Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Funeral Services in Lydney & Cinderford
Established in 1982, Gordon Blake has provided compassionate, professional funeral services to the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas for over four decades. Originally founded by Gordon Blake, the business transitioned to Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors in 2007 while maintaining its independent family ethos. Our team, led by qualified funeral director Michael Kennerley, prioritises personalisation and empathy, offering tailored arrangements from traditional funerals to direct cremations. We coordinate with hospitals, clergy, crematoria, and florists to ensure seamless execution of your wishes. Our premises in Lydney and Cinderford provide welcoming spaces for planning, supported by a dedicated Victorian hearse and modern Jaguar fleet.Community engagement remains central to our values, reflected in Michael's roles as Rotarian, church organist, and choir conductor. We specialise in cremated remains options, including ashes into glass memorials, and offer guidance on registration and coroners' procedures. Transparency is key, with all arrangements confirmed verbally and in writing. Our commitment to local traditions and modern flexibility ensures every family receives dignified, individualised care during challenging times.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Floral Tributes
Cremated Remains Options
Funeral Planning
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 1982 with deep local knowledge
- Qualified funeral directors managing every detail
- Diverse service options from traditional to contemporary
- Transparent arrangements confirmed in writing
- Community involvement through local events and charities
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create personalised funeral services tailored to individual preferences, offering traditional ceremonies, direct cremations, or contemporary memorials. Our team coordinates all logistics, from venue bookings to clergy liaison, ensuring every detail reflects the deceased's wishes. With experience in diverse cultural and religious traditions, we provide compassionate guidance during difficult decision-making.
Cremation Services
Our cremation services include simple direct cremations and fully attended ceremonies with flexible options for ashes retention or scattering. We advise on natural burials, memorial gardens, and innovative solutions like ashes incorporated into glassware. All cremation arrangements include documentation support and clear pricing structures for transparency.
Floral Tributes
We collaborate with local florists to create bespoke floral tributes matching personal tastes and cultural requirements. From traditional wreaths to custom designs, our team ensures floral elements complement the service atmosphere. We provide samples and guidance to help families choose meaningful floral expressions of remembrance.
Cremated Remains Options
We offer diverse solutions for handling cremated remains, including biodegradable urns, cemetery interments, and creative memorials. Specialised options feature ashes-infused glassware, fireworks displays, and engraved garden ornaments. Our staff provides detailed information about legal requirements and environmentally conscious choices for ashes dispersal.
Funeral Planning
Our pre-planning services allow individuals to document funeral preferences and arrange financing in advance. We guide clients through legal documentation, service customisation, and payment plans. This proactive approach alleviates family decision-making burdens while ensuring personal wishes are clearly recorded and accessible when needed.
People
Michael Kennerley
Funeral Director
Professionally qualified funeral director managing daily operations with 15+ years' experience. Active community member serving as Rotarian, church organist, and choir conductor. Specialises in compassionate family support and bespoke funeral coordination.
Questions
What funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, direct cremations, and bespoke arrangements with options for cremated remains, floral tributes, and memorialisation.
Do you help with cremation ashes memorials?
Yes, we offer ashes into glass jewellery, garden ornaments, and scattering/burial options with specialist guidance.
Are your funeral arrangements flexible?
All services are tailored to individual preferences, including vehicle choices like vintage hearses or motorcycle processions.
How do you support bereaved families?
We coordinate third-party services, explain registration processes, and provide emotional support throughout arrangements.
