Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors News

Blogs, News and Thoughts

Franklin and Hawkins Funeral Directors

Conversations, advice and local updates from your Coventry and Solihull Family Funeral Directors.

Canley Garden Cemetery, Coventry.

Readings and Poems for Funeral Services

August 18, 2026

When planning a funeral, thinking about the content of the service can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. People often feel pressure to write an extensive eulogy which they then often worry over reading. For some, writing a eulogy is cathartic and helps with their grief, but for others it can increase stress at a time when emotions are already high. A gentle compromise, is to choose a poem or reading that you could read out, or your celebrant or minister could read this on your behalf. We have compiled a selection of pieces, and hope that if you are looking for that perfect ode to one you have lost,

Our Commitment To Caring For You And Your Family

August 4, 2026

With the deeply upsetting news surrounding a funeral director in Hull who has now been sent to prison, we feel it is important to comment. Cases such as this are extremely rare within our profession, but when they do happen, understandably they shine a spotlight on every funeral director and can leave families wondering what happens after they place someone they love into our care. For the vast majority of us, funeral directing is far more than a job. It is a vocation. We enter this profession because we genuinely care about people and want to support families through some of the most difficult days of their lives.

A Catch Up With Carol, Our Marston Green Funeral Arranger.

July 22, 2026

When you think of Franklin and Hawkins at Marston Green, you think of Carol. Over the seventeen years she has worked at Franklin and Hawkins, she has looked after 1,451 families to date, all with the same dedication and respect. Local residents know her and rarely does anyone walk past the funeral home without giving her a wave and families forever remember her long after the funeral service, for her support and compassion. When we visit private addresses to bring loved ones into our care in the Solihull or Birmingham areas, and we assure them that Carol will be in touch you very often see the assurance on

Behind The Scenes With Nik, Our Funeral Director and Embalmer.

July 21, 2026

Many years ago, if you thought of a funeral director, you would envision a long black coat, black top hat and quite a stern, serious person behind it all. We hope that these days that isn’t the case, but if some readers still feel that funeral directors are all the same, hopefully this series will change your mind. Since joining the team here at Franklin and Hawkins Nik has studied for and received his National Diploma in Funeral Directing and is currently studying with the British Institute of Embalmers which is a three year course gaining him a qualification and membership with the only recognised Embalming Institute in

A Drive With Jason, Our Hearse Driver and Funeral Operative.

July 21, 2026

One of the most striking images of a funeral, is the hearse arriving at the service. But as much as everyone remembers the hearse itself, they very often don’t notice the one behind the wheel. And for the majority of the funeral services at Franklin and Hawkins, the one driving the hearse with care, concentration and commitment is our very own Jason. We went for a drive with Jason to talk about his time working at Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors. The first question everyone is being asked, is the same question most people ask us when they find out what we do for a living…..why did

A Sit Down With Gail and Kirsty, Our Funeral Arrangers at Tile Hill, Coventry.

July 15, 2026

Our funeral arrangers are the heart of our funeral homes. They are the voices that answer our phones, the ears that listen to the stories of your loved ones and for many, the hands that hold yours as you visit your loved one in our chapels of rest. At our Tile Hill funeral home, our families are looked after by Gail, our office manger and Kirsty our funeral arranger. Gail joined Franklin and Hawkins in January 2016 and Kirsty joined September 2025, and between them they have looked after hundreds of families. We sat down with Gail and Kirsty to talk about their journeys with Franklin and Hawkins.

“They Said They Didn’t Want A Funeral….” What Happens Now?

July 13, 2026

So frequently we hear families say “Dad always said he didn’t want a fuss.” Or “Mum told us she didn’t want a funeral.” In the days following a death, those words can suddenly carry an enormous weight. Families often find themselves wondering whether they should honour those wishes exactly as they were spoken, or whether it’s okay to do something different. The truth is, there is rarely a simple answer. What Did They Really Mean? When people say they don’t want a funeral, they don’t always mean they want to disappear without acknowledgement. Often, what they’re really saying is: “I don’t want people spending lots of money on

Visiting Your Loved One In The Chapel of Rest

July 1, 2026

For some families, spending time with someone in our chapel of rest can bring comfort, reassurance and a sense of peace. For others, it may feel too difficult, or simply not like something they wish to do. The important thing to remember is this: There is no right or wrong decision. There is only the decision that feels right for you. And as always, at Franklin and Hawkins we commit to being honest and transparent to all the families we have the honour of looking after. And sometimes, due to circumstances surrounding the passing of a loved one, or if significant time has passed, we may advise that

What Happens to Our Digital Lives When We Die?

June 3, 2026

When a loved one passes a way, as well as grief, upset and sadness, there is also a lot of admin. There are bills, bank accounts and so many other pieces of paperwork that it can feel very overwhelming. Another aspect is our digital lives, something that we don’t think about at first when considering what is left behind. And while this is not a priority, as so much of our lives are online it is interesting to look into what happens when someone passes away yet their online life remains. Here we will look at the most popular platforms and what the process is, as every platform

Dying Matters Week 2026: Questions Families Avoid Asking Until It’s Too Late

May 6, 2026

Nobody likes to talk about dying, along with money and relationship issues, it is known as one of the most incredibly difficult and delicate subject to discuss. And one that the majority of people choose to avoid, especially with their friends and family. Of course we don’t want to upset those we love by talking about something sad, but one conversation now can be invaluable when the time comes if it means your loved ones don’t find themselves completely unaware of what our preferences or wishes would be. This years “Dying Matters” theme is “Lets talk about death and dying” and we are here to help with that.

Wake Venues in Coventry and Solihull: Where to Gather After a Funeral

April 28, 2026

After a funeral service, many families choose to come together to share memories, reflect, and support one another. This gathering, often called a wake or celebration of life, can take many forms. Some families prefer something quiet and intimate, while others choose a larger venue where friends and extended family can come together. If you’re arranging a funeral in Coventry or Solihull, we’ve put together a helpful guide to some local venues that families often consider. Wake Venues in Coventry Nailcote Hall Address: Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Coventry CV7 7DE, United Kingdom Phone: 02476466174 A beautiful countryside venue offering a peaceful and elegant setting for a wake. With private

Dying Matters Week 2026, Lets Talk About It.

April 28, 2026

Every May, Dying Matters Awareness Week arrives with one mission, to break down the stigma of talking about death and dying. Being honest, even as funeral directors, we don’t love the subject either. But we also see first hand the impact that death and grief has on those left behind, and studies show that 27% of people find it hard to talk about death with family and friends, and 30% bottle their feelings up. There seems to be an unspoken fear that if you talk about it, it will come true. Now while there is no truth behind that, there is truth in that if we don’t talk

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