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MEET THE TEAM
We understand that, during a time of loss, the thought of arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming. But our empathetic, professional and – above all – approachable team are here to make things as uncomplicated for you as we possibly can.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Our respectful and dignified funeral directors have over 50 years of experience between them and all possess exceptional talent for caring for yours and your family’s needs. At Memorial Woodlands each family is assigned one funeral director to help them arrange the funeral. The families that we serve often compliment us on our attention to detail in the planning and our discretion on the day.
OFFICE TEAM
Our office staff play a massive role in supporting the funeral directors, groundsmen, catering staff and of course our families.
Steve
Begbie-Dilks
Having had a long career in Newspaper publication, Steve moved to the funeral industry in 2009 and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the funeral business.
As a funeral director with Memorial Woodlands, Steve is dedicated to supporting and comforting families during their sad time of need. He is committed to helping families to remember and pay tribute to the life of a loved one in a dignified manner with courtesy, care and professionalism. Steve considers that helping families to appreciate they have plenty of time and choice, both in arranging their occasion and on the day, is crucial.
In his spare time, Steve is a qualified UEFA football coach running a successful youth football team. He also enjoys caravanning and gardening and spending time with his family.
Abbie
Senior Administrator
Abbie started working at Memorial Woodlands as a catering assistant in August 2017 and, when an opening became available in the office she jumped at the opportunity.
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“Working at Memorial Woodlands is so rewarding. I love supporting the families and making their time with us as comfortable as possible. The tranquillity of the Woodlands reminds me of what is important in life.”
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When not at work Abbie enjoys spending time with family, friends and her adorable nephews.
Anna Grimwood
Anna joined in June 2021. Having had many years of leadership experience in the hospitality sector, followed by a period at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Anna was drawn at the start of the COVID pandemic to serving the bereaved. Helping families, Anna says, is fulfilling.
Following training and some months experience arranging funerals in Bristol Anna visited Memorial Woodlands several times and loved the ethos and tranquility. She believes the nature reserve being created with its environmental and sustainable goals are very important.
“I want to ensure that all the families I serve are well looked after and are able to say farewell to their loved ones in a manner that’s most fitting for them.”
Maria
Plot Administrator
Maria joined the team at Bristol Memorial Woodlands after many years spent as a school administrator and before that held various positions in customer service for a large distribution company. She thrives on her role in our busy Administration Department. As well as general administrative tasks, Maria has a particular responsibility in meeting families who are wanting to secure a plot or plots at Memorial Woodlands. Her people skills help to make a real difference to those families we care for, she puts everyone at ease.
“I enjoy meeting families and helping them select from those plots we have available for purchase at our beautiful and peaceful grounds. One particular aspect of my role is arranging and assisting families with the interment of their loved ones’ ashes, this I find a particular honour and privilege.”
Terry Hayward
Support Services Manager
Terry joined Memorial Woodlands in 2016 following a long and distinguished career in the ambulance service. Terry had operational responsibility for thirty ambulance stations and three area control rooms. He oversaw the entire provision during that career saw service from ambulance paramedic to Deputy Chief Officer.
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He has brought this wealth of experience together with a proper appreciation of high standards, an understanding of the requirement for regulatory compliance and most importantly a calm and dignified worldview.
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Terry is a proud grandfather of eight and when they are not keeping him occupied he is a dedicated supporter of the Great Western Air Ambulance and the RNLI. For relaxation, Terry loves nothing better than idling along our inland waterways.
SUPPORT
Behind the scenes at Memorial Woodlands are a number of valuable members of the team who provide catering and flower design for the funerals services and maintain our beautiful grounds.
Colin has been a member of the Memorial Woodlands team since its inception in 2001. A farmer man and boy, Colin now maintains our lovely grounds and keeps the plots tidy. You’re also likely to meet him directing cars in the car park when you attend a funeral here.
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Colin loves his work and takes extreme pleasure from tending land and being outside with nature. He’s also been known to enjoy the odd game of skittles.
Colin Wilcox
Groundsman
Kat Brown
Mortuary Manager
Kat came to Memorial Woodlands following a long career in the RAF and having worked for the Westerleigh group. She draws on all of that remarkable experience to lead and mentor her team. Kat first spent a year here as Hospitality Manager, during which she saw first hand all aspects of each service that Memorial Woodlands provides, before moving into this important role.
Kat understands that working with and helping the families that come to Memorial Woodlands is a privilege. She seeks, at all times, to ensure that she and all of her team are properly placed, trained and equipped to give the very best care, at the highest standards, to the deceased and also to carry out effectively the particular wishes of each family that we serve.
Becks
Hospitality Manager
I joined Memorial Woodlands during 2021, having worked from home in corporate sales during lockdown .
I enjoy working with and helping people, the face to face contact, so when this opportunity was offered to me I grabbed it with both hands, the chance to work with a team and help the bereaved at the same time.
It’s an amazing feeling and privilege knowing that I can play a small part in making, for a family, what is a difficult time as memorable and free of stress as I possibly can.
In my free time I’m a keen artist and also play the alto saxophone.
Helen
Florist
Helen is a freelance florist and has had a studio onsite at Memorial Woodlands since 2010.
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With an artistic eye and dedicated attention to detail, she creates visually stunning floral arrangements from fresh, seasonal flowers direct from her local suppliers.
Clients are free to choose from Helen’s portfolio of traditional arrangements or can test Helen’s creativity by requesting something that is unique to the family.
You can call Helen directly on 07774 607034