BUSINESS
inside THE BUSINESS :
ABBEY FUNERAL SERVICES
Our Family Caring For Your Family
MOST PEOPLE RELY ON FUNERAL DIRECTORS TO BRING SENSITIVITY AND DIGNITY TO FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS , AND THOSE ARE TWO OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND FAMILY MANAGED ABBEY FUNERAL SERVICES LTD .
Founded by Jim and Chris Parker in 1983 and joined by their daughter Jo in 1993 , the awardwinning Tonbridge and Rusthall-based firm have cared for families in Tonbridge , Tunbridge Wells , Southborough , Hadlow , Hildenborough , East Peckham , Pembury , Paddock Wood and neighbouring areas ever since .
As one of West Kent ’ s leading funeral services , and with over 40 years ’ experience , Abbey Funeral Services prides itself on being able to support and advise you on any aspect of funeral planning , whether that is an immediate need , direct cremation or planning for the future ; as well as offering the piece of mind of a company that delivers the utmost of standards .
Chris and Jim have both been National President of the Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors ( SAIF ) and have always believed in providing the highest standards . This was the first time that both a husband and wife had been honoured in this way in any funeral related trade organisation . Jo has also completed her year as National President 2022 / 23 , making this a double first for Abbey with three members of the family over two generations being elected by their peers to become national president .
“ We are immensely proud to have been elected to represent our profession in this way .”
Although now both retired , Jim still attends the funerals of people he has known and Chris has a deep involvement with training and education in the wider profession serving the Independent Funeral Directors College first as director of education and then principal for many years . In addition , Chris is involved in running the company ’ s unique bereavement support programme , Friends Together , a network that cares for over 250 members of their community .
Having worked for the family for over 30 years , Jo is very much the face of Abbey overseeing all of the day-to-day business and taking over from her mother , Chris , as managing director in September 2019 . The firm has thus remained at the forefront of industry best practice and is well respected by both the local community and within the profession .
Abbey is committed to ensuring that every family is supported throughout and beyond the funeral of their loved one , with a team of fully trained staff , through the IFD College , who will listen sensitively to your wishes and endeavour to provide the service that is right for you , your family and your loved one .
Every member of our staff is also a dementia friend and has attended a dementia awareness training session , championed by Chris who set up and chairs Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Community . Abbey was proudly awarded a ‘ Working to Become Dementia Friendly ’ symbol from Kent Dementia Action Alliance as well as being named runner up in the 2017 Dementia Friendly Kent Awards for the most dementia friendly small business in the county .
As an independent family funeral directors , Abbey will endeavour to carry out your every requirement , whatever your wishes , for either a funeral or direct cremation . The award-winning , fully-trained team will support you to ensure you have as much or as little involvement in the ceremony as you wish , explaining the entire process so you are fullyinformed and can make the right decision for you and your family .
Abbey is dedicated to providing an efficient and caring service at your time of need . Your needs and wishes are paramount and all funerals will be tailored to suit you , your family and your loved one . Abbey ’ s community bereavement support program is also available to help you following your loss .
Our family has over 40 years ' experience in funeral services and is privileged to care for families in Tonbridge , Tunbridge Wells , Hildenborough , Paddock Wood , Southborough , East Peckham , Hadlow , Rusthall , Pembury , Langton Green and more areas in West Kent . Call us on 01732 360328 or visit www . abbeyfs . co . uk .
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