Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors News

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Franklin and Hawkins Funeral Directors

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

Canley Garden Cemetery, Coventry.

Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors

Funeral Myths Explained: What’s Really True (and What Isn’t?)

April 10, 2026

When someone dies, many families are suddenly faced with decisions they’ve never had to think about before. At the same time, there are a lot of common beliefs and myths about funerals, some unhelpful, some outdated and some simply not true. In this blog, we look at some of the most common funeral myths and explain what really happens, helping you feel more informed and reassured. Myth 1: Embalming is mandatory In the UK there is no legal requirement for your loved one to be embalmed, and at Franklin and Hawkins we discuss all aspects of your loved ones care openly and honestly. If you do not wish

A National Direct Cremation Provider or A Local, Independent Funeral Director: What’s the Difference?

March 16, 2026

In recent years, direct cremation has become an increasingly common choice for families arranging a funeral. Many national providers advertise simple, low-cost cremations arranged online or by phone. While this option can be right for some families, it’s important to understand how national direct cremation companies differ from a local, independent funeral director. At Franklin & Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, we believe families should have clear information so they can make the decision that feels right for them. What is direct cremation? Direct cremation is a simple form of cremation that takes place without a traditional funeral service beforehand. Typically, the cremation happens privately and families very often

Mother’s Day and Grief: Love That Doesn’t Leave

March 13, 2026

Mother’s Day is often filled with flowers, cards and family gatherings. For many people, it’s a lovely opportunity to show appreciation for the mums, grandmothers and mother figures who have shaped our lives. But for those who have lost their mum, Mother’s Day can feel very different. It can be a day that brings back memories, emotions and the quiet realisation of just how much someone meant to us. At Franklin & Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, we often see how grief doesn’t follow a calendar. Even years after a loss, certain days such as birthdays, anniversaries and Mother’s Day can bring those feelings back to the surface. And

St Patrick’s Day, Remembrance and Irish Funeral Traditions

March 12, 2026

St Patrick’s Day is often associated with celebration, parades, music and bringing people together. But at its heart, Irish culture is also deeply connected to remembrance, storytelling and honouring those who came before us. Across Ireland, funeral traditions have long reflected a strong sense of community and respect for the life that has been lived. These traditions, many of which date back centuries, show how mourning and remembrance can sit alongside warmth, humour and shared memories. At Franklin & Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, we often see how important these same values are for families across Coventry, Solihull and the surrounding communities. The Irish wake: celebrating a life Traditionally

International Women’s Day 2026

March 5, 2026

March marks Women’s History Month, and March 8th International Women’s Day, a time to recognise the achievements, strength and influence of women throughout history. While it’s often a moment to celebrate pioneers, leaders and changemakers, it’s also a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the women closer to home who have shaped our own lives. At Franklin & Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, we see every day how deeply women’s lives and legacies are woven into families and communities across Coventry, Solihull, Marston Green and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a devoted mum, a much-loved nan, a caring sister or a lifelong friend, the stories families share remind us just

The Comfort of Companionship: How Pets Can Help us Through Grief

February 20, 2026

National Love Your Pet Day is a chance to celebrate the animals who share our homes, our routines and often our hearts. For many people, pets are far more than companions. They are a steady presence in life’s happiest moments and just as importantly, in the most difficult ones too. When someone is grieving, that quiet, unconditional companionship can make more difference than words ever could. They stay when everything else feels uncertain. Grief can make the world feel unfamiliar. Routines change, emotions come in waves, and even everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Pets don’t try to fix any of that. They don’t offer advice or expect explanations.

A Funeral Director’s Role in the Community: Kindness Across Coventry, Solihull and Beyond

February 17, 2026

Today is “Random Acts of Kindness Day”. A lovely reminder to do something thoughtful for someone else. But as we can all agree, kindness shouldn’t really be a once-a-year thing, it’s the small, everyday moments that make the biggest difference. At Franklin & Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, supporting families across Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham and the surrounding areas, kindness isn’t something reserved for special occasions, it’s at the heart of everything we do. In funeral care, kindness sits at the centre of everything. Families come to us during some of the hardest days of their lives, and while we guide them through the practical side of arranging a funeral,

When Love Remains: Grief on Valentine’s Day

February 11, 2026

Valentine’s Day can be a tender day. For some, it’s flowers and cards. For others, it’s just another date on the calendar. But for those who are grieving a partner, a spouse, or someone deeply loved, it can feel like a spotlight has been turned on an absence. The world seems to be celebrating love, while you are quietly missing yours. And that can hurt more than expected. Grief doesn’t pause for special dates Grief isn’t linear, and it doesn’t soften simply because the calendar says it should. Anniversaries, birthdays, and days like Valentine’s can stir things up, even if you felt steady the week before. You might

National Funeral Planning Awareness Week 2026, Starting the Conversation

February 9, 2026

Between 23 February and 2 March 2026, we’ll be taking part in National Funeral Planning Awareness Week in association with Golden Charter, a week designed to spark meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and help people feel more confident about their funeral wishes. We know that these conversations are never easy, but they are so incredibly important, for your own peace of mind, and for your family and friends. Why this conversation matters This year’s theme is “The most important conversation you’ve never had”, and it couldn’t be more fitting. Talking about funeral wishes doesn’t have to be overwhelming or morbid. It can be taken one step at a time, a

Honouring a Life Through Colour, Personal Touches at Funerals.

February 3, 2026

For many people, funerals come with an unspoken rulebook. Black clothing. Muted tones. A certain look, a certain feel. And while that can be right for some families, it isn’t the only way. Over the years, we’ve seen how colour, used thoughtfully and with care, can become a quiet but powerful way to honour a life. Not to take away from the gravity of the day, but to reflect the person at the heart of it. Because saying goodbye doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Colour as a reflection of personality For some families, colour represents joy, warmth, or a much-loved part of someone’s character. It

Blue Monday, grief and why January can feel especially hard

January 19, 2026

You may have heard the phrase Blue Monday, often described as the “most difficult” day of the year. Whether or not there’s science behind it, many people quietly agree on one thing: January can feel heavy. For those who are grieving, that heaviness can feel even more pronounced. And if you lost your loved one the previous year, going into a new year without them, whilst suddenly hearing yourself say the words “They died last year” can hurt more than you anticipated. After the build-up and noise of Christmas, January arrives quietly. Decorations come down, routines return, and the world seems to expect us to move forward. But grief

Supporting Children Through Funerals: A Local Guide for Families in Solihull

January 6, 2026

When a loved one dies, adults are not the only ones affected. Children often experience loss in ways that can feel confusing or difficult to understand. Supporting children through funerals can feel especially challenging during an already emotional time. This guide has been written to offer gentle reassurance and practical guidance, helping families understand how to support children before, during and after a funeral, while reminding you that support is available locally if you need it. Understanding How Children Experience Grief Children grieve in different ways depending on their age, personality, and understanding of death. Some children may ask many questions and want reassurance, while others may seem

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0121 779 5577