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G & L Evans Independent Family Funeral Services
Address: 28, Newburgh Place, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7DN. Branches in Faringdon and Wroughton
Phone: 01367 242762 (Faringdon) 01793 765138 (Highworth) Email: Geoff@evansfunerals.com Web: http://www.evansfunerals.com
Funeral Director/s: Geoff Evans (one of the two founders of the firm (which started in 2002)) Dip FD and LMBIFD and Frank Dixon (both in their 50’s) bring vast experience to what is now a mature business. No “I joined the family business straight from school” history here for Geoff. After five years with the Royal Navy, he found himself (in 1982) at a major branch of the Co-op’s Yorkshire operation and was so impressed with the skill, dedication and care shown by their embalmer, he decided this would be his long term vocation. Three busy fully ‘hands on” years followed with a local Co-op branch before Geoff moved to Kent. From 1996 to 2001, he played a major part at a then independent funeral director in Wiltshire. When that business was bought by the Co-op, Geoff decided the time was right to strike out on his own. With his wife Lesley Jane, G&L Evans was borne, initially in Faringdon and then the next year at Highworth, which became the head office. Bright relaxing and comfortable premises in Highworth. In 2009 a branch was opened nearby in Wroughton, the largest village in Wiltshire. Unlike many funeral directors, Geoff has no hesitation in being forward with his charging structure, clients can view details in the entrance to the premises, in the arranging room and also on their website. Out of death leisure interests for Geoff include formula one motor racing, his motorcycle and the family’s dogs.
Specific Gravity: Although this business follows the traditional route of top hats and allied attire, there is no doubt that the client can have whatever they want and all requests will be entertained. They have carried out a funeral wearing yellow shirts and red ties. Geoff is very ‘up beat’ on training and constantly follows new trends in the funeral profession. His experience extends to bereavement counseling, international repatriation and exhumation.
What’s important? We liked the fact that Geoff and Frank both wore ties with the name of the business, with similar details on their name badges and that they both dressed in sensible business suits for the office work. No black and grey formal undertakerly striped trousers on display. One of Geoff’s principles is, “our service does not end when the client pay’s the bill…if you want to drop in weekly for coffee, then no problem at all” Discreet saloon estates are used for their removals (rather than the more visible ambulance vans which are used by other firms). You will see details of Geoff’s firm on the rear of these and also on their hearse. Geoff is very proud of the business and of being readily identified with it. If Geoff quotes you for a funeral and you come back to him a few days later to give him the go ahead, you will be charged the quoted figure. At the heart of the business is the need to provide a personal service for the local communities. Geoff is very open as to the financial needs for the business, they’re extremely happy and comfortable with making enough profit to live on but only after putting their clients interests first. A principled man he most certainly is.
What’s different? We did not have to ask Geoff when we met him to be specific on this point since in instructing his firm to carry out a funeral, one will clearly receive a high standard of personal and professional service from all involved. Indeed care and kindness to families is paramount here. How many funeral firms can be phoned where not only does the owner immediately pick up the call but in doing so answers with his name? This is what you will get from Geoff together with good old fashioned small business principles. If the person has died at home, Geoff if available will be there to effect the removal. If the death should occur during the night, then you are likely to see Geoff and Lesley Jane turning out. No delegation here to staff who one will never see again.
Services: Your call will be answered by Geoff, Lesley Jane or Frank. If it’s Geoff, then he will see the funeral through from the first call to the service. There’s no delegation here. Unless on holiday, Geoff will conduct nearly all of the funerals. Very happy to visit you at home to make arrangements (probably 80% of their arrangements are finalised at client’s homes), yes to coming in as a family to wash and dress your loved one, you can be present if you wish and yes for a same sex person to be provided to carry this out. Geoff is very pro embalming and will carry this out unless otherwise requested. Extensive range of coffins available and they are very happy to be consultants to home funerals. A list of secular celebrants is available. Geoff will put a family in touch with a celebrant for an initial discussion and will then delay formally instructing the celebrant until he is sure that the family are happy for that person to take the service. It’s attention to such details that shine through from Geoff.
Remarks: Little can be added to what we have already said but if it’s a small firm with a high level of personal and professional care and service that is being sought, then G&L Evans are certainly well worth considering. AP
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