February 2018 saw the culmination of plans, initially made in 2001, when Stewart and Elizabeth Treharne acquired the business of E.C. Thomas & Son, funeral directors, formerly owned by Mr. Graham Thomas, son of the late Edward and Peggy Thomas, of Pembroke Dock. Following the successful opening of their premises at Zoar Chapel Funeral Home with the Woodland Garden of Remembrance in Llanteg, the next stage of planning was to acquire premises in the Pembroke Dock/Pembroke area to serve the local communities. Next Friday, May 25, sees the official opening of their new premises in the mediaeval castle town of Pembroke at 21, Main Street.

The building, on the site of the former Lloyds Bank, has had a complete first floor renovation, with future planning in hand, for the second and third floor rooms. On entering from the Main Street, the porch opens into a welcoming reception area and memorial showroom. Here clients can view a range of memorial headstones and other memory keepsakes for cremated remains.

Reception areas

The administration office, off the reception area, is run by Elizabeth Treharne, a partner in the business and Janice Parry who is the memorial administrator. The ground floor hallway extends to a family room where clients can discuss funeral arrangements, funeral planning or any other matter in quiet, comfortable surroundings. This room is adjoined by a chapel of rest where loved ones may be viewed in a private and peaceful environment.

Family room

To the rear of the property, an equipped mortuary/preparation area completes the ground floor suite of rooms. The building is served by a rear access car park allowing discreet operation of the business.

As a professional family business high standards are maintained by adhering to practices set down by the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors of which E.C. Thomas are members. Stewart has attained his Independent Funeral College certificate together with The British Institute of Funeral Directors Licence to Practice and the company believes in appropriate training for the needs of the business.

Services

At E. C. Thomas & Son, we encourage every family to make the funeral arrangements a personalised tribute to their loved one. We respect and accommodate all faiths and can also organise a repatriation service. We can assist in the provision of stationery printing, condolence books, provide bearers, newspaper announcements, donation collection, floral tributes and refreshments. As shown below, we have a fleet of vehicles, including a Jaguar hearse, limousine and saloon. Mercedes Vito and Mercedes E Class estate conveyance vehicles complete the funeral fleet.

Funeral Planning

In association with Golden Charter Trust, as a local independent funeral director, we offer bespoke funeral planning with the ‘Independent Way’ plan. This means each step of the arrangement is decided by the client and financed at today’s prices, guaranteeing the funeral director’s charges. This type of plan is only available through independent funeral directors and who better to advise you than a company with whom you have an established relationship of trust.

Pre-planning your funeral is a thoughtful and responsible act, ensuring you achieve the service you request without adding to the burden of those left behind.

For further information or to request a visit from one of our staff, please call 01834 831876 or 01646 682680. Alternatively, you can call into either of our branches and discuss this with one of our staff.

Staff

Stewart and Elizabeth are supported by a team of four funeral directors who also assist with other funeral duties, funeral planning and memorial work and an admin team who, together, run both offices. The family business now sees continuation, with the next generation - son Daniel, now involved in the running of the business.

E.C. Thomas & Son delivers a professional and dignified service to all families that call upon us in their time of need. We pride ourselves in the personal service we provide, reflecting our clients’ requirements. Serving the families of Pembrokeshire for over 60 years, the business has progressed into a reputable and recognised company in the local community, offering something unique for the locality.

Please come and visit us at our Open Day on Friday, May 25, at 21 Main Street, Pembroke, SA72 4JS.

• For further information, please visit our website: www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

Call us on 01646 682680 or 01834 831876.