About Us
Jonathan created Oak Funeral Services after gaining many years’ experience with families who were looking for a more meaningful way to say farewell to their loved ones. From the very first contact, right through to continued support after the funeral, Jonathan maintains a personal relationship with those who are left behind.
“Being a Funeral Director is an immense privilege and as such, for a few short weeks we are invited into and become almost a member of the bereaved family, sharing with you in one of the most intimate times of your lives.
Grief and raw emotions can flow freely and yet to be a part of creating a unique and deeply personal farewell that will set you on a course towards acceptance and recovery, is a reward that is without compare.”
It’s this closeness that often leads to Jonathan being asked to act not only as FD but also Celebrant during the funeral as well. A service we are only too happy to provide.
There are almost no rules as to how a funeral must be designed. We have scattered ashes at dawn on Glastonbury Tor & held a Pagan burial in a peaceful woodland. We have organised traditional Church funerals in Exmoor villages and the grandeur of St Mary Magdelene in the heart of Taunton. We have planned and supported families in creating wonderful cremation and memorial services.
We’ve raised the rafters with Rock & Roll and literally danced in the aisles. And we’ve sat in peaceful meditative silence & planted cherry trees as the sun has set over the sea on a summers evening.
All our meetings can take place either in the comfort and security of your own home or in our welcoming offices in Williton.
As your Funeral Director, we are happy to encourage you to take part in as much of the preparation of funeral as you would like. From helping to weave a coffin from local Somerset grown willows, to washing and dressing the person’s body and gently placing into the coffin.
There is no limit to the time you can spend in the chapel or rest or the number of times you might like to visit before the funeral.
Alternatively, you can leave everything to us, safe in knowledge that everyone is treated as an individual, with respect, dignity and care.
Although based in rural south west Somerset, families are coming from as far afield as Swindon, Glasgow, Illminster, Bristol and Glastonbury looking for someone to support and guide them – not only through the fundamentals of planning a funeral but for someone who can offer ideas and help create a funeral that truly reflects the individuals life and beliefs as well as those of the bereaved family.
Offering a unique pricing structure that is completely transparent, you will only pay for our professional services, with all other costs and disbursements at cost price. If a coffin costs £150 or £200, then that is what will be quoted on our detailed estimate.
Our prices start from only £1,150 for a simple unattended cremation and from £1,650 for a full cremation service– fully inclusive of all disbursements.
Burial costs can vary by parish and cemetery but usually will cost less than £2300 (not including headstone)
We have arrangements with local and national suppliers of eco-friendly coffins that ensure the best possible value for money.
Sometimes finding the full cost for a funeral can be a difficult task, especially when the death has been unexpected or no prior arrangements have been made. We understand that sometimes spreading the cost can make all the difference and we are happy to discuss making suitable arrangements should the need arise.
If you would like any help, advice or simply to discuss how to make plans for a future funeral, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
“Such an amazing funeral and so lovely – you organised it so well, we were delighted. It was difficult to be sad surrounded by nature at its very best.”
Mrs S Wright
“Thank you so much for all your help when I was arranging my Dad’s funeral. I was most grateful for all the information you gave me & because I was so impressed I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you. I passed your details on to the Mortuary Manager at the Hospital as a point of contact for anyone else in the future who’d like to make their own arrangements.”
Mrs S Taylor
“Many Thanks Jonathan, for taking such good care of Mum and for making all the arrangements for her cremation. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone.”
Mr V Hughes
“Thank you for your understanding and support in arranging Dad’s funeral. I’m not sure how we would have coped if you had not been able to help us with managing the costs. I know Dad would have been so pleased to find a Funeral Director who was prepared be ‘different’ from all the rest.”