David Knowles Funeral Service

17/06/2026

For too long, television adverts promoting Direct Cremation have blurred the lines between a Cremation and a Funeral. This week, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed.

The ASA has banned a Pure Cremation television advert after ruling that it misleadingly implied that their standard plan included an attended funeral service when, in reality, it does not. The regulator concluded that viewers were likely to believe some form of attended ceremony was included, despite the service being a non-attended Direct Cremation.

As Funeral Directors, this is exactly why transparency matters.

There is absolutely a place for Direct Cremation, and for some families it can be the right choice. However, families deserve clear and honest information so they can make informed decisions. A Direct Cremation and a Traditional Funeral are not the same thing and marketing should never leave families with a different impression.

At David Knowles Funeral Service, we believe every family should understand exactly what is and isn't included before making any decision. Whether a family chooses a Traditional Funeral, a Simple Funeral, or a Direct Cremation, they should be able to do so with complete confidence and without confusion.

This ruling serves as an important reminder that dignity, transparency and honesty should always come before sales and marketing.

If you ever have questions about the different Funeral options available, please don't rely solely on advertising. Speak to a local Funeral Director, ask questions, visit their premises and make the choice that is right for you and your family.

With Dignity and Kindness, always!

I have posted a link to the story in the comments.

16/06/2026

The family of the late Dorothy Dunn have asked me to share the details of her Funeral which are as follows:

DUNN
Dorothy
(Nee Ackroyd)

Dorothy (86years) passed away peacefully at home on 8th June, with John, Alison and Tony by her side.
Darling Wife of John. Much loved Mum and best friend of Alison. Beloved Granny of Becky and Rosie and also, dear Mother-in-Law of Tony.
Service and Cremation will take place in the Chapel of St Bede, Teesside Crematorium on Tuesday 7th July at 1:00pm.
Would friends please meet at the Crematorium Chapel wearing some pink and/or blue as requested by Dorothy. The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend and everyone is welcome to join the family at Eaglescliffe Golf Club following the service.
Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired, to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation or Bowel Cancer UK. Donations can be made and memories of Dorothy can be shared by visiting the online tribute page by using the following link, https://dorothy-dunn-1939-2026.muchloved.com/ A collection will also be available at the Crematorium Chapel.
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

13/06/2026

Yesterday was a fantastic day at the National Funeral Exhibition 2026. Organised by the National Association of Funeral Directors, the exhibition brings together funeral professionals, suppliers and innovators from across the UK and beyond to showcase the latest products, services and ideas shaping the future of the funeral profession. With over 200 exhibitors and thousands of industry professionals in attendance, there is always something new to learn and discover.

For us, attending events like this is so important. It gives us the opportunity to explore new products and services that may benefit the families we are honoured to support, ensuring we continue to offer the very best care, choice and personalisation.

It was also wonderful to catch up with so many familiar faces from across our profession. The funeral profession is built on relationships, and it’s always great to spend time with colleagues, suppliers and friends who share the same commitment to serving families.

We always come away from the National Funeral Exhibition inspired, informed and full of ideas. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us, we look forward to putting what we’ve learned into practice for the benefit of the families and communities we serve.

10/06/2026

I am incredibly humbled and proud to share that I have been nominated for a BBC Tees Make a Difference Award in the Volunteer category.

The Volunteer Award recognises individuals who give their time freely to help others and make a positive difference within their community. To even be considered for such an award is truly overwhelming.

Volunteering has never been about recognition. Whether it's supporting local veterans at the Veterans Breakfast at Yarm Wellness, helping at Cafe Magdalene at St Mary Magdalene Church, Yarm, volunteering at Yarm Town Council within the Heritage Centre, supporting community events or simply doing my bit to help local organisations and good causes, it has always been about giving something back to the community that has driven me.

I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in such a wonderful area, surrounded by so many lovely and caring people who quietly dedicate their time to helping others every single day. There are countless volunteers across our community who deserve recognition for the difference they make, often without ever seeking any praise.

To whoever took the time to nominate me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and support mean more than I can put into words.

I am also very grateful to BBC Tees and the Make a Difference Awards for shining a light on the incredible people, groups and organisations who help make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected.

Whatever happens next, I already feel like a winner simply knowing that someone thought enough of me to submit a nomination.

Thank you all for your continued support.

David ❤️

08/06/2026

Teesside Live have now picked up our news - Thank you so much.

05/06/2026

The family of the late Ann Douglas have asked me to share the details of her Funeral which are as follows:

DOUGLAS
Ann Doreen
(Nee Morris)
Of Eaglescliffe

Peacefully in Highfield Care Home on 4th June, Ann aged 88 years. Dearly loved Wife of Tom. Very special and devoted Mam of Ronnie, Ian, Rhonda, Sharon and Kevin and also a much loved Mother-in-Law, Nana, Great Nana, Sister, Sister-in-Law and friend who will be very sadly missed.
Service to take place in St John the Baptist Church, Egglescliffe on Tuesday 23rd June at 11:00am followed by burial within Yarm Cemetery at 11:45am.
Would friends please meet at Church wearing a splash of pink as this was Ann’s favourite colour.
Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired to Great North Air Ambulance Service. Donations can be made and memories of Ann can be shared by visiting Ann’s online tribute page by using the following link, https://ann-douglas.muchloved.com/
All enquiries to David Knowles Funeral Service, 4 Mandale Park, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Yarm. Tel: 01642 929090.

05/06/2026

This morning I had the pleasure of welcoming Matt Vickers MP to David Knowles Funeral Service for an important and constructive conversation about something I care deeply about, the urgent need for regulation within the funeral profession.

Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank Matt for taking time out of his incredibly busy schedule to come and listen. He was approachable, engaged, asked thoughtful questions and, most importantly, genuinely listened to my concerns and balanced views on an issue that affects every family in our country. I am very grateful that he has agreed to raise these concerns further.

Most people are shocked when they learn that, in England and Wales, anyone can open a funeral business without any specific licence, qualification, inspection regime or statutory regulation. While the overwhelming majority of funeral directors work with professionalism, dignity and compassion, recent events have highlighted why proper regulation is so important.

The tragic situation involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and the findings linked to the David Fuller Inquiry have demonstrated why stronger safeguards are urgently needed to protect bereaved families and their loved ones. I have included links to these articles, along with information from the House of Commons Library regarding funeral sector regulation, in the comments below for anyone who wishes to learn more.

This is about protecting families at the most vulnerable time of their lives, ensuring consistent standards across the profession and giving the public confidence that their loved one is receiving the care, dignity and respect they deserve.

I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous work being carried out by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and SAIF independent funeral directors (SAIF), who have worked tirelessly for many years to push for meaningful regulation, registration and inspection across our profession. Their commitment to raising standards and protecting the public deserves enormous credit.

After almost 30 years of caring for bereaved families, I believe every person deserves the reassurance that their loved one will be looked after with the highest standards of dignity, respect and professionalism. Meaningful regulation would help provide that reassurance and strengthen the trust that families place in our profession at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Thank you again, Matt, for listening and for your willingness to help move this important conversation forward. It really does make a difference when you have an MP who listens, engages and gets things done.

Together, I hope we can help create a safer, more transparent and more accountable future for bereaved families across the country.

With Dignity and Kindness,
David Knowles

04/06/2026

We have received this very thoughtful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trustpilot review overnight.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.

Firstly, may I once again offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your Wife. Caring for a loved one through the challenges of Alzheimer's dementia is an incredibly difficult journey and it was a honour to support you and your family during such an important time.

Thank you for your kind words about the arrangements. Our role is to help guide you through the process, offering advice and support while ensuring every decision remains yours, so it means a great deal to know that you felt informed, supported and never pressured.

It was an honour to help organise a service that reflected your Wife's life and to coordinate everything from the Requiem Mass and Committal Service through to the celebration of life afterwards. Knowing that the day ran smoothly and with the dignity your Wife deserved is the greatest compliment we could receive.

Thank you for placing your trust in us and for recommending David Knowles Funeral Service. Your family's kindness and appreciation mean more than you know.

With Kindest Regards

David

03/06/2026

We are proud to announce that David Knowles Funeral Service has officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing our commitment to those who serve, have served and the families who support them. The Covenant is a voluntary pledge that demonstrates support for the Armed Forces community and ensures they are treated fairly and with respect.

As a local independent Funeral Director, community service has always been at the heart of what we do. Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a natural extension of our values and reflects our gratitude for the sacrifices made by serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families.

Through our pledge, we have committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, promoting fairness and understanding, recognising the valuable skills and experiences that veterans bring, and showing our support for Armed Forces personnel, reservists and their families. These commitments align with the Covenant's core principles that those who serve or have served should face no disadvantage and that special consideration may be appropriate for those who have given the most.

This is an important milestone for our family business and another way we can continue serving our community with the same values that guide everything we do:

Dignity and Kindness.

To all members of the Armed Forces community past, present and future, Thank You for your service.

02/06/2026

How lovely that The Northern Echo and Teesside Live have published our good news. Thank you so much.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/26156434.founders-wife-joins-david-knowles-funeral-service/?ref=BNTMedia&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwRlRTSASLbKNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeXvwkzpt-B3KmyCCmYGplXGGsYTHhHMR-Dsz6gcp8Sm3psh_6pQG0hJQq8Go_aem_kRw-gj7-l6gQazeiio_Swg

Family-run David Knowles Funeral Service is celebrating a significant milestone with the formal appointment of Charlenne “Charlie” Knowles to…