Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in Manchester
With over a century of dedicated service, Oldham Independent Funeral Services has established itself as a trusted provider of compassionate and personalized funeral care in the North Manchester area. Founded in 1903, our business combines deep-rooted tradition with modern adaptability, offering dignified farewells tailored to individual needs. Our team of experienced professionals, including Darren Clark and Michael Lindup with over 40 years of combined expertise, approaches each arrangement with empathy and meticulous attention to detail. We maintain affiliations with the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, reinforcing our commitment to industry excellence. Our 24/7 availability ensures immediate support during times of bereavement, while our three local offices in Failsworth, Werneth, and Lees provide accessible, community-focused care.We specialize in both traditional and contemporary services, including direct cremations, infant memorials, and personalized transport options like vintage hearses. Transparency remains central to our practice, with clear pricing structures and no hidden fees. Our chapel of rest facilities allow families to spend meaningful time with loved ones, and our partnership with Golden Charter enables pre-paid funeral planning. Recognized as 'Funeral Planner of the Year' regional finalists, we continue to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and unwavering support that have defined our service for generations.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Burial Services
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
Infant Memorials
Bereavement Support
Obituary Notices
Floral Tributes
Alternative Hearse Options
Eco-Friendly Funerals
Details
- Year established: 1903
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years serving North Manchester communities with generational expertise
- 24/7 family team available for immediate bereavement support
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or upselling
- Personalized funeral transport options including vintage and specialty hearses
- Recognized 'Funeral Planner of the Year' regional finalists
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
What people say
Caring and compassionate
Personalized service
24/7 availability
Respectful arrangements
Transparent pricing
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create personalized funeral services that honor individual lives through bespoke ceremonies. Our directors guide families in selecting burial or cremation options, musical selections, transport arrangements, and service locations. With chapel of rest facilities available, we provide space for families to spend quality time with loved ones before services. Our team handles all legal documentation while offering compassionate advice throughout the planning process.
Cremation Services
Our cremation services include traditional, direct, and bespoke arrangements with choices of crematoria locations. We offer transparent pricing packages covering conveyance in immaculate hearses, coffin selection, and ashes management. Families may opt for memorial services before cremation or private farewells afterward. Our partnership with Golden Charter allows pre-planning while maintaining flexibility for last-minute changes.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
Golden Charter-approved pre-paid plans let individuals arrange their funerals in advance while locking in current prices. We assist with personalizing services including music choices, officiant selection, and transport preferences. Plans cover director fees and include allowances for third-party costs like cremation fees. Our team provides home visits for plan discussions and offers flexible payment options.
Bereavement Support
We provide ongoing emotional support through trained counselors and community resources. Our services include guidance on coping strategies, access to support groups, and practical advice for navigating loss. We offer specialized resources for parents experiencing infant loss and maintain partnerships with national charities like Sands and Cruse Bereavement Care.
Alternative Hearse Options
Our unique transport fleet includes vintage Rolls Royce Phantoms, military tanks, and eco-friendly electric hearses. We offer themed options like 'Only Fools and Horses' hearses and rainbow-colored vehicles for vibrant send-offs. Horse-drawn carriages and camper vans provide distinctive alternatives while maintaining ceremonial dignity.
People
Darren Clark
Managing Director
With 27 years' experience arranging over 2000 funerals, Darren leads our three companies while maintaining active involvement in St John Ambulance. Recognized with royal honors for charitable service, he combines traditional values with modern approaches to funeral care.
Michael Lindup
Funeral Director
Joining the business at 17, Michael became Oldham's youngest funeral director and now manages Oldham Independent Funeral Services. He specializes in personalized services and modern memorial solutions, including social media obituaries and website development.
Mark Travis
Hearse Driver
A former Royal Tank Regiment member, Mark ensures flawless transport logistics with military precision. He manages our vehicle fleet and plans ceremonial routes while volunteering with St John Ambulance's youth programs.
Jack Chadderton
Limousine Driver
Leveraging extensive local knowledge from his taxi business background, Jack provides dignified transport support. A respected community figure, he brings warmth and familiarity to funeral processions.
Diana Clark
Office Manager
With care home management experience, Diana oversees administrative operations. She brings empathetic efficiency to account management and client interactions, ensuring smooth service coordination.
Questions
What funeral service options do you offer?
We provide traditional burials, cremations, direct funerals, infant memorials, and bespoke services with personalized transport options.
Can I plan a funeral in advance?
Yes, we offer Golden Charter-approved pre-paid funeral plans with customizable options and fixed pricing.
Are your services available outside regular hours?
Our team is available 24/7 for immediate assistance with funeral arrangements and bereavement support.
How do you handle children's funerals?
We provide free-of-charge services for infants and children under 18, including specialized memorials and CuddleCot availability.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and bank transfers, with flexible payment plans available for funeral services.
Do you offer eco-friendly funeral options?
Yes, we provide electric hearses, biodegradable coffins, and natural burial services for environmentally conscious farewells.
Reviews (4)
Neil
Dec 03, 2021
Report
I cannot fault Michael and his team. They did a wonderful job in arranging my mothers funeral. Nothing is too much trouble, Michael is a very genuine and caring professional.
Jacqueline Faulkner
Nov 28, 2021
Report
The service the Faulkner family received for our father , Sidney Faulkner was perfect. Every last detail was covered with great sincerity and nothing was left to chance. It is a family run firm that treats you like a treasured member of their own family. We feel blessed to have chosen them and highly recommend the firm.
David Pickford
Nov 14, 2021
Report
We went to Harold p heywood after mum passed away and from the moment we arrived Michael put us at ease and explained everything, was very clear and concise, just what we needed in a difficult time
He also assured us mum would be treated with love and respect as if she was family
I can not thank you enough for making mums day run smoothly
He also assured us mum would be treated with love and respect as if she was family
I can not thank you enough for making mums day run smoothly
Becky Hampson
May 18, 2021
Report
Amazing service from start to finish. Michael couldnt of been anymore helpful. Thank you for everything, making a hard time a lot smoother.
