South Derbyshire welcomes all-female team of funeral directors

Staff at Ward and Brewin Funeral Home, in Swadlincote, have spoken openly about the importance of working together and how they help people who have lost a loved one.

Funeral director Samantha Platt and her all-female team of colleagues form part of a national trend that is seeing more and more women joining the sector and working their way to the top.

Samantha, from Branston, always wanted to work in the funeral profession and has now been with Central England Co-operative Funeralcare for nearly ten years.

She said: “One of my biggest mantras is that teamwork is so important. It really matters to us at Ward and Brewin and across the entire funeral industry.

“This is because we only get the one chance to make sure we celebrate the life of a loved one to the highest standard.

“We are all equally involved in  ensuring the quality of our service and we are immensely proud of what we deliver for families.

“For me it is important that we all feel equally responsible for the service we provide for people.

“I have a brilliant team and we communicate really well between us so that every member of staff is aware of everything that is going on.

“We are all extremely organised which is a must for the day to day running of the funeral home and ensuring we enhance memories and love for our families.”

The team is made up of Emma Leadenham, 31, Hayley Johnson, 24, and Emma Lee, 45.

Samantha started her journey for Central England Co-operative Funeralcare by working as an Administrator after studying for a nursing diploma at university.

Her determination to join the industry saw her apply at the age of 16, but she was turned down as she was too young.

However she continued to pursue her dream and eventually landed a role working at the Central England Co-operative Funeral Home, in Borough Road, Burton.

She eventually progressed to become a funeral director.

Samantha added: “I always wanted to do a job in the funeral industry as I wanted to be able to help people at the most difficult time in their life.”

The funeral home recently welcomed South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler to help mark a £76,000 revamp with a special dedication ceremony.

Mrs Wheeler said: “Dealing with losing a loved one is one of the hardest things a family ever have to do. I am really pleased that Ward and Brewin, with Central England Co-operative, have invested so much in this newly refurbished and rededicated home in Swadlincote.

“The kindness and professionalism of the staff make this whole sad process so much more bearable and I congratulate them all on looking after the people of South Derbyshire so well.”