Dandelion Farewells

03/10/2025

*Concern & Caution*

… a “no fuss funeral”
… “fuss-free direct cremation”
… “I don’t want a fuss”
~ these phrases in marketing and conversations around funerals has got us thinking:
What does the word “fuss” even mean?

Each of us will have our own use and interpretation of the word “fuss”; the daytime adverts apply this terminology to suggest that arrangements for an attended funeral would be an emotional and practical inconvenience!

~ But actually, we think that through connecting, participating, attending a ritual of farewell in the presence of the coffin (wherever this may be held) is deeply significant and the value of this shouldn’t be casually manipulated or disregarded.
(Note: if “fuss” involves the conventional funeral cars and flowers: don’t opt for this!)

We provide our Simple Farewell (direct cremation) https://dandelionfarewells.com/a-simple-farewell/ from our own premises, meeting with you in-person to make the arrangements, providing the option for you to visit your person in our care, travelling to the crematorium at a date & time of your choosing, with the identical care and dignity for each individual person as an attended funeral.
(~ this is not the format offered by many online companies)

At recent professional conferences (see previous posts) the theme of ‘direct cremation’ has been an interesting topic of concern, for multiple reasons. You can read the presentation given by the The Good Funeral Guide CIC in this link:
https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/2025/10/talking-about-direct-cremation/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANM6ZZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpwSUMxcTxKkObOeUyXI2RfYjo_5YGYLZhmuvyR5-bfU0Yu78VM1MLz9oCjN_aem_lgc53L1WLZiAh3_Ih7dXMA

Please get in touch with Dandelion Farewells if you want to discuss these options and possibilities in more detail.
And *watch this space* ~ we’re planning an opportunity for a community Q&A event in the coming weeks.

SAIF independent funeral directors

30/09/2025

‘Tis conference season in our sector and it’s true to say that Dandelion Farewells will endeavour to attend each opportunity for learning, discussion and networking.
Many of our colleagues tease us about this, “you love a conference (+ eye-rolling )” ~ well, Yes! Absolutely, we do! - because we are committed to developing ourselves and shaping our company in the light of accurate up-to-date information and best practice; and we benefit from the extensive multidisciplinary bereavement professionals network we are within and have developed trusted relationships sharing mutual support.
~ and this benefits the people in our care and those organising the funeral.

Today and tomorrow, we are at the annual conference for the ICCM - Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management for two days of learning and support:
~ Empowering bereavement professionals to achieve great things.
Conference theme: Embracing change


(Note too, our gratitude to the proficient colleague team continuing the work at Dandelion Farewells.)

27/09/2025

We are at a professional Education Day hosted by SAIF independent funeral directors.
It is important for us to meet with colleagues from other trusted independent funeral companies, to engage; discuss current themes in the sector and discern ideas we can consider to enhance our support to families and strength of our company.
Training and development is a significant focus for Dandelion Farewells; we understand that you place your trust in our team and we want to ensure we are informed and skilled to the highest standards.

25/09/2025

Reflections of our Open Day held on Tuesday:
~ thank you to Sophie Ward Photography for capturing great images which highlight many of the key people who have supported this significant phase of growing into our new premises
~ (top left) Jim (my very patient & supportive husband), Dave Barter (excellent builder), Darren Burns (inspired architect)
~ (top right) Alice Dubens-Chambers, local Horsham artist for beautiful bespoke paintings
~ (bottom left) Chrissy of Bud and Flower (Kirdford) who kindly gifted all the floral arrangements to enhance our premises
~ (bottom right) Luna & Geoff (Silvertip Films) who have curated our initial library of information films (see our YouTube channel and website) and visited to chat about the next schedule of filming
~ and TEAM DF (right to left) Clare, Andy, Den & Sarah ~ my incredible colleagues!
I am so grateful to you all.

We welcomed visitors from our village; celebrants; funeral directors; care professionals in residential and community services; hospice team; and our friends & family.
And not forgetting our gorgeous cakes, by Emma Foden (Set the Date Catering)

A very special day made possible through the support and partnership with you all,
~ “Thank you!”

23/09/2025

Open Day highlights aplenty; with deepest gratitude to many people, we will share our reflections in the next few days.
This evening, we are humbled and delighted to read & repost this feedback from Vern:

21/09/2025

Signposting to this opportunity for bereavement support ~ a warm invitation is extended to anyone who feels it would be helpful at this time.
(Dandelion Farewells is not involved in this group, but wholeheartedly endorses the resources being shared and those facilitating the group.)

‘The Bereavement Journey’ is for anyone who has been bereaved at any time and in any way. It provides a safe space for bereaved people to process their grief through films and discussions. While the course has optional Christian faith content, it welcomes people of all faiths and none.

Cornerstone Methodist Church at Cornerstone St Andrews, Crawley Road, Roffey, Horsham, RH12 4DX will be starting ‘The Bereavement Journey’ course, every Friday, 10.15am for 10.30am start, for 7 weeks, starting from 17th October. £5 for the whole course Contact Deacon Sarah to book: [email protected]

18/09/2025

Just a few days until our Open Day at Dandelion Farewells ~ an opportunity for you to see the newly refurbished buildings and the spaces we have created to fulfil our support for funeral care. Meet the team, ask any questions, enjoy tea/coffee & cake ~ we look forward to seeing you. Please share the poster below with friends & networks ~ all welcome.
*Tuesday 23rd September, 10am-3pm*

15/09/2025

Recent weekends away visiting our own families, but teased and enticed by the ‘local’ Crematiorium Open Days!!

North Wiltshire Crematorium, Swindon alongside Mead Family Funerals and Heart in their Hand Project;
Redditch Crematorium, meeting again with A Natural Undertaking
~ here’s their hook:
“Since we started 11 years ago, we’ve encouraged people to ask questions, visit cemeteries and crematoria and just make sure they know their facts and choices when it comes to dying, death and funerals.
So, we really like it when crematoria open their doors and welcome people in to do just that!”
~ a big “HEAR, HEAR! WE AGREE!” from Dandelion Farewells.

“Now, you might think it’s the weirdest day out, but we’re pretty confident that once there, you’ll be fascinated by the conversation and how they work, and you’ll wonder why you never thought to ask the questions before…
Want to know what happens when the coffin disappears? How does the crematorium make sure it’s only your ashes your family receives? How hot are the cremators? What happens to your fillings?”

Every day’s a school day, right?
~ project: to ask Worthing Crematorium to host a community day… interested? … watch this space…

12/09/2025

Congratulations to our colleagues at Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors (Horsham, Billingshurst, Crawley, Hassocks) ~ marking 170 years of their business.

Independent funeral directors are key for choice and local care, amid the increasing challenges we face from large national corporate chains (serving shareholders) and online companies (logistics teams, not funeral directors).
[*these are our opinions, not specifically those of Freeman Brothers]

We encourage you to ‘shop around’ ~ find the people that represent your ethos and feel right for you. Ask the questions that are important to you. We will always be completely honest and transparent providing information you request.
Get in touch with us if you would like a copy of the excellent resource provided by The Good Funeral Guide ~ ‘Choosing a funeral director - some useful questions’.

06/09/2025

Highlighting two great opportunities this month to find out more about funeral options ~ talk about ‘the elephant in the room’ & start to ‘line up your ducks’!

Our colleagues at Freeman Brothers are marking 170yrs of providing funeral care in Horsham, a remarkable achievement for an independent company in our profession. On Wednesday 10th (this coming week) they are hosting an event at Hills Cemetery Chapel (Horsham), including a Q&A with funeral professionals (very pleased to see that Beth Kirkham Ceremonies is involved); also, beautiful horse drawn carriage with Sonny Hillier Horse Drawn Carriages.

Then, on Tuesday 23rd: Dandelion Farewells’ Open Day at our premises in Wisborough Green. We warmly invite you to pop over, marking this special phase of our growth in our 10th anniversary year ~ new building refurbished and new colleagues in our team ~ exceptional facilities, resources and people available to support individual funeral care in our local town and villages. An opportunity for everyone to ask any questions, share ideas and develop connections.

… something for everyone.

05/09/2025

Clare & Judith have both engaged with this workshop and it is incredibly moving, connected and meaningful.
Dandelion Farewells ~ going deeper with our understanding of dying, death & bereavement.
Highly recommend Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant ~ Dying for a Cuppa workshop & podcast series.

Today’s Dying for a Cuppa masterclass has left me feeling so grateful with my cup so full. Every time I run this session, I’m blown away by the honesty, the courage, and the trust people bring with them.

It’s never just about death education. It’s about connection, conversation, and those beautiful moments of support that ripple out from the group. We share, we listen, we laugh, and we hold space for the experiences that shape us — past, present, and future. The groups have all been unique with each person sharing stories, and that makes for such a rich learning environment as well as genuine connections and growth.

Every session reminds me why I love this work (not that I ever really forget) It shifts perspectives, opens hearts, and helps us approach death and dying with more compassion, understanding, inspiration and even hope 💫

The next sessions are coming up soon — September (online although fully booked) October (online - spaces available) and November (in person - last 2 spaces left). If you’d like to join, drop me your email and I’ll share all the details.

Here’s to more cups of tea, slices of cake, more connection, and more brave conversations. And here’s to all of us getting better at doing death and dying with more awareness and less fear ❤️

31/08/2025

To the curious, the cheerleader, the community engager, the client interested for the future, our partners in care provider organisations, our colleagues in the funeral professions ~ ALL are welcome to our Open Day on Tuesday 23rd September, as we celebrate the completion of our new offices connected to our original premises: Crown View meets Church View!
Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested ~ an opportunity to meet our team (including new colleagues), walk through the rooms and ask any questions ~ or just enjoy coffee and cake!