers Foundation is pleased to present their new initiative 'Never Alone' an informal place for people who are coming to terms with loss.
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1 August 2019
Grieving By Aviva Keren Barnett
There is not a way to ‘grieve well’. As human beings, we grieve differently, and it was always dependant on the relationship we had with the deceased.
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27 February 2019
Child Bereavement Counselling Training Event
Bereavement counselling for children
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27 February 2019
Bereavement Counselling Training 'Whats It All About?'
Bereavement counselling education seminars
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12 February 2019
RB Foundation Christmas Tree Appeal Supports 4 Local Charities - RB
Representatives of four local charities received cheques from the Rowland Brothers Foundation as a result of Rowland Brothers’ 2018 Christmas Tree Appeal.
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4 January 2019
Tony Rowland Awarded MBE in New Years Honours List
Tony Rowland has been awarded an MBE ‘For services to Undertaking and the community in Surrey’ in the New Years Honours List.
Read more → 29 December 2018
Funeral director who pioneered free bereavement counselling is made an MBE
Tony Rowland has been awarded an MBE ‘For services to Undertaking and the community in Surrey’ in the New Years Honours List.
Read more →27 April 2018
Driver/Bearer Part-Time Casual - Careers
Driver / Bearer needed on part-time, casual basis in Croydon area. Skills needed: Full Clean Driving Licence, Personable, Warm and Friendly.
Read more →25 April 2018
Funeral Arranger Vacancy - Careers
Want to work at Rowland Brothers? We're looking for a Funeral Arranger to meet with clients and handle their affairs from start to finish and clearly explain and communicate.
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12 April 2018
Grief and Moving Beyond the Loss of a Spouse
The majority of widowed men and women are seniors, who may have never envisioned a life without their partner. But despite grief, life goes on and the surviving spouse must take care of themselves lest they leave their family with another empty spot at the dinner table.
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6 March 2018
Coping with Grief on Mother’s Day
While mother's day is a celebration to honour your mother and everything she does, for others it's can be extremely painful. If you suffering with a bereavement see our top tips to cope with the day.
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30 June 2017
The Dads Army Challenge 2017
Rowland Brothers have taken the Race the Sun Challenge. Help us reach our total- sponsor us raising money for Action Medical Research & the Lily Foundation.
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16 June 2017
Caring for our Emergency Services
In the aftermath of recent disasters, emergency services have shown us dedication and fearlessness. Read more about the importance of access to Counselling.
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14 June 2017
Coping With Your Loss on Father’s Day
Rowland Brothers offer bereavement support to help you with your grief of the loss of your Father this Father's Day. Read our tips, here.
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5 June 2017
Grief Seminars Offer Support in Croydon
Following the six-month anniversary of the Croydon tram tragedy, Rowland Brothers offer a free full-day seminar to help those affected.
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5 June 2017
Tailored to Fit: 100% Assistance
RBI International Ops Manager Fiona Greenwood knows that despite the tragic situations her team encounters every day, there is still huge satisfaction in helping families at their lowest ebb with their funeral repatriation.
Read more →24 April 2017
Funeral Operative Vacancy - Careers
Rowland Brothers currently have a job vacancy for a Funeral Operative. If you would be interested in applying find more details, here.
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7 April 2017
3 Things That Help After the Loss of a Spouse
Losing a spouse can be one of the most difficult experiences. Find out 3 recommendations of things that may help after the loss of a spouse.
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13 March 2017
How to Handle Mother’s Day Without Your Mum
Follow our 5 tips to take care of yourself through the loss of your mother this mother's day. We offer advice and are here to provide bereavement support.
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5 December 2016
Flowers or Charitable Donations?
Should you gift flowers or give charitable donations at funerals? Sometimes its hard to know what is appropriate at different funerals and different religions. We talk about the options.
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24 November 2016
What Music Are We Playing At Our Funerals?
As funeral music and playlists have become exceedingly popular, Rowland Brothers explore what music the UK public choose to play at their funerals.
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22 November 2016
Teen Wins Right to be Cryogenically Frozen
In a landmark case, a 14-year-old girl won the right to be cryogenically frozen. Rowland Brothers International repatriated her to the US to be preserved.
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14 November 2016
ITV Reveals Britons Unprepared for Funerals
ITV Tonight identified in their documentary Funerals: A Costly Undertaking? that the majority of the British public do not have a funeral plan.
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4 November 2016
2016 ITIJ Industry Award Winner
Rowland Brothers branch, Rowland Brothers International are the first winners of the ITIJ 2016 Ancillary Assistance Service Provider of the Year.
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3 November 2016
10 Ways to Honour Your Loved One’s Ashes
Rowland Brothers suggest 10 traditional and unique ways to honour your loved one's ashes, that will celebrate their life.
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20 October 2016
Why is Memorial Jewellery so Popular?
What is Memorial Jewellery? Memorial jewellery contains the ashes of your loved one's within a pendant, gem, blown glass and more.
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12 October 2016
10 Poem Suggestions for When Someone Passes
For help thinking of a eulogy or memorial speech read our suggested 10 poems, suitable for funerals. There is a funeral poem that can suit everyone.
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7 October 2016
A Personalised Funeral is the Best Celebration of Life
Have you considered how you could make your loved one's funeral more unique? A personalised funeral is a meaningful way to celebrate your loved one's life.
Read more →20 September 2016
5 Observations of Grief
If you or a loved one are experiencing grief, ensure you observe and assist with these feelings to help them through the bereavement process.
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8 September 2016
Can Dogs Mourn the Loss of Their Owners?
After the earthquake disaster in Italy, a dog remained by the side of his owner's coffin. Does this suggest dogs mourn the loss of their owner?
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26 August 2016
An Increase in Celebrity Deaths in 2016?
Throughout 2016 it feels like there has been an increase in celebrity deaths. As baby boomers get older we should anticipate the loss of more celebrities.
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12 August 2016
Plan Your Own Funeral
A funeral plan is important to ensure your loved ones are aware of your wishes after your passing. A pre-paid funeral plan will help ease the burden.
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20 June 2016
The Armed Forces Covenant
On 20th June 2016 Rowland Brothers are proud to announce that, we are the first funeral directors in the Country to sign an Armed Forces Covenant, thus pledging our ongoing support and showing our commitment to the service families of those who serve our Country past, present and future.
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17 June 2016
Jo Cox
The Rowland Brothers Family and staff members would like to offer our sincere condolences to Jo Cox’s family, friends and all affected following her tragic murder in the streets of her constituency.
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