Recommended Funeral Directors
«Back to Recommended Funeral Directors list
T Hadley
Address: 17a High Street, Blackheath, B65 ODR
Phone: 0121 559 1010 Email: contact@THadleyfunerals.co.uk Web: www.THadleyfunerals.co.uk
Funeral Director/s: T Hadley is one of three Black Country funeral directors owned by Mr Trevor Hickton of TEW Hickton in Cradley Heath. T Hadley is run by Melanie Unwin, Dip FD, who is assisted by receptionist and PA Angie Humphries. The feminine influence here is distinctive, and most certainly not the sort to deter men. Melanie came to funeral directing from floristry. She had her own business and used to supply flowers to funeral directors. When her father died she felt especially drawn to funeral directing, and when she sold her business she joined the firm which had looked after him. They were lucky to get her. Melanie is a very caring person, warm and sympathetic, and a very good listener. She is also a thinker with a very up-to-date understanding of what the bereaved want and what they need. As she herself puts it: “Choice is paramount. Death is thrust upon us, and not our choice, it changes our lives and our thinking and being. If I can help a family give their loved one the perfect personal send off in a loving positive manner, hopefully they can go on to grieve in a positive manner knowing that all that could be done has been done and they had a wonderful send off. I am all for choice, we must give choice, and I want to.” Away from work, Melanie’s family is everything to her. She has a son about to go to university and a daughter of 10, so she’s a mum and a taxi service. When she can tear herself away she loves to go out for a drink and a meal with friends. Premises on Blackheath High Street, very light and bright and non-gloomy. Parking can be limited, so your best bet is probably the Sainsbury car park.
Specific Gravity: Many Black Country folk favour a traditional funeral, and Melanie can do that with style. If you would rather she wore something else she would be very happy to, “even fancy dress if requested!” If you do not want a conventional hearse, she can offer you a wide choice of alternatives – horse-drawn, motorcycle, VW camper van, etc.
What’s important? Melanie is passionate that the bereaved should feel able to create a funeral that is unique and meaningful, and that they should be aware of the choices available to them. “The funeral belongs to the family, and every family should be given the chance to make their funeral personal, so I give them all of the options that are available to make it a unique experience that is positive and empowering at a very emotional time when they may not be sure what to do next. I believe in empowering the families and encouraging them to do it their way. I help by offering different types of funerals. I listen to families, and am able to suggest and give advice on what type of funeral they could have. I ask the questions and give the possible answers to encourage them to think about what would be the perfect funeral for their loved one. People do not have to have the to the bog standard funeral that most of us have attended in the past.”
What’s different? Melanie will be there for you from your first phone call to the day of the funeral. She is literally available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As personal service goes, this is as good as it gets. After the funeral, Melanie is still there for you – and it’s surprising how many former clients drop in for chat. She likes to know how they’re doing.
Services: Your call will be answered by Melanie or Angie. You will be seen by Melanie. Yes to a home visit. Yes to you coming in and laying out and dressing the person who has died. Same sex person to wash and dress the person who has died if you wish. Melanie is not keen on embalming and will only recommend it if it is necessary. She will gladly work with you if you wish to look after the person who has died at home: "We would encourage and support a family in doing so; it can be a very rewarding and special time." Experienced in working with families from all ethnic and religious groups. Has excellent non-religious celebrants on her books.
Remarks: A gem of a funeral service offering outstanding personal service and competitive prices.
There is one comment about T Hadley
charles said...
Hello Charles
I was just viewing the Good Funeral Guide and although I wasn’t aware of your site and recommendations at the time of my Mother’s death at Christmas I would just like to say that having entrusted our faith in the above funeral directors, I’d have no hesitation in using their services again and recommending them to anyone in the area who goes through the very traumatic experience of losing a loved one.
Having lost my Mother quite suddently over Christmas, my Father and I were helped tremendously by T. Hadley (namely Melanie and Angela) and the whole tragic experience was made much easier with their help and advice (and sometimes shoulder to cry on!) in an area that was completely new to me. The arrangements that were made between us and the Funeral Directors went without a hitch and I now feel, some six months on, that their care and attention should be brought to your knowledge.
I am more than happy for this to be published on your website, if you feel applicable.
Thank you.
J.F. – Halesowen, West Midlands