Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in the North West
Fred Hamer has been a trusted family-owned and operated funeral director in the North West of England for over a century. Established in the early 20th century, our firm has built a reputation for delivering compassionate, professional care to bereaved families during their most vulnerable times. Under the leadership of Managing Director John Hamer, supported by his wife Dawn and daughters Emma and Hannah, we maintain a commitment to combining tradition with modern service standards. Our team includes highly experienced staff, many of whom have served the community for over 25 years, ensuring continuity and expertise. We operate from Cedar Lodge in Rawtenstall, managing one of the region's largest fleets of Mercedes and Rolls Royce ceremonial vehicles, which we also make available to other funeral firms.As members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and holders of industry-recognised qualifications, we uphold rigorous professional standards. Our services are tailored to individual needs, offering bespoke funeral arrangements while maintaining competitive pricing. We provide comprehensive support from the initial stages of bereavement through to memorialisation, including floral tributes, monumental masonry, and bereavement counselling. Our funeral homes are designed to offer comfort and privacy, with chapel of rest facilities for intimate services. We pride ourselves on being accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide immediate assistance when needed most.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Burial Coordination
Ceremonial Vehicles
Bereavement Support
Monumental Masonry
Floral Tributes
Personal Funeral Plans
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience providing funeral services in the North West.
- Our family-owned business maintains multi-generational leadership with 50+ years of management continuity.
- We operate a 24-hour service for immediate assistance during bereavement.
- Our team includes qualified professionals holding industry-recognised diplomas.
- We offer bespoke funeral arrangements with transparent pricing structures.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- British Institute of Funeral Directors
What people say
Professionalism and kindness
Attention to detail
Excellent support during difficult times
Tasteful and resourceful arrangements
Sympathetic and thorough service
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create bespoke funeral arrangements tailored to individual family needs. Our experienced team guides families through every step, from initial consultations to final ceremonies. Services include coordinating with crematoriums, cemeteries, and religious institutions while respecting cultural and personal preferences.
Cremation Services
We manage complete cremation arrangements including booking crematorium slots, preparing necessary documentation, and organising memorial services. Our staff coordinates with local crematoriums across the North West to ensure timely and respectful ceremonies.
Bereavement Support
Our ongoing support extends beyond funeral services through professional bereavement counselling. We provide resources and guidance to help families navigate the grieving process, including referrals to specialist support networks when needed.
Ceremonial Vehicles
We maintain one of the region's largest fleets of Mercedes and Rolls Royce ceremonial vehicles. These vehicles are available for both our clients and other funeral firms requiring transportation for funeral processions and related services.
Monumental Masonry
Our memorial services include designing and installing headstones, plaques, and other commemorative structures. We work with skilled stonemasons to create lasting tributes that reflect the individual's life and legacy.
People
John Hamer
Managing Director
With over 50 years leading Fred Hamer, John maintains the family tradition of compassionate service. He oversees operations from the Rawtenstall base, ensuring high standards across all funeral arrangements.
Dawn Hamer
Director
Supporting John for decades, Dawn plays a crucial role in client relations and daily operations. Her empathetic approach ensures families receive personal attention during difficult times.
Emma Hamer
Operations Manager
As part of the fourth generation, Emma manages day-to-day funeral arrangements. Her organisational skills ensure smooth coordination between families, venues, and service providers.
Hannah Hamer
Client Services Manager
Hannah oversees client support services, ensuring consistent communication and care throughout the funeral planning process. She implements quality control measures across all customer interactions.
Questions
What services does Fred Hamer Funeral Services offer?
We provide comprehensive funeral services including cremation, burial arrangements, ceremonial vehicles, floral tributes, monumental masonry, bereavement support, and personal funeral planning.
Are your prices transparent and competitive?
Yes, we publish standardised price lists as legally required and offer bespoke arrangements with no hidden costs while maintaining competitive pricing.
What should I do immediately after a death occurs?
Contact us 24/7 for guidance. We'll assist with necessary arrangements whether the death occurred at home, hospital, or outside the local area.
Do you offer support beyond the funeral service?
Yes, we provide ongoing bereavement support and can facilitate memorialisation options like tree planting schemes for lasting remembrance.
Are your funeral homes accessible for visitation?
Our funeral homes feature private reposing rooms and chapel of rest facilities for intimate services, maintained to high standards of comfort.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes holders of the National Association of Funeral Directors' Diploma in Funeral Directing and licensed members of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.