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Ernest Heal and Sons Funeral Directors is a family-run business that has been serving the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas since 1929, operating from their premises at 5 South Road, Broadwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire. Founded by Ernest Heal, who began the business from his home in Broadwell, the company has grown through three generations of family involvement, maintaining its founding commitment to dignity, professionalism, and excellence in care.
The business is currently led by third-generation family members Paul Heal and Neil Williams, who joined in 1998 and continue to uphold the high standards established by the founder. The team are vocationally qualified, holding the Diploma in Funeral Directing or Diploma in Funeral Administration, and are committed to ongoing professional development.
Ernest Heal and Sons is a member of both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors, adhering to a strict Code of Practice. Their services include a well-appointed funeral home with a private arrangement room, chapel of rest, and a fleet of immaculately presented Jaguar hearses and limousines. They also offer funeral plans, floral tributes, memorial options, and online tribute pages for families to share memories and collect donations.
"The team delivered craftsmanship of the highest quality on time despite adverse weather conditions, all while demonstrating considerable patience while we agreed on words for the epitaph. We hold the whole team in such high regard."
— Grantley Morgan
"3rd time in using them over 19 years — so professional, nothing was too much trouble each time. But this time was something else, it was outstanding."
— Tina Holmes (about Luke Dinsdale)
"It was during the middle of lockdown and I'd been living abroad so it was an extra stressful time. Andrew and everyone I dealt with was kind, compassionate and made a very hard time a little easier. They were wonderful."
— Harriet Riley (about Andrew)
"I was overwhelmed by the service received by Luke in the planning stages and the empathy shown by this firm. On the day nothing was too much trouble, Luke had everything organised to clockwork — a huge thank you for making such a sad event run so smoothly."
— sam watkins (about Luke)
"I have been blown away by Ernest Heal's compassion, professionalism and care. I decided to be a pallbearer; Luke and his team talked me through the process and made the experience beautiful rather than uncomfortable."
— Dean Turner (about Luke)
"I picked up the phone in the morning and spoke to Luke Dinsdale, words can not express how much he helped me and guided me at this really sad time. Somehow her funeral became beautiful, I never thought this was possible."
— Tina Holmes (about Luke Dinsdale)
David Heal
Director (2nd Generation)
David managed the business alongside his brother John from the 1970s, with the assistance of other family members, help…
Ernest Heal
Founder
Ernest Heal founded the family business in 1929, operating from his home in Broadwell, Coleford. He provided a dignifie…
John Heal
Director (2nd Generation)
During the 1970s, John helped manage the business alongside his brother David, growing the company into an established …
Neil Williams
Director (3rd Generation)
Neil Williams, who is married to the founder's granddaughter, joined the company in 1998 and continues the family tradi…
Paul Heal
Director (3rd Generation)
Paul Heal, the founder's grandson, joined the company in 1998 and continues the family tradition of upholding the highe…
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Serving families in COLEFORD and the surrounding area
