Austin's Funeral Directors

03/06/2026

With technology moving on at a pace and the introduction of AI, we found this article about a widow using a hologram of her husband at his funeral fascinating. People can be very creative and we wondered what types of things you would do to celebrate the life of your loved one at their funeral?

After nearly 60 years of marriage, Pam wanted to honour her husband Bill with a hologram at his funeral.

02/06/2026

Testimonial Tuesday ...

02/06/2026

That's the first year for HQ Funeral Service Administrator Tracey today. That year went quickly! 🤩

01/06/2026

Less than three weeks until I take to the skies. Please sponsor me, if you can. Thank you. https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-austin-8?utm_source=CL&utm_medium=DT

01/06/2026

Grief Support Lending Library Book of the Month: June 2026

I’m Fine, Thanks

I'm Fine, Thanks by Chris Doveton offers an honest and deeply personal account of life after loss. Written following the death of his wife, the book gently explores the reality behind the familiar phrase “I’m fine,” acknowledging the complex emotions, exhaustion and isolation that can accompany grief. Open, relatable and compassionate, it reassures readers that they are not alone in what they are feeling.

This title is available to borrow free of charge from Austin’s Lending Library, along with other supportive titles for adults and children, at Austin’s Bereavement Centre at 74a High Street, Stevenage and Harwood Park Crematorium

You can find a copy here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Fine-Thanks-Chris-Doveton/dp/1913208850

01/06/2026

We are celebrating a full 5 years with Harpenden Funeral Administrator Theresa today.🎉

31/05/2026

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY 📣

Are you passionate about making a real difference in your local community?

Stevenage Community Trust is looking for a Volunteer Fundraising Assistant to support our mission of helping individuals, families, small charities, and community groups across Stevenage and the surrounding villages.

✨ What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting fundraising campaigns and events
• Working with local businesses and community supporters
• Assisting with admin tasks, reports, and grant applications
• Helping organise events including our annual golf day and black-tie dinner
• Working closely with our Fundraising Manager and Charity Manager

🕒 Part-time volunteer role
📍 Based in Stevenage
👨‍👩‍👧 School-friendly hours from 5 hours per week

Since 1990, Stevenage Community Trust has distributed over £2 million in grants to local people and organisations in need — and you could help us continue making an impact. 💙

If you have experience in fundraising, sales, customer service, or simply great organisational and communication skills, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 To apply or find out more, please get in touch with us today, email [email protected] 💜

30/05/2026

The elephant in the room

Half of us (50%) haven’t discussed our funeral wishes with anyone at all. No one knows what we would like for our own funeral.

Only 17% of people have discussed their funeral wishes in any detail.

9% of us have planned our own funeral fully … 68% have made no plans at all. (Funeral Trends Media Report 2024).

Which one are you?

How to tackle the ‘elephant in the room’. Talking about death and dying is important. Tips from Austins Family Funeral Directors, Herts.

30/05/2026

Some photographs of our Team today helping a family to make their final farewell to their loved one.

29/05/2026

People die when they are on holiday or away from home.

What happens next? You might be on the other side of the world.

https://austins.co.uk/blog/supporting-families-when-a-loved-one-passes-away-from-home