Serving the whole of the South East
An Introduction
Albany Funerals is an award-winning, affordable and independent funeral provider, bringing the highest standards of service to families across the whole of Kent, and beyond. Recommended in the Good Funeral Guide and led by Jo Williamson (formerly Loveridge), we have grown significantly over the last decade as more and more families recommend how we work to others.
We are not very good at talking about death in this country and over half the UK population haven’t discussed any of their wishes with their families before they die. Bereavement is hard enough to navigate without the added stress of not knowing what to do, second guessing a loved-ones wishes, and finding little clear information out there. We are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to call us for information, questions, or even general queries. If you prefer to read, we hope you find this website informative.
How we work
At a time when it’s extremely hard to think clearly, we are here to listen and work in partnership with you to find out what kind of funeral would suit your needs and your budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all funerals, or stretching your finances to meet expectations of what you feel you ‘should’ be arranging to honour your loved one if it doesn’t feel right. Our expertise is in helping you understand all the options available to you so the funeral is the very best it can be. Because we are independent of the big chains, we can offer the best care, value and ethics without compromise.
Funeral Pricing
In December 2020, the Consumer Markets Authority (CMA) released its final report on its in-depth market investigation into funeral services, confirming its remedies for the sector. One of the areas that needed addressing urgently was the long-standing issue of unclear pricing.
Although we have always been transparent with our pricing, it has historically not been standard practice to do so in the funeral industry. Moreover, because funeral directors pay third-party costs(disbursements), such as cremation and celebrant fees on your behalf, it can be confusing trying to work what you are actually going to pay. To help consumers compare prices from one provider to another, the CMA introduced a Standardised Price List (SPL).
This price list is mandatory and must be displayed clearly by all funeral providers on their websites as well as in their premises. The SPL is a breakdown of all the chargeable services of a full STANDARD funeral, which means that the price displayed is not necessarily the cheapest funeral service offered, but it is a service that can be completely tailored to suit the needs of the consumer. If you cannot find this ‘Standardised Price List’ on a funeral director’s website, this means they are not compliant with the industry standards, and we would advise caution.
As we find the SPL fairly complex, so we also provide a straightforward price list of all our different services, including the third-party fees to give you a genuine idea of what the funeral will actually cost in full (Full Price List).
We have listed prices for our nearest crematoria but we also cover all the crematoria in the South East.
What should you expect from a good funeral director?
Wise words from the Good Funeral Guide:
“We think that a good funeral director is the kind of person you are drawn to for their warmth and kindness, someone who you can trust with the most precious of tasks; the care of the person who has died.
We believe good funeral directors understand that their role is supportive rather than directive and that they are there to help you navigate your way to creating a funeral ceremony that is both meaningful and transformative.“
Useful downloadable information leaflets from
the Good Funeral Guide
Our Funerals
Traditional Funerals
The best of traditional practice combined with excellent service and all in the most personal of ways.
Modern Funerals
Innovative celebrations of life at beautiful venues in addition to more traditional venues such as crematorium and church.
Simple Funerals
There are helpful and simple options which not only save money but offer an excellent way of having a funeral.
Green Funerals
There are simple, eco-friendly choices that not only help the planet but also create a meaningful funeral service.
What Makes Us Different?
Award Winning
Recognised nationally by The Good Funeral Awards and Natwest Everywoman Awards for exceptional service
Independent
Being independent of the big chains means we can offer the best care, value and ethics without compromise
Affordable
Transparent prices and campaigning to end Funeral Poverty as Member of Fair Funerals
Forward Thinking
Offering Traditional, Modern and Low-Cost funerals and the best of traditional practice combined with fresh thinking
Serving Kent
Covering the whole county, from Tunbridge Wells to Maidstone, Sevenoaks to Canterbury, Ashford to Dover, and further afield
Ethical
Jo started Albany Funerals determined that Kent would have a Funeral Director whose service is rooted in honesty and integrity
What our Customers say…
From Facebook
Our Google Reviews
Bereavement is a difficult and stressful time, but from our first meeting we were cared for in a compassionate way and given time to consider our wishes with no pressure. Sam was caring and reassuring, completely putting our minds at rest over every little detail. Albany provided an excellent service from the start. The team were friendly, respectful and nothing was too much trouble. I would have no hesitation in recommending them!
Upon my brother’s death we felt a great vacuum and sadness in our lives and the thought of choosing a Funeral Director was an unwelcome necessity but an obviously important one. We had attended a funeral earlier that year and I was impressed at the smoothness of the proceedings. I found out it was Albany and we made enquiries.
Straightaway we were welcomed into a very relaxing meeting room and put at ease with Jo’s sensitive caring and attentive approach. There was also a genuine feeling that she empathised with our grief and that she would do all that she could to make the funeral into what we wanted. There was no time pressure and she offered advice and support for the children and what may or may not be suitable. When you are in shock and grieving it is almost impossible to think clearly, yet Jo steered us through the issues and we were instantly happy to accept her help.
She ran through many options including a cardboard coffin, which the children decorated.
The staff were very friendly and supportive, punctual and providing the vital support on the funeral day.
When you have someone like Jo helping, you appreciate the vital importance in getting an occasion such as this right. We cannot praise Jo and all at Albany highly enough and would recommend her to provide the right balance and care at such a sad occasion.
FAQs
Still having questions?
Explore our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions and more.
Get in Touch
Please feel free to contact us at any time, whether to discuss your options, to seek our advice or to simply ask any questions you might have.
We regularly serve the whole of Kent and also more widely across the UK when requested.
More Info
Opening Times
Offices are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
Our phone lines are open and we are here to help 24/7
