Earth friendly Coffins (what other sort of coffin would you want?):
Woollen Shrouds:
We are lucky to have as part of our team local craftswoman Yuli Somme, who put tremendous study and care into designing beautiful felt shrouds and cradles, drawing on local wool and coppice as materials. We are delighted that the beautiful craft business Yuli created through which to do this – Bellacouche has been taken over by two next generation local craftswomen Ysanne (Yssy) Friend and Anna Goudge. This is such great news and they are even working out of the same studio.
https://www.bellacouche.com/new-page
https://www.bellacouche.com/eco-coffin-alternatives/p/leafcocoon
https://www.bellacouche.com/what-is-a-shroud
Willow Coffins:
Sophia Campbell-Shaw makes beautiful Willow coffins from her base in East Devon: https://www.wovenfarewell.co.uk/
There is someone even more local working towards offering this service however though they have done a few beautiful ones for friends and family, they are not ready to put themselves out there more publicly yet, if this interests you, ask us and we can see where they are on the journey.
Locally grown flowers:
Hedgerow and Meadow: georgia.munday@gmail.com (Georgia makes the most beautiful wreaths)
Sarah Vine (tbc)
Local Stone and stone Mason. Only uk provenance headstone flat to the ground, maximum size 30 x 40 cm, see terms and conditions (imported headstones are a crazy purchase in a time of climateemergency).
Matt Diffey: maximusdiffus@gmail.com North Dartmoor based, works with granite.
Bruce Kirby, Dartington based. https://www.brucekirbycarving.com/headstones
Lloyd Mortimore, Dartmoor based (dont have contact as yet).
Wooden memorials: peachwood@gmail.com based in Drewsteignton
Zoe Singleton is based on the west of the moor now and works in welsh or cornish slate, 07951 593599
It is also possible to carve your own so long as fits within guidance above. (example in Cornish Slate from Tintagel church).
Local Minibus Hire outside of school pick up times:
Pete Northway: 07799 126932 broadhalls@gmail.com
For ceremonies before or wakes after, our village has some great spaces you can draw on:
The Jubilee Hall/Endacott House/The 3 Churches.
As well as our great pubs, many of whom have private spaces if needed:
The Ring of Bells, The Globe, The Chagford Inn, and The Three Crowns
There are also a number of local caterers and cafes who could potentially be drawn on for example:
Funeral Directors, The Natural Death Centre, says “there is no legal requirement to use the services of a funeral director but many families find the prospect of organising a funeral entirely without support from an undertaker very daunting, not least from a practical point of view. A middle road is to find a funeral director who will provide as much or as little help as you require.” The following local ones come recommended and at least one member of their staff has had familiarity with the site:
https://www.drewandsonsfunerals.co.uk/ (Okehampton)
https://www.christophersfunerals.co.uk/ (Ashburton)
https://www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk/ (Buckfastleigh)
https://thegreenfuneralcompany.co.uk/ havent been physically present for a funeral with us as yet, though they did recently play the undertaker role sensitively for someone who did have a burial here.
Celebrants: If you want support organising a funeral ceremony itself, as well as the local church ministry who are obviously experienced and skilled in this regard, beyond friends and family, you can draw on others also trained and experienced in such things.
Fiona Law is based in Hatherleigh.
Roly Pargette is based in Chagford.
Aamasade is based and mainly works in London, so wouldnt always be available, however she does have a strong connection and love of Dartmoor and so is open to play her part if called on.