"A.J.Wakely & Sons, a family business that has cared for over 100 years."
About A.J.Wakely & Sons
1989
David and Jack Wakely, Bridport Office
2019
Simon and Clive Wakely, Bridport Office
A.J.Wakely & Sons - established since 1897
Why Choose A.J.Wakely & Sons?
Our head office is located in Bridport, Dorset. We also have offices in Beaminster, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Lyme Regis, Axminster, Sidmouth, Sherborne, Wincanton and Yeovil. The staff at each of our offices are familiar with the community resources in their specific area and we would encourage you to make the most of their local knowledge
We strictly adhere to industry codes of practice and are a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors and British Institute of Embalmers.
Members of our experienced and dedicated staff are available during working hours to answer questions, as well as to support and assist our families through a sad and often overwhelming process. A manager or director is also available after hours, which means we offer a service that is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A.J.Wakely & Sons is a family-run business that has been providing an independent funeral director service to the bereaved since 1897.
For four generations the Wakely family has had a strong presence in the local community and has provided a personal, sensitive and caring service upon which our company's reputation has steadily grown.
More about the History of A.J.Wakely & Sons
Over 100 years ago
in the village of Broadwindsor in Dorset, Arthur and Ernie Wakely were carpenters and gate makers who saw an opportunity to expand and develop their business to include a funeral service for the members of their rural community.
Arthur's son, Jack, helped his father and uncle part time with this additional venture, and after Arthur's death in 1936, Ernie continued to pursue the business throughout the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
By 1991,
Arthur and Ernie's supplemental venture had progressed into a thriving business of seven offices serving the counties of Dorset, Somerset and Devon. In the same year, Jack turned over the management duties to his sons but continued to pursue a lively interest in the day-to-day events and play an active role upon the request of community members who knew and respected him after his years of service. Jack was 88 years old when he conducted his last funeral at the request of a local family.
In 1995
David's son, Simon, joined his grandfather, father and uncle in the family business and under their management two more offices were opened in Dorset and Somerset.
We sadly lost David in 2009 and Jack in 2011, but their rich tradition of personal, professional service is maintained under the guidance of Clive and Simon who currently manage eleven offices with the help of an experienced, caring staff.
Jack purchased a small funeral business in Bridport, which he ran successfully under the Wakely name. The purchase and subsequent success of the funeral service prompted Jack to dedicate himself to the profession on a full time basis in 1970. Jack's hard work, natural enterprise and commitment to the community facilitated growth and cultivated a stable reputation in the local area.
In 1972
Jack's eldest son, David, joined his father in the full time operation of the business and in 1982 they were joined by Jack's youngest son, Clive.
In 2015
Richard Wakely decided to follow in his father Clive's footsteps by joining the business. In 2018 he passed his diploma in Funeral Directing and continues to gain experience by working alongside Clive and Simon.
In 2016
Leah Steele, David Wakely's daughter and Simon's sister, came back into the business and like Richard, she passed her diploma in 2018 and has taken her role in the business by managing the Chard and Ilminster offices and working alongside the rest of the team.
"Our family has been providing personal, sensitive and dignified help to the bereaved for four generations and as a result we have developed a reputation as leading independent funeral directors in the communities we serve."
We understand that the time following the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult and confusing. It can also become overwhelming if you are the person responsible for arranging the funeral.
This is where our family can help. We are here to guide and offer assistance at every step.
Our experienced staff will sensitively talk you through the necessary steps that need to be taken whilst also beginning to plan a fitting tribute for your friend or family member.
If you desire, we will also assist with arranging the finer details including transport, floristry, coffins and ashes caskets, as well as memorials.
Please get in touch with our dedicated and caring team for any advice or guidance at any time.
Contact Your Local Office
Companies House Registration Number: 1977927
VAT Registration Number: 634 3801 52