Lodge Brothers & Monk

We chose Lodge & Monk because they had looked after our family twice before, and on those occasions we were very happy with the service. This time, Cyd organised everything and Chris led the team. Throughout the arrangements they were kind, polite and did their best to accommodate our requests, and we appreciated their efforts. Unfortunately, our experience during the final two visits to the Chapel of Rest was deeply upsetting and has stayed with us ever since. We fully understood that visiting time would be limited to help preserve the deceased, and we completely respected that. However, despite everyone being aware of the time restriction, we felt unnecessarily rushed during those final moments. On one visit, although only a few minutes remained (I had been keeping track of the time myself), Cyd opened the chapel door without knocking and came in to tell us our time was up. It felt abrupt and insensitive at such an emotional moment. On our final visit, Chris remained inside the room while we said our family prayers. We had hoped to have complete privacy for those final moments. Then, before we had finished saying our final goodbyes, the door was opened again without knocking and we were told that our time was up. These were moments that our family will never have again, and the way they were handled made an already heartbreaking experience even more distressing. I am not writing this to criticise the staff personally, as everyone was courteous and professional throughout the arrangements. Rather, I hope this feedback encourages Lodge & Monk to review how final visits to the Chapel of Rest are managed. A gentle knock before entering, waiting for a response, and allowing families to finish a prayer or a final goodbye before interrupting would make an enormous difference to people at one of the hardest times in their lives. We chose Lodge & Monk because of our previous positive experiences, so it is genuinely disappointing that our final memories of the Chapel of Rest were handled in this way. I sincerely hope this feedback helps improve the experience for future families.

So kind, caring and helpful in everything the team helped us with. Rachel was so so kind to my Dad, my son and myself. We all wanted to spend sometime with Mum on 2 occasions at the chapel of rest, we weren’t hurried at all and felt such a strong sense of warmth and compassion which made a heartbreaking time much more bearable. Rachel just oozed love and support. We were also very thankful to Adrian our driver who made us feel as comfortable as can be expected on the difficult journey to the crematorium. We would also like to thank Darren for his caring manner and understanding of all our needs and for driving us home. All exceptionally nice people. Certainly would not hesitate in recommending Lodge & Monk. Thank-you again Jackie + Dan Grainger + Roy Hare

My dear Mum passed away in November, and we were unable to bury her until March 1st due to problems out of our control. From the moment I first called Lodge & Monk and spoke to Zara, before Mum passed and on the advice of the nurse, I knew Mum would be in good hands. After spending time with Mum after she had begun her journey, Lodge & Monk respectfully took Mum into their care. Zara was a rock whom I could depend upon, and I knew that Mum would be looked after, and treated with the utmost respect she deserves. Zara helped to arrange the big day, and even little things like giving some clothes for Mum to wear and some little things to be placed in her coffin were no problem. The wicker coffin was superb and very well-made, and the respect shown by the five gentlemen who brought Mum home before heading to Clandon Wood were excellent. I had not expected Mum to be given a walking escort to the end of the road, and this was a lovely gesture. Zara recommended a celebrant, Lum'Rhin Dharvu, and she was spot on. Lum'Rhin was excellent, and the readings and passages she had collated for our choosing were brilliant, and each helped to convey Mums' spirit perfectly. Her officiating at Mums' service was not rushed, and very clearly delivered with warmth and kindness. When, during the delivery of my eulogy, things got too much, Lum'Rhin was there straight away to support me. After Mums' service, the gentlemen from Lodge & Monk carried Mum out and placed her on the horse-drawn cart for her passage to her resting place, and they laid her to rest with care and efficiency. I can not thank Lodge & Monk (in particular Zara and Steve) enough, nor can I recommend them higher, and the same for Lum'Rhin. I think it is safe to say that your loved one will be treated with the care and respect by the team as if they were one of their own family members. They even allowed my husky to attend, and made provision for him during the service. Suffice to say I know who I wish to be left under the care of when my time comes.

With zero experience of funeral planning, we turned to lodge brothers when our dear mum/inlaw, passed away. We have had good reviews about them from our friends already. Zara was at our doorstep literally within a few hours after mum was taken away in the most dignified manner by lodge brothers. Zara took us under her wing immediately. The rest of the funeral planning was smooth. She was always available on the other end of the phone, no matter how silly our questions may be. She was not only professional but passionate too. She cares about every one and every little detail. Mum's body was well preserved. The little chapel room was so peaceful. Zara made visitors feel quite comfortable there. The very professional gentlemen who carried mum at the funeral service, were respectful, patient and polite. Many of our friends who attended the funeral have commended their service. Their charges are also reasonable and just as promised, no hidden charges. We cannot thank Zara enough for making this very difficult time, a peaceful one ! Gavin and Dilanthi

We Can Highly Recommend. Kind Understanding and Very Helpful through a difficult Time. Arranged Everything - Beautifully. On a personal Basis I would Like To Thank You Very Much. John Rawlings Director - Surrey Guttering Ltd