AJ Wakely & Sons

12/09/2026

Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. When you get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your funeral requirements and tailor a plan to suit you. Rest assured a plan from Golden Charter is available to all UK residents, regardless of age or state of health.

Would you like to know more information about how a Golden Charter funeral plan could work for you? We can provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision for you and your family, so get in touch today on 01460 67900 or [email protected] or pop into see us at 59 Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1QA

10/09/2026

03/09/2026

We’re pleased to share a recent episode of the Second Nature podcast, Down in Dorset, featuring Simon Wakely in his role as Chairman of the Melplash Show.

Recorded live from the Melplash Showground, Simon chats about the fascinating history of the show, from its origins as a 19th-century ploughing match to its place today as one of the country’s leading one-day agricultural shows.

The episode also explores the importance of agriculture, rural communities and encouraging younger generations to discover more about farming and where our food comes from.

It was a great opportunity for Simon to talk about the heritage of the Melplash Show and what makes it such a special event for the local community.

Listen to episode 8 of “Down in Dorset” from the Second Nature podcast on your favourite podcast app. 🎙

Podcast Episode · Second Nature · 28 August · 39min

27/08/2026

We're at the Melplash Agricultural Show today, and would love to see you if you're visiting!

If you're attending the show, please come and say hello to the AJ Wakely & Sons team. We're always happy to chat, answer any questions you may have, or simply have a friendly conversation.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the day!

The Melplash Agricultural Society

26/08/2026

We were delighted to continue supporting Severalls Jubilee Bowls Club in Crewkerne by sponsoring their Triples Competition this year.

On Thursday last week, Clive Wakely had the pleasure of presenting the prizes to the competition winners. It was wonderful to see the club members enjoying a great day of friendly competition and community spirit.

A huge congratulations to the winners, and well done to everyone who took part!

20/08/2026

Supporting Our Local Football Clubs ⚽

With the football season just around the corner, we’re proud to be supporting a number of local football clubs and youth teams across our communities.

At AJ Wakely & Sons, being part of the local community means more than providing care and support to families. We believe in supporting the clubs, organisations and people who bring our communities together.

This season, you’ll see the AJ Wakely name around several local football grounds and on team kits:
Axminster Town Football Club 'AFC' – JF Clarke & Son are the main sponsor and can be seen on the First Team kit and on a pitchside board at the club’s ground.
Bridport Fc Ltd – Look out for our logo on a pitchside board at the club’s ground.
Ilminster Town FC – Our logo will feature on the back of the First Team away kit and on the rear of the training jumper.
Lyme Regis Football Club – You’ll find our logo on a pitchside board at the club’s ground.
Yeovil Town FC – Our logo can be seen around the football ground.
Tintinhull Youth FC – We’re delighted to support the next generation, with our logo proudly displayed on their team kit.

We are looking forward to seeing the teams take to the pitch and wish everyone involved a fantastic season ahead!

12/08/2026

We wanted to take a moment to recognise something truly special. Between 1st January and 31st July 2026, families who have arranged funerals with AJ Wakely & Sons have collectively raised an incredible £163,542 for 161 different charities.

The largest donation during this period was an amazing £47,759 for Weldmar Hospicecare, followed by:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – £7,228
Cancer Research UK – £6,819
Sidmouth Hospice at Home – £5,718
St Margaret's Somerset Hospice – £5,237

Families have also supported many other wonderful organisations, including the British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association, Alzheimer's Society, RNLI, Devon Air Ambulance, Love Musgrove, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, local hospital charities and animal sanctuaries across Somerset and Dorset.

We are incredibly grateful to every family who has chosen to ask for charitable donations in memory of someone special, and to everyone who has given so generously.

Thank you to all the families who have entrusted us with their loved one's farewell, and for allowing us to be part of these incredibly meaningful tributes.

https://ajwakely.com/articles/charity-support-2026/

24/07/2026

You’ve probably seen the adverts for direct cremations from national providers, but did you know you can also talk to your local, independent funeral director about direct cremation?

National direct cremation providers have helped to make direct cremation much more widely known, encouraging families to consider an alternative to a traditional funeral. But it is important to know that you don’t have to use a national provider if you decide that a direct cremation is right for you.

At AJ Wakely & Sons, we can also discuss direct cremation with you, alongside other funeral options available. For some families, direct cremation may be the right choice. For others, a traditional funeral service or a more personal arrangement may feel more appropriate.

That’s why we believe it’s important to understand all your options before making a decision. Ask questions. Find out exactly what is included. Understand who will care for your loved one and who you will be dealing with.

As a local, independent funeral director, our role is to listen to your wishes, explain your options and help you make an informed decision, without any pressure.

To find out more about direct cremations, please visit our website or give your local office a call today.

We are leading independent funeral directors based in the South West of England.

17/07/2026

On Wednesday 3rd June 2026, sadly a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton tragically crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton, Devon. All three members of the crew, Petty Officer Owen Green, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Gayson sadly lost their lives.

A. J. Wakely & Sons Yeovil, was contacted by the Royal Navy and entrusted with assisting in the funeral arrangements for Owen, Lily-Mae, and Christopher.

Two of the funeral services were held at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, Yeovilton, with the third taking place at Sherborne Abbey. All three were laid to rest with full military honours in the Royal Navy Cemetery at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church.

It was a profound honour and privilege to work alongside the Royal Navy in ensuring that every aspect of the funeral arrangements was carried out with the utmost professionalism, dignity, and respect.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Royal Navy for placing their trust in A. J. Wakely & Sons and it has been our privilege to serve those who have served our country with such courage and dedication.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the families, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved Petty Officer Owen Green, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Gayson.

We wish the Royal Navy and all those affected strength, comfort, and peace in the days and years ahead, while honouring the enduring memory and service of these three remarkable individuals.

Funeral of former Royal Navy helicopter pilot Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was held at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset. She died in the Merlin helicopter crash in Devon in June. This full military funeral service was authorised by King Charles III. Lt Fisher was part of the three person crew that included Lt Cdr...

15/07/2026

This morning, we received an important update from SAIF regarding the Advertising Standards Authority's ruling against Pure Cremations' television advert.

As a small, Independent family funeral business, we understand the challenges of operating on a limited budget that doesn’t allow for TV campaigns. Instead, we are dedicated to providing our local families with compassionate local advice and support, local chapels of rest, and informed funeral choices tailored to local customers needs.

SAIF's "Handled with Care" campaign is shining a spotlight on the value of local independent funeral directors, “no fuss” doesn’t have to mean “no goodbye.” A meaningful farewell doesn’t require extravagance; what truly matters is that it reflects the life being remembered.

https://youtu.be/JDKRjvsCgII?si=mUwP
1c1EcvwoQNq0

For one family, saying goodbye meant reflecting a life shaped by pa...