H. N. Blackmore & Sons Funeral Directors

Yesterday afternoon, Hearse and Limousine carrying family processed from the family home to the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple to celebrate the life of Alan Francis Charles Richards of South Molton (A proud and former Cornishman)

Alan in his working life was an employee of British Rail and keen train enthusiast. We heard a beautifully written tribute from his Wife Amanda, describing their wonderful trips locally and abroad. His great passion for fishing. Some dubious taste in clothes and ordered items. And their loving relationship and funny antics that occurred over the precious years they had together. Although Alan suffered from ill health, he was always determined to live life to the full and see the positives in every situation that arose.

The tea back at the residents lounge had to include proper Cornish pasties and scones, obviously jam first!

Please feel free to view a few photos of the stunning GWR steam train cardboard coffin accompanied by the beautiful spray of white lilies and yellow roses.

Alan will be sadly missed by Amanda and all his family, friends & Bear 🐶 🐾

On Friday 12th April 2024, we processed down to St. James Church, Teignmouth to conduct a Church service and burial in the cemetery of the former resident Josie Thelma Soper.

Although Josie was residing in a local care home her wishes were to have a service at the beloved Church of St. James and be re-united with her late loving husband Dennis at the cemetery.

In the 1960’s the Soper family donated a few fields from their farm to the local council, so a new cemetery could be constructed.

Josie, also specified in her wishes that she would like a solid oak coffin, which was produced by our local Devon coffin producer F.E. Harris. And for a 3ft double ended spray of beautiful colourful local flowers which were provided by Harriet’s Flower Room.

We are proud to recommend Ever With memorial jewellery. They specialise in creating beautiful bespoke keepsake jewellery in memory of a loved one that has passed away.

They can create beautiful rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, charms etc created from a loved ones ashes. Finger print jewellery, photography and engravings.

I recently got to see a local customers ring, that was created from her late Husbands ashes. She described the customer service demonstrated from Ever With as excellent and very reassuring. From day one to supplying the kit, to confirmation of receiving the table spoon of ashes. To the delivery of the finished ring, as you can see from the photos, the ring is a true work of art 💍 ❤️

We were privileged to be asked to carry out the private family service for the late Norman Wilfred Hancock of Clatworthy Mill (Hancocks Cider) at Satterleigh Church

Please feel free to view a few photos of the mornings service and the beautiful Church

Family and close friends joined us at the North Devon Crematorium Barnstaple this afternoon, along with family online from the other side of the world via livestream to celebrate the life of Pamela Marion Stallard of Torrington.

We heard how Pam brought up a beautiful loving family, and took care of everything in and around the house. Her moto of ‘no such thing as can’t’ meant she thrived at everything in her stride and encouraged everyone around her to take the same attitude. Enjoyed spending time with family and friends, along with her many hobbies and projects.

Also, hearing lovely moving tributes and poems to reflect on the time spent with Pam.

The family produced their own personal flowers as a tribute to their Mum, Nan, Great Nan and friend ❤️

🔨🪛🌻🪻🌺🪴👩‍🌾🎯🎣🍺

All black line up / fleet ✨ 🧽

A small gift from one of our florists / suppliers to remind us that spring is on the way ☀️

Harriet and Dawn have created some beautiful floral tributes for our families services

🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐

As the Christmas holiday period begins and we come to the end of another year. I can’t help but feel for the families missing their loved ones during this time. Having found this quote, I believe it definitely speaks volumes, as there are no right or wrong answers other than doing what feels best for you!

As always, I will be onsite and on 24 hour call all over the Christmas and New Year period. Please don’t hesitate to phone, email, direct message business or my personal page or call in. The phone 📞 will always be answered and the kettle is always on ☕️ 🫖

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers in supporting a local small market town independent family business. You are and always will be a name here and not a number.

Also, to thank our Bearers, Limousine drivers, the ladies taking names, caterers and refreshment venues, ministers / celebrants, organists, and all our local suppliers etc that all make our service achievable.

Hope you all have a relaxed Christmas and best wishes for the new year 🎄xx

SENDELL

James John

Passed away unexpectedly whilst at work on Saturday 14th October 2023, aged 43 years.

Much loved Husband of the late Jo. Devoted Father of Lily Lia and step Father of Cara, Rosie & Alex. Much loved Son of Peter & Fran. Precious Brother of Catherine (and Dennis), Uncle Jimmy to Sara, Lauren, William, Sam & Adam. Will be dearly missed by wider family and his many friends.

Service to take place at the North Devon Crematorium on Thursday 9th November at 3 pm in the Rowan Chapel. Please wear what feels right for you.

Family flowers only please, but donations welcome for and to be divided between the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and a Fund for Daughter Lily's Education, at the service or c/o H. N. Blackmore & Sons Funeral Directors, 116 East Street, South Molton, EX36 3DB (01769) 572338

Fran, Pete, Catherine, Lily and the all family would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages, love and support shown at this sad time.

The family also warmly welcome you all to join them after the service for refreshments at the Quince Honey Farm.

RIGBY

Sandra Edith Jean

of North Molton and formerly of Exford

Passed away peacefully at the North Devon Hospice on Friday 15th September 2023 aged 74 Years.

Much Loved Wife. Mother of Stuart and Isobel. Loving Mother in law to Jenna and the late Steve. And a cherished Nan to all her Grandchildren.

Funeral service to Celebrate Sandra’s life to take place at Exford Church on Friday 13th October at 2 pm. Followed by refreshments at Exford Village Hall.

Family flowers only please, but donations welcome for the North Devon Hospice at the service or c/o H. N. Blackmore & Sons Funeral Directors, 116 East Street, South Molton, EX36 3DB (01769) 572338

Stuart, Izzy and family would like to thank everyone for all the support, loving thoughts and kind messages at this sad time x

Arriving back home / to the premises to find a gift and thank you card from a recent family.

They obviously know me well 🥰 x

This mornings service at Bishop’s Nympton Church celebrated the life of Jackie Alderman.

As you can see from the photos Jackie was an avid fan of hedgehogs the lovely produced hedgehog planters by her grandchildren aided by Aunty Di. Accompanied by the larger hedgehog from South Molton Flower Shop.

The all female group of Bearers, Jackie’s daughters did an excellent job of carrying their mum to her resting place

🦔 🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔

On Wednesday afternoon an appointment was arranged to meet up with the team of the North Devon Hospice, Barnstaple.

We met with Gary and the team for Adele to thank them for the wonderful care provided to her son Lewis. Also to acknowledge the wonderful care she received whilst visiting. Adele could not speak highly enough of the way she, Lewis and family were looked after. For the warmth and home from home environment.

A cheque for one thousand, five hundred pounds was presented to the hospice from the generous donations in Lewis’ memory from family and friends attending the very moving service.

Attention to all families and attendees for services conducted at the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple.

The usual route via Sticklepath, Old Torrington Road / Philip Avenue access will be permanently closed for funeral cortèges and any funeral / crematorium traffic / access / visits. A bus gate will be installed along with cameras with risk of fines being imposed if used.

Access to the crematorium will be via Gratton Way (Sainsburys turn off on roundabout) and sign posted all the way.

If in any doubt, please don’t hesitate to call us regarding the new route in and out of the crematorium 📞

The North Devon Crematorium Rowan Chapel was full of family, friends and neighbours to celebrate the life of Ray Kingdon of Whitefield Farm, Challacombe.

Ray was a dedicated and passionate sheep farmer, family man and follower of the hunt.

We had the privilege of hearing Challacombe choir and their organist filling the chapel with glorious singing.

Both of our regular florists produced these stunning floral tributes. South Molton Flower Shop and B. Ridd Florist

Definitely a day to reflect on all the Dad’s and Grandad’s sadly not with us to celebrate this day 🕊

Julie May’s service today saw Jonathan Waterer’s horse drawn hearse process to South Molton Church via the town square. Her two Sons John and Philip and their wives Val and Ann. Also including the Grandchildren followed closely behind on her final journey.

It was clear from family and friends that Julie was loved and adored and will be dearly missed. And it was a privilege and an honour to be the chosen funeral director.

Please view a few photos of the procession to South Molton Church and finally to the town cemetery.

Photo credit to Karolina Andreasova 📸

MAY

Julianna Selena

(Julie)

Passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday 26th April 2023, aged 85 years.

Much loved Wife of the late Roy. Loving Mum of Philip and John. Mother in law of Ann and Val. Sister to John. Adored Nan and Great Nan. And a dear friend to many.

Service to take place at Saint Mary Magdalene Church, South Molton on Tuesday 23rd May at 1.30 pm. Followed by Committal at South Molton Cemetery.

Family flowers only please but donations welcome for Cancer Research UK at the service or c/o H. N. Blackmore & Sons Funeral Directors, 116 East Street, South Molton, EX36 3DB (01769) 572338

The Horse drawn hearse cortège will make its way through South Molton Square from 1 pm. All welcome to stand out and pay their respects and or attend the service

Philip & John would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages and loving thoughts at this sad time

Interment of ashes service and supplying of memorial tablet today at Mariansleigh Churchyard. For Janie-Lu Jay Sanders. Beloved Wife and a dear friend to many

Yesterday, family and friends gathered from near and far to celebrate and pay their loving respects to William Henry Plummer at the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple.

Will’s passion for scooter’s extended to his legacy of starting the Gosport Scooter Club. Whereby, members got together, discussed and showed their scooters, not to mention the many organised runs and ride outs in aid of cancer charities. His beautiful tribute scooter to a fallen soldier in the Afghanistan war was parked outside the crematorium for all to admire.

It was clear from family and friends that Will’s love, personality and charisma will live on for generations to come and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Thank you to Karolina Andreasova for the beautiful photography 📸

Liz at Changing Blooms for the floral tributes

Beautiful scenery at High Bray Church, for this mornings Church service and burial

We saw another alternative hearse this morning at the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple. Patrick the donkey led his owner Geoff on his last send off into the grounds for the service. The cart has been lovingly restored but, also used for many events and donkey rides for many years. Briony and family added, that the cart was also available for anyone seeking a donkey and cart for any event

Saturday’s Service had this amazingly produced alternative to flowers.

The family and the customer wanted something out of the ordinary and they definitely got it!

Credit to B. Ridd Florist

A big thank you to Sue Harrison of South Molton in Bloom 🌺 🌸 🌸 for delivering these delicious treats.

Cakes and biscuits always gladly received 😁😋

With families moving or retiring to different areas of the country. We occasionally find ourselves conducting funerals out of area of our usual local Churches / crematoriums. West Wiltshire Crematorium was the venue for today, for the family and close friends to celebrate the life of a South Molton and former Rowde resident. The crematorium was immaculately kept along with the beautiful layout of the memorial grounds and architectural materials used

Today, we started off with the picturesque snow enroute to Roger Bell Bucknell’s beautiful home at West Anstey. We met the lovely family including the adorable Bailey 🐾 and Hearse and Limousine processed to Knowstone Church. Despite the treacherous conditions and a few detours on the way due to vehicle collision etc, the Church still had great attendance to celebrate Roger’s life. Special thanks to the locals of Knowstone village who kindly salted the roads, the Church path and made sure everyone was kept safe

Todays Committal service for Keith James Marks of South Molton was at the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple. Keith was former resident of Southampton and continued to be a keen Southampton FC supporter. So, his beloved supporter flag was draped over his coffin in the team colours ⚽️

‘Christmas Without You’

Although it's sad to reminisce
On Christmases we knew.
This year I shall celebrate
In memory of you.
I will put aside my sorrow
With every unshed tear
And concentrate on all the love
We shared when you were here.
Our time together taught me
What Christmas time is for,
And that's what I'll remember
Until we meet once more.

❤️🎄❤️

I will be open and on 24 hour call all over the Christmas and New Year period

Please don’t hesitate to phone, email, message or call into see me to discuss any concerns. I am always reachable even if you are just needing a warm place, cuppa ☕️ and sympathetic ear

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year to all our customers and a warm thank you for supporting an independent family business